Deputy Executive Secretary

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The Secretariat of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (BRS) is tasked with implementing the programme of work and decisions mandated by the Conferences of the Parties (COP) of the three Conventions. The position is located at the Secretariat, Geneva duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

A. Accountabilities: Supervise the management of the Secretariat Branches efficiently and synergistically and support the Executive Secretary in providing overall vision, guidance and direction in the planning, development and implementation of the programmes of work and budgets of the Secretariat. B. Mandate and Mission: Plan, develop, monitor and report on the implementation of the respective programmes of work, budgets and COP decisions associated with the delivery of COPs of the three conventions, keeping in mind the synergies guiding principles: (a) Strengthening the three conventions, with a particular focus on strengthening implementation at the national, regional and international levels; (b) Coherent policy guidance, including through coherent and coordinated decision making, taking into account relevant intergovernmentally agreed goals such as the 2020 target contained in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development; (c) Enhanced efficiency in the provision of support to Parties with a view to reducing their administrative burden; (d) Maximizing the effective and efficient use of resources at all levels. C. Programme of Work and Budget: a) Support the Executive Secretary in the implementation of the COP-approved programmes of work and budgets of the three Conventions by streamlining and implementing clear operating procedures that will result in the successful implementation of programmes of work and budgets across the branches of the Secretariat for the COPs of the three Conventions; b) Establish clear delineations of staff responsibilities and reporting lines. Oversee the work of the Secretariat in the following four areas: Administrative Services, Conventions Operations, Technical Assistance, and Scientific Support, while facilitating the establishment and operation of teams on cross-cutting issues. c) Monitor progress made towards the implementation of the programmes of work and budgets and regularly report to the Executive Secretary and Parties on progress made. d) Ensure that staffing and financial resources are focused on programmatic priorities established by the COPs. Seek opportunities for collaboration with relevant partners. e) Ensure a clear focus on regional delivery. Manage all arrangements and preparations for the meetings of the COPs, their Bureaus, and their subsidiary bodies for the three conventions, including the timely and high-quality delivery of meeting documents. D. Support the Executive Secretary by ensuring the successful implementation of the following activities: a) Participate in or coordinate the participation of the Secretariats in meetings and other fora relevant to the Conventions; b) Engage with relevant programs across the UN, UNEP Secretariats on the implementation of crosscutting issues related to chemicals and waste; c) Upon request, represent the Executive Secretary at meetings; d) Coordinate the preparation of documents, inputs and reports for COPs and inter-sessional meetings and fora related to the work of the three Conventions. E. Administration and Management: a) Support the Executive Secretary in managing the programmatic/administrative tasks required for the functioning of the Secretariat, including the preparation, execution, and monitoring of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, development of staff workplans, and evaluation of staff performance. b) Organize the recruitment of staff for the Secretariats. c) Recommend Secretariat-wide initiatives for staff development; encourage and foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Secretariat and across organizational boundaries. d) Chair meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; represent the organization at international, regional, and inter-agency meetings, seminars, and conferences. F. Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. G. Perform any other relevant duties.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to produce high quality work in the area of resource management in a UN context; Ability to identify issues, formulate options, make conclusions and recommendations for their resolution; excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills; Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management; Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in physical or environmental sciences, international environmental law and policy or related field is required. A first-level university degree, in combination with (2) two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive experience, at the managerial level, in programme management in the context of chemicals and waste, or related field is required. Experience managing the performance of teams of staff with specialist expertise is required. Experience working in the UN system or similar international organization focusing on environmental issues is desirable. Experience in driving global or regional strategies related to chemicals and waste is desirable. Experience representing an environmental organization at national /or international fora is desirable. Experience in inter-agency networking and negotiations in the areas of chemicals and waste is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (CP) and motivation statement. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.