Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). helps to implement UNEP’s programs by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental, challenges, opportunities and emergencies. This position is located in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) at the Panama Duty Station. Under the direct supervision of the Director and Regional Representative, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Coordinate the formulation, implementation and monitoring of UNEP’s Programme of work in Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). This includes a) coordinate regional inputs to UNEP’s strategic planning, in particular the Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work; b) ensure alignment with relevant UN frameworks, agendas, and agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and c) ensure consideration of regional, subregional and country priorities, including those identified in the context of the Forum of Ministers of Environment, other regional fora, UN Sustainable Cooperation Frameworks in the region; and Multilateral Environmental Agreements, among others. 2. Focal Responsibility for Substantive Activities: Assist the Regional Director in further evaluating environmental needs and priorities in the region and promoting regional and subregional cooperation on substantive activities by: a) analyzing progress in environmental protection as the basis of sustainable development in the region; b) providing advice to the Regional Director and upper management at UNEP Headquarters regarding policy options and programme activities; c) providing technical guidance and substantive input to partners in order to enhance the level of cooperation on regional and subregional environmental matters. 3. Focal Responsibility for the programme of work delivery in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC): Work closely with subprogramme regional coordinators, programme officers and project managers in the Latin America and the Caribbean Office to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Programme of Work of the Regional Office, including a) regular staff meetings to assess progress and to discuss opportunities to strengthen UNEP’s delivery and to increase impact; b) development and implementation of knowledge management strategies to enhance UNEP´s strategic engagement and impact; c) development of strategies to promote synergies and coherence in the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work in the region; d) provide technical guidance and inputs for the review of projects, programmes, evaluations, and partnerships in the region; e) in close coordination with UNEP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Policy and Programme Division, provide guidance and inputs for timely preparation, implementation and successful conclusion of evaluations of UNEP projects in the region and their follow up; and f) provide substantive inputs for the development of outreach products and resource mobilization strategies in support of the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work in the region. 4. Coordinate the Secretariat of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) 5.Promote the building of strategic partnerships with relevant Government Agencies and regional bodies such as other UN agencies, commissions and programmes, regional development banks, civil society organizations and all relevant regional, sub regional and national stakeholders. 6. Focal Responsibility for Inputs to UNEP’s Programme in the One UN under the Delivering as One Framework: Assist the Regional Director in the One UN by: a) Coordinating UNEP´s presence and contributions in UN Country Teams (UNCT), ensuring effective integration of the environmental dimension in UNCT planning and programming, especially during the common country programming process; b) Identifying opportunities for inter-agency cooperation and joint programming in the region; c) Drafting and keeping updated a UNEP-wide country programme document in collaboration with all UNEP units with national activities and use the process to promote synergies, avoid duplication, and ensure a coordinated delivery of UNEP’s activities in the One UN pilots; d) Providing joint programming and planning support by chairing or contributing to the results groups related to the environment in regional platforms or UN Country Teams; and e) Providing policy dialogue support by producing policy briefs and updates; providing inputs for preparation of the Resident Coordinator Annual Report, progress reports and other common analytical documents for the UN system; facilitating coordination activities at the technical level; representing the UNCT as necessary in policy dialogue with Government and development partners. 7. Support management of Administrative Operations: Support the Regional Director in the administrative functioning of operations in the Regional Office by: a) Assisting in the preparation and implementation of the Regional Office work programme; b) Ensuring the timely submission of project proposals and work plans, as well as of progress and evaluation reports to UNEP Headquarters; c) Assisting the administrative functions of the Office and apportioning specific work and assignments to subordinates, including consultants. 8. Coordination of Image Building/Public Information: Assist the Regional Director in enhancing UNEP’s visibility and raising public awareness of environmental issues in the region. 9.Support mobilization of resources to support the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work. 10. Deputizing: a) Act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Regional Director and represent him/her at meetings, when required; b) Undertake ad hoc assignments to support the functions of the Regional Office. 11. 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.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge in programme formulation, coordination and management, policy making, planning and monitoring. Ability in conscientious and efficient in observing deadlines, achieving results; takes accountability for goals and challenges; ability to identify and resolve key issues in a complex situation. The 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 difficult problems or challenges; remains clam in stressful situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. JUDGEMENT/ DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decision prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact of others and on the organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decisions; Makes tough decisions when necessary; Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment.
Education
Advanced university degrees (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural or environmental science, economic/political science, or a relevant scientific discipline is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the 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 ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development or environmental science, of which five years should be at the international level is required. Three (3) years of working experience in a supervisory capacity especially for programme management staff is required. Experience in driving the global environmental agenda and sustainable development goals and their applicability in the region is required. Experience in regional programme/projects coordination and resources is required. Work experience in Latin America and the Caribbean countries preferably in the area of strategic policy setting and diplomatic negotiations is desirable. Experience liaising with governments is desirable. Experience in resource mobilization is desirable. Experience working for the United Nations system or other international organization 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 and Spanish are required. Knowledge of another official United Nations 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 post is for an initial period of one 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 Administrative Profile (AP) and cover letter. 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. Internal Applicants – 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.