SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme 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. 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 post is located in the Science and Technical Assistance Branch of 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, in Geneva. The Senior Coordination Officer manages the Secretariat’s Plastics Coordination Unit in order to support and facilitate the overall decision making process within the secretariat regarding plastics pollution. In this context plans, develops and implements procedures and workflows which result in the expedient processing of organizational requests and responses. Prepares strategic briefs, reports, policy statements, correspondence and internal memoranda on behalf of the Executive Secretary and of the Deputy Executive Secretary; screens key incoming requests to ensure that they are consistent with agreed strategies. Assigns items for action within the secretariat and cooperates and supports Branch Chiefs in the implementation of their work and proactively addresses their needs. Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Head of the Science and Technical Assistance Branch, the incumbent has the following responsibilities in the context of plastics pollution:

Responsibilities

1. Provides strategic programmatic and operational advice to the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary on key issues relevant to the overall functioning of the secretariat and is responsible for the planning and coordination of programmatic issues under the direct responsibility of the Branch Chief; liaises with Branch Chiefs on a daily basis on a range of issues to ensure that inputs, requests and contributions from branches are developed and presented to the Executive Secretary in a synergistic manner, in line with the secretariat’s matrix management approach and the approved programme of work and budget; is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the secretariat’s plastics pollution strategy. 2. Manages the secretariat’s Plastics Coordination Unit in order to support and facilitate the overall decision making process within the secretariat. Plans, develops and implements procedures and workflows which result in the expedient processing of organizational requests and responses. Prepares strategic briefs, reports, policy statements, correspondence and internal memoranda on behalf of the Executive Secretary and of the Deputy Executive Secretary; screens key incoming requests to ensure that they are consistent with agreed strategies. Assigns items for action within the secretariat and cooperates and supports Branch Chiefs in the implementation of their work and proactively addresses their needs. 3. Identifies priorities for the attention of the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary, keeps secretariat staff informed of relevant and key developments and fosters good communication and teamwork with the Executive Office and with the secretariat’s branches and identifies and resolves emerging or potential conflicts. 4. Manages and supports the work of the secretariat’s Plastics team, brings key issues to the attention of the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary, sets priorities, ensures that the workflow of the plastics team is processed in a timely and effective manner and serves as the focal point for the monitoring of plastics related work within the secretariat. 5. Serves as the secretariat’s focal point for cooperation on plastics related issues with: 1) UNEP’s plastics pollution Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee; and the Executive Director’s participation in the meetings of the conferences of the parties; 2) with UNEP Law Division on programmatic coordination regarding mutually supportive areas identified in UNEP’s programme of work on chemicals and wastes; 3) with UNEP Chemicals and Health, in relation to plastics pollution as the secretariat’s of the work of the task force on cooperation and coordination between the secretariat and UNEP Chemicals and Waste; 4) with other UNEP administered multilateral environmental agreements on programmatic and administrative matters of common interest to multilateral environmental agreements. 6. On behalf of the Executive Secretary and the Deputy Executive Secretary, liaises with diplomatic mission staff and other government officials; handles their various requests in a timely manner and follows up with branch chiefs on related action items. 7. In the absence of the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary, serves as the BRS Officer responsible for plastics related representational functions; organizes meetings on behalf of the Executive Secretary/Deputy Executive Secretary and provides them with relevant substantive support. 8. 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. 9. Perform other related tasks as requested.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to coordinate and produce high quality work in the areas of programme management in a UN context. Knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the international policy frameworks for the sustainable management of chemicals and wastes related to plastics; Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify issues, formulate options, make conclusions and recommendations for their resolution; Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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 and challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. PLANNING & 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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 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. 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 decisions prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on 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 decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in physical or environmental sciences, chemistry, public policy, or related area is required. A first level university degree in combination with additional two 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 environmental sciences, chemicals and waste management, or related field is required. Experience in project management and administration within the UN context and of working in an international setting is desirable. Experience with the institutions of the United Nations system or similar organizations is desirable. Experience working on the chemicals and wastes multilateral environmental agreements, in particular the environmentally sound management of plastics is desirable. A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages 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 area.

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. 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.