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 Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) supports projects to reverse the deterioration of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer and reducing consumption of high global warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It was established in 1991 as the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol to assist developing countries (Article 5 countries in the language of the Protocol) in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol. The Multilateral Fund is managed by an Executive Committee (ExCom) with an equal representation of seven industrialized and seven Article 5 countries that are elected annually by the Meeting of the Parties. The Committee reports every year to the Meeting of the Parties on its operations, and it is assisted by the Fund Secretariat, located in Montreal, Canada and administered by UNEP (www.multilateralfund.org). The position is based at the Montreal duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Officer, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Project review and management: Reviews and assesses all types of projects submitted to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, multi-year projects and national phase out and phase down plans, individual investment projects and work programme amendments of bilateral and implementing agencies. (a) Evaluates the structure and content of the multi-year projects, the legal and institutional framework, strategies, action plans, investment activities and technologies to be implemented, including proposed budgets relevant to all sectors dealt with under the Montreal Protocol; where necessary provides guidance for changes to improve the submission and ensure its consistency with the decisions, policies and guidelines and other regulations of the Executive Committee of Multilateral Fund. (b) Evaluates technical options for alternatives to controlled substances for submitted investment projects in consultation with respective experts, the technical options committees of the Montreal Protocol especially when new emerging technologies are involved. (c) Negotiates with representatives of bilateral and implementing agencies on the policy and technical issues related to the submitted phase-out/phase-down strategies and activities proposed in the multi-year projects; and provides advice on cost-effective, environmentally sound and sustainable approaches for phasing out the use of controlled substances, including the performance-based agreements for these projects. (d) Negotiates with and provides advice to representatives of the bilateral and implementing agencies, world recognized sector experts, and/or consultants working on behalf of Article 5 country governments on issues related to project proposals in terms of the technology selected, the sustainability and environmental soundness of the projects, the eligible incremental costs, the impact of the investment proposal on the strategy contained in multi-year projects, and the total project cost. (e) Evaluates sector plans covering the full phase out/phase down of controlled substances in the various sectors addressed in the multi-year projects (i.e., refrigeration and air-conditioning, foams, solvents) by analyzing data on the overall eligibility, baseline production capacity and actual production, technologies and equipment used in the enterprises included in each sector plan. Assesses the environmental and technical soundness of the alternatives proposed, their cost effectiveness in line with the Executive Committee’s policies and guidelines, and their overall sustainability, and provides recommendations for the Executive Committee on the approval or non-approval of these sector plans based on the analysis. (f) Evaluates technical assistance projects and training activities for the servicing sector at the national and/or regional levels. (g) Formulates for consideration and adoption by the Executive Committee, draft recommendations relating to the overall eligibility of the project required assistance from the Multilateral Fund, the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed strategies, activities and acceptability of the alternative technologies proposed, with the view to project approval. (h) Monitors the implementation of projects and activities under the Multilateral Fund; analyses progress reports and project completion reports, discussing issues and barriers preventing the accomplishment of established targets with the implementing agencies and Article 5 countries; maintains continuous liaison with bilateral and implementing agencies related to the implementation of approved projects. Participates in monitoring and evaluation missions organised by the Secretariat, where technical advice and guidance is required. (i) Provides advice to the Secretariat’s Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, as requested, on desk studies and further evaluation activities related to projects and activities already implemented. (j) Reviews the work programmes submitted by bilateral and implementing agencies to ensure consistency with the funding and project guidelines of the Executive Committee, provides an analysis of the submitted projects and recommendations for consideration of the Executive Committee. (k) Develops project submission templates for use of bilateral and implementing agencies to efficiently support the preparation of project requests to be included in the work programmes for submission. 2. Policies and guidelines supporting the operation of the Multilateral Fund: (a) Identifies policy issues arising from the review of multi-year projects and individual projects and prepares written summaries providing an analysis and suggest options for resolution of these issues for consideration of the Executive Committee; defends the Secretariat’s views or recommendations at the meetings of the Executive Committee. (b) Develops policy papers on issues emanating from the discussions of the members of the Executive Committee requiring new guidelines, approaches and policies for consideration by the Committee. (c) Negotiates with and provides advice to representatives of the implementing agencies on policy issues related to technical issues for the submitted project proposals. Provides advice on cost-effective approaches for phasing out / phasing down the use of controlled substances in these sectors and facilities the exchange of information on issues related to the Montreal Protocol. 3. Liaison with external Organizations: (a) Establishes lines of communication with key personnel of external organizations and discusses emerging issues to facilitate their harmonious resolution. Responds to queries from stakeholders on issues related to the sectors covered by the Montreal Protocol. (b) Undertakes missions, as requested by the Chief Officer, to developing and developed countries to discuss the operation of the Multilateral Fund and its impact on the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Interacts and clarifies issues with international, government and non-government organizations on decisions of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund. (c) Monitors the developments in technology in areas related to the controlled substances of the Montreal Protocol. Identifies and recommends optimal, cost-effective and sustainable technologies and recommends their transfer to developing countries. (d) Represents the Fund Secretariat and provides advice on policies and technologies in meetings of the Regional Ozone Networks under UNEP’s Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP). 4. Organizational responsibilities: (a) Acts as a resource person to the Executive Committee by providing advice on policies and procedures. (b) Participates in the meetings of the Senior Management and advises the Chief Officer on the preparation of agendas for the Meetings of the Executive Committee. (c) Manages the work of a Programme Officer and Programme Assistant. 5. 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. 6. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme/project management and review, planning and monitoring. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. 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. 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
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in chemical or environmental engineering, environmental science, economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work 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 progressive experience at the national or international level in project management, project evaluation is required. Experience in project management related environmental problems in developing countries is required. Experience in project management and evaluation matters relating to multilateral environmental agreements at a national or international level is required. Experience of the Montreal Protocol is desirable. Experience in developing and/or presenting reports and data, as well as facilitating meetings is desirable. Experience in innovative funding modalities and / or projects related to energy efficiency 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 position advertised, fluency in English is 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 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. 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.