Programme officer, P-4

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Environmental Affairs Officer, Integrated Environmental Assessment Section (IEAS), and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Scientific Assessment Branch (SAB), the incumbent will carry out the following:

1. Management:
a) Coordinate the work carried out by DEWA and the Integrated Environmental Assessment Section, Scientific Assessment branch of DEWA with that of other UNEP Divisions and/or UN bodies;
b) Formulate project proposals, work packages and budgets related to environment assessment and outlook activities;
c) Oversee publications of Global Environment Outlook (GEO) and indicators of performance;
d) Mobilize additional resources;
e) Strengthen communication among staff in the Branch, within the Division and across organizational boundaries; ensure communication with sub-programme coordinators and divisional focal points for joint programming activities.

2. Programme Implementation:
a) Implement the work programme of DEWA and related section;
b) Ensure proper use and integration of scientific data and indicators on environmental and socio-economic trends and policies; c) Highlight cross-cutting issues and interlinkages between environment, development and policy;
d) Ensure that outputs produced by the SAB and the IEA Section maintain high-quality standards technically and scientifically; e) Reports are clear, objective and based on sound scientific and comprehensive data;
f) Initiate, strengthen and maintain collaborative scientific partnerships, institutional agreements, processes and procedures with specialised and relevant centres and institutions;
g) Assist in reporting to DEWA and UNEP management and the UNEP Governing Council on programmatic and substantive issues;
h) Participate at GEO lead and others relevant Working Groups as well as other related environmental assessment-meetings;
i) Participate in international, national and inter-agency meetings and working groups relevant to integrated environmental assessment;
j) Hold programmatic/substantive and institutional discussions with stakeholders and partners, review scientific data and information on the global environment and related development trends;
k) Mainstream integrated environmental assessment into UNEP Programme of Work;
l) Bring UNEP's perspectives and client needs to the attention of relevant international fora;
m) Mainstream Gender issues into Ecosystem management, climate change and environmental governance; Represent DEWA, the SAB and the IEA Section at external meetings.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the field of document publication, proven ability to produce publications, reports and papers on environmental issues; ability to review the work of others.
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; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary, uses time efficiently. Communication: Excellent drafting and communication skills, ability to write, edit and quickly spot errors and inconsistencies in a text including the ability to produce a variety of written productions in a clear and concise style. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Accountability: Take ownership of own work area and honours commitment; deliver output for which he/she has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards, operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

Qualifications

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in environmental science, natural resource management or related area. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Training in relevant technical areas e. g. elements and principles of graphic design, printing techniques, best page layouts and design trends an advantage.

Work Experience
Minimum of seven years of working experience, some of which should be at international level, in the areas of environmental governance, ecosystem management, environmental change analysis, assessment and reporting, including related capacity building and networking. Experience in results based management and experience with resource mobilisation desirable. Track record of information and publications production.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages an asset.

Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet, Desktop publishing) are required.