The Associate Programme Officer (Data Engineering) for the SCYCLE Programme Unit provides research, technical and project management support for UNITAR’s portfolio in the area of sustainability and circular economy and sustainable waste management. The post will contribute to SCYCLE’s research projects and training implementation and the identification and mobilisation of project resources. It will help raising the visibility of the activities of the SCYCLE Programme, and UNITAR in general, in the field of sustainability and circular economy and strengthen partnership with international donors and players, including with the government of Germany.

Under the overall supervision of Senior Scientific Specialist, Statistics of Sustainable Cycle (SCYCLE) Programme Unit and the incumbent will:

Supports the implementation of UNITAR SCYCLE portfolio by:

• Supporting the identification of project funding’s and acquisition activities;
• Supporting UNITAR work on research projects, training and implementation, including through performing and coordinating science-based research, gathering and analysing data on waste generated, waste disposal, waste composition, waste recycling, preparing and performing training, and providing client implementation support for the SCYCLE team by drawing conclusions and making recommendations;
• Supporting the planning and delivery of global, regional, and national UNITAR SCYCLE research (data collection, data analysis, policy analysis) and training services and other activities;
• Contribute to project deliverables for results and recommendation exercises, including through drafts for inputs and liaison with various colleagues of the SCYCLE team, within UNITAR and project partners across the consortium SCYCLE is engaged in;
• Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft reports, briefing notes, policy briefs, background papers, analytical notes, presentations, monitors and scientific publications.

Supports the development and expansion of UNITAR SCYCLE portfolio by:

• Providing research, technical and project management support for activities related to circular economy, recoverability of secondary raw materials, national and international waste statistics, modelling at global level, and activities to support the European Commission, it’s Member States and developing countries in monitoring the waste generated and tracking developments over time. Assisting clients and contributing to EU funded projects by offering science-based knowledge on waste recoverability and recyclability;
• Assist in partnership building activities and preparation of project concepts in order to help to expand UNITAR’s research and training portfolio in the area of e-waste, batteries and plastic strategic approaches towards sustainability, prevention of waste transboundary movements and support of implementation of take back schemes in developing countries.

Supports Project Development and Management by:

• Contributing towards the building and strengthening of partnerships with international organizations, research and training institutions, and practitioners and carrying out activities under existing partnerships (e.g. the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership, PACE etc.);
• Contributing to the identification and mobilisation of project resources through appropriate proposals;
• Support project and project related activities and maintaining a constant dialogue with the donors;
• Providing administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, events linked to the projects’ tasks, to include proposing agenda topics, preparation of background documents, presentations and records, handling logistics etc;
• Assist in outreach activities, participate in the development of research strategies and innovative project ideas building up on the current expertise of SCYCLE;
• Develop and deliver trainings on waste statistics to developing countries; prepare and make presentations on assigned topics/activities and represent SCYCLE in relevant conferences and events;
• Participating in meetings and missions.

The post will be expected to provide support for the execution of SCYCLE’s portfolio with respect to the following:

• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality.
• Communications in dealing with countries and project partners are professional and systematic.
• High quality research outputs and inputs for the development of research and training products development facilitating the team in the results of work which will have impacts on the team.
• Support of team leadership is demonstrated and positive spirit within the structure of the institute is supported and maintained.
• The interests of SCYCLE are represented in UNITAR internal and but also external meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, as needed.
• Effective prioritization of work, initiative and responsibility taken for work within the programme/projects served.

The post provides coordination in executing project activities, in accordance with the institute’s and the programme unit’s strategy and values. Leadership will be exercised by setting an example and by being recognised for excellence by other team members. The post applies professionalism in achieving the results.

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of data engineering aspects in conjunction with environmental sciences and related experience in the area of coordinating and supporting the project and programme design and implementation including at country, regional and global level. 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to maintain effective working relations within teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Planning & Organizing: Sound planning and organizational skills and ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure, adjusts priorities and formulates plans as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitor adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time and resources efficiently.
• Accountability: Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honours commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as training materials, reports, studies, strategies, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style, including ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations.