Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Espoo Convention in the Environment for Europe Section of the Environment Division of the Economic Commission for Europe, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The broad aim of UNECE’s environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in its member countries in line with Agenda 21. The incumbent will report directly to the P5, Chief of Section and be under the overall supervision of the D1, Chief of Service.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief, Environment for Europe and Sustainable Development Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the planning, implementation and monitoring of the programmes on environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). This function will include serving as Secretary to the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Environmental Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Conventions) and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment, and the related subsidiary bodies. The incumbent will also manage and report on related trust funds, prepare substantive reports, draft recommendations to be undertaken by relevant intergovernmental bodies, liaise with other international organisations and supervise the team including consultants and interns.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

(a) Serves as Secretary to the Meetings of the Parties to the Convention on EIA in a Transboundary Context and its Protocol on SEA, and their subsidiary bodies, prepare for, service and follow-up meetings both in administrative and substantive terms including:
– drafting of pre-session documentation and of meeting reports;
– assistance to elected officers and the Convention’s Bureau in the pre-session preparations and conduct of the meeting;
– elaboration of draft decisions, recommendations for action and proposals for new activities to be undertaken by above intergovernmental bodies;
– reviews of national policies and strategies;
– analytical studies in the fields of EIA and SEA;
– compliance and implementation monitoring;
– preparation of publications, press releases, public relations bulletins and other media work; and maintaining the necessary contacts and correspondence.

(b) Prepares for, service, and follow-up seminars, workshops, task forces, expert meetings, and consultations including:
– organizational support to host authorities;
– coordination of consultants, rapporteurs and government-designated experts;
– drafting reports of meetings and minutes.

(c) Mobilizes resource contributions; Manages relevant trust funds of multilateral agreements, monitor expenditures, and provide regular detailed financial reporting to the donors.

(d) Coordinates activities for which the incumbent is responsible for in consultation with other ECE programmes, other UN bodies, other international organizations and institutions, and represents the ECE secretariat at intergovernmental and non-governmental meetings in the incumbent’s field of competence.

(e) Manages, guides, and coordinates Secretariat staff and outside experts, consultants and interns in relation to the above areas, and provides support to the team and the division on substantive and administrative issues.

Competencies

Professionalism: In-depth understanding of environmental issues, with a particular knowledge on environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment. Proven ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in environmental sciences, economics, international law, or related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in government and/or international organizations concerned with environmental policy, law or practice is required.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in drafting of policy documents is required.

A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in servicing multilateral environmental agreements is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian and French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 Aug 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.

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.

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.