Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the United Nations headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordinator System (RCS) globally, as well as other United Nations offices in Kenya by providing administrative, safety and security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This post is based within the Division of Administrative Services (DAS), under Central Support Services, in the Facilities Management and Transportation Section, at the Nairobi duty station. The 140-acre UNON complex borders, and was once a part of, the protected Karura Forest. It includes areas of natural forest, grassland, wetlands, offices, conference facilities, roads and parking. Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Facilities Management and Transportation Section and indirectly to the Director of Administration the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following duties:

Responsibilities

Supervision: • Supervision of the landscape and recycling contracts, ensuring that the strategic sustainability goals for the complex are strengthened and maintained. This entails the provision of direction, training and scheduling; the development and management of a maintenance schedule, including for mowing, trimming, raking, drain clearance, irrigation and fertilizing. • Act as focal point for procurement activities related to landscaping and recycling, develop Terms of Reference, Key Performance Indicators and manage the full scope of tender and contract exercises through the Procurement Section. • Undertake frequent quality control activities including physical inspections of various areas around the complex every day. Ensure that litter and other waste (including building rubble etc) are cleared, and other problems (e.g. dangerous dead trees and fencing, piping/wiring damage) is promptly addressed. Lead frequent walking inspections to review areas of improvement as related to sustainability, landscaping and general grounds maintenance. Develop an in-depth knowledge of the 140-acre UNON campus. Sustainability: • Strengthen environmental stewardship. Implement and promote environmentally friendly practices including water conservation, wildlife protection and the use of sustainable materials. • Take the lead with respect to the preparation and implementation of the grounds-related elements of the UNON sustainability strategy, ensuring engagement with the necessary UNON and UNEP stakeholders on short, medium and long-term sustainability goals. • Ensure that a grounds-related perspective is taken into consideration during the planning, implementation and execution of all construction-related activities on the complex. • Establish complimentary agreements and small-scale funding agreements with respect to sustainability initiatives with partners, including The Friends of Karura Forest. • Oversee, review and report on sustainability initiatives including the reforestation programme, protected ecosystems (wetlands and re-wilded areas) and conduct periodic biodiversity audits. • Act as the focal point in managing the UNON reforestation project, including monitoring seedling watering, survival and replacement, reporting, continuous planting according to meteorological reports, and sourcing of indigenous and drought resistant tree, shrub, and creeper seedlings. • Actively seek community partnerships for the donation/sale of campus-sourced materials including compost, honey, pruned tree material, sorted trash, disposed office materials, equipment and furniture. • Actively manage human-wildlife flash-points including for example the adequacy and placement of monkey-proof trash bins, waterholes and smoking stations throughout the complex. Communications: • Act as the focal point on broad-based communications related to outdoor sustainability and environment related projects and initiatives as well as joint activities related to UN partner activities and official UN recognized days including World Environment Day etc. • Address queries and concerns from staff and other stakeholders on grounds-related issues. Provide excellent customer service and address issues promptly and effectively. • Coordinate and provide data infographics and articles for presentation on various digital platforms within the UNON complex including digital displays, pamphlets, iSeek, the UNON Sharepoint website and for official presentations to a variety of stakeholders including ACABQ, DMSPC, DOS, Member States and other Secretariat and non-Secretariat entities. • Prepare and coordinate the presentation of donor sponsorship proposals across sustainability and grounds-related initiatives. • Coordinate activities and content with the UN Visitors Services for appropriate sustainability and environmental tours within the UNON complex. • Participate in and assist with high-level visits with respect to sustainability, landscaping and grounds activities. General Administration: • Oversee work related to procurement, billing, low value purchases and funds commitments related to sustainability, landscaping and the UNON grounds. • Monitor and evaluate vendor contracts, payment and individual contractors for services. • Oversee the identification of appropriate technology and provide proposals for equipment, software and accompanying enhancement in improving the UNON complex with respect to sustainability, landscaping and biodiversity. • Collect and analyse data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related work as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Has the 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in landscape architecture, horticulture, conservation, sustainability, urban development or related area is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in landscape management/architecture, horticulture or related field is required. Experience in preparing landscaping/biodiversity reports, funding proposals, making presentations and using a range of media platforms to communicate sustainability/environmental/biodiversity initiatives is desirable. Experience in contract management and evaluation of contractor’s performance in landscaping or sustainability is desirable. Proven track record in managing landscaping in a large outdoor complex is desirable. 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 the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official 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 any extension will be subject to availability of funds. Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staffs are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, USA, Vanuatu. 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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” 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.