STANDARD FORMAT FOR UNEP JPO REQUEST General Information Post Title: Associate Programme Officer Unit: Technical Assistance Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Location: Geneva, Switzerland Duration: 2 years or more Background information on UNEP and requesting Unit The position is located within the Technical Assistance Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), Geneva, Switzerland. The Technical Assistance Branch is responsible for developing and managing the technical assistance programme of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in accordance with the relevant mandates provided by the Conferences of the Parties to the three conventions. As part of the technical assistance programme for the three conventions, the Branch manages the implementation of capacity building and training activities, including workshops, webinars and on-line training, as well as the development of the relevant training tools and material. Why is JPO requested/ needed? The JPO would provide support to activities to be undertaken as indicated in the branch work plan that relate to the provision of technical assistance to Parties, such as the delivery of training and capacity-building activities for eligible Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. At the meetings of the conferences of the parties 1 held back to back in Geneva in April 2013, the secretariat was requested to enhance its work to facilitate the delivery of technical assistance and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies. Thus, as part of its technical assistance programme, the Secretariat will be organizing a series of capacity-building and training activities, such as workshops, webinars, and other on-line meetings, projects and direct assistance to parties to address specific needs. Conventionspecific activities as well as activities that enhance the implementation of the three conventions at the regional and national levels will be implemented during the biennium 2014-2015 following a programmatic approach. Supervision Direct supervision by Ms. María Cristina Cárdenas-Fischer Title supervisor: Chief Unit supervisor: Technical Assistance Branch 1 The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-11), the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-6), and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-6).
Location supervisor: Jim Willis Address, telephone, fax, e-mail and signature of supervisor: 11-13 Chemin des Anemones, CH 1219 Chatelaine, Geneva, Switzerland, fax: +41-22-917-8098, phone: +41-22-917-8635, email: maria-cristina.cardnas@brsmeas.org Content and methodology of the supervision General objectives, desired results and anticipated problems are discussed beforehand with the incumbent. Regular feedback on the progress of activities is obtained by the supervisor through review of work in process. The incumbent is expected to carry out the duties under general supervision and to consult with the supervisor on issues of policy or other sensitive matters. Final results of each set of activities, is reviewed for attainment of objectives and quality of work. First appraising officer: Ms. María Cristina Cárdenas-Fischer Title first appraising officer: Chief Unit first appraising officer: Technical Assistance Branch Location first appraising officer: Geneva, Switzerland Second appraising officer: Ms. Kerstin Stendahl Title second appraising officer: Deputy Executive Secretary Unit second appraising officer: Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Location second appraising officer: Geneva, Switzerland Duties, responsibilities and output expectations Terms of reference The incumbent will support the delivery of training and capacity building activies by undertaking outreach activities; participating in the development of training activities such as workshops, seminars, webinars, on-line training meetings, etc.; participating in and making presentations on assigned topics/activities, The incumbent will provide administrative and substantive support to the training activities organized by the technical assistance branch, including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. The incumbent will provide substantive and secretariat support to the meetings of the Parties of the three conventions to be held back-to-back in May 2015,, their subsidiary bodies and other meetings, through the preparation of documents, presentations and other activities, as appropriate. The incumbent will work with key partners such as the Basel and Stockholm Conventions regional centres and clients to facilitate the development,
implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; will monitor and analyze specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; will identify problems and issues to be addressed and recommend corrective actions; will liaise with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. The incumbent will liaise with UNEP headquarters and other UN entities in carrying out his/her duties, as appropriate. The incumbent will carry out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. The incumbent will participate in survey initiatives coordinated by the technical assistance branch; will assist with design of data collection tools; issue data collection tools, review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare preliminary conclusions. The incumbent will contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, presentations etc. Output expectations Provides well researched and sound analysis of issues and developments affecting programme/project development, administration and implementation, etc. Provides thorough, well reasoned written contributions. Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally. Travel Missions and costs of travel are envisaged during the first year of assignment. The Secretariat shall cover all costs for the travel on official mission in accordance to UN rules and regulations. Missions and costs of travel envisaged during second year of assignment: same as above. Missions and costs of travel envisaged during third year of assignment: same as above. Training and Learning Elements The JPO will acquire knowledge of the needs and challenges faced by parties in implementing their obligations under multilateral environmental agreements such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions as well as direct experience in the organizing and delivery of capacity-building and training activities, at the practical level as well as the overall policy and strategic levels.
With this assignment, the JPO will be able to develop a network of contacts within the United Nations system, governments, civil society and the private sector. The JPO will also acquire experience in preparing documents, presentations, managing the logistics for training activities as well as ensuring follow-up to decisions and recommendations taken by Parties. The Secretariat actively promotes gender mainstreaming in activities aimed at implementing the conventions, both within the Secretariat and externally. In July 2012 the Executive Secretary established the BRS Gender Task Team to develop targets and an approach to gender mainstreaming within the BRS Secretariat. The Secretariat will undertake specific actions to mainstream gender issues in its programme of work in accordance to its gender strategy. The JPO would support the implementation of these actions, in particular those related to technical assistance. Training The JPO will receive on-the-job training and also other available training opportunities at the duty station, i.e. language, PAS training and other mandatory training via the UN staff and development section. Learning elements: After one year the JPO is able to: develop detailed plans for the delivery of workshops and other training activities with timelines, venues and necessary expertise, draft memoranda of understanding with relevant partners, draft meeting and information documents for major decision-making meetings of the conventions; and gain an understanding of how MEA secretariats operate. After two years the JPO is able to: Develop curriculum and necessary training materials for the capacity-building and training activities, such as training videos, handbooks, presentations, on- line and other relevant material; understand the UN multicultural workenvironment and how the decisions of the conferences of the Parties are adopted and implemented. After three years (if applicable) the JPO is able to: Assist in the development of the technical assistance programme, formulate project documents, monitor progress in solving problems, formulate remedial action proposals, understand the strategic elements of preparation of meeting documents. Qualifications and experience Qualifications, skills and working experience Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, chemistry, environmental science, law or a related field. A
first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Skills: The incumbent should also be familiar with modern communication tools, have strong written and oral communication skills in English and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relations within multicultural working environment. A solid working knowledge of at least a second UN language would be useful. Working experience: At least 4 years at the national level, or 2 years at the international level in project/programme management, implementation of environmental related programmes, projects and activities is required. The incumbent should furthermore have experience in project management and in working with key stakeholders in the chemicals and waste management field. Language: For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. 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. 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. 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. Planning& 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. Living conditions at duty station Duty station is Geneva (standard).