Programme Officer P-3

ORG .SETTING AND REPORTING: The Environmental Emergencies Section is part of the Emergency Preparedness and Environment Section situated in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ (OCHA) Emergency Services Branch in Geneva, Switzerland.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Section serves as the United Nations mechanism to mobilise and coordinate international assistance to environmental emergencies, and works in partnership with UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

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

Provide Secretariat functions for implementing recommendations of the international Strategic Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies (AGEE) and Environmental Emergencies Forum.

Specifically, this will involve, but not be limited to, establishing and maintaining contacts with government officials, other UN entities, NGOs, diplomatic missions, media, etc.; drafting of reports, background information, correspondence, and public information materials on environmental emergencies; organizing, leading and participating in meetings, conferences and consultations with other UN entities and partners regarding improvement of the international system for preparing for and responding to environmental emergencies.

Monitor, analyse, and report on environmental emergencies and related developments that occur around the world. As required, serve as desk officer to help lead UN response to such disasters at the OCHA Emergency Services Branch offices to help ensure the effective mobilisation and coordination of international response and contribute to better preparedness.

Work within the IASC cluster approach, representing the Environmental Emergencies Section, raising awareness on environmental issues and integrate environmental needs within policy and operations.

Develop technical standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and training programmes for humanitarian actors to integrate environmental issues within their operations.

Participate directly in response to disasters, i.e., as part of a UN assessment mission on-site, where applicable, including as a member of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system; assist in the coordination of international emergency assistance for various disaster situations; ensure the necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialised equipment, supplies, etc.); draft situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries and affected populations.

Likewise, partner with other humanitarian and environmental agencies to plan and evaluate emergency assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including environmental-related considerations.

Contribute to ongoing Environmental Emergencies Section work planning and implementation. Provide guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.

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 conduct 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.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental matters, humanitarian affairs, and crisis/emergency relief management or relevant field is required.

Experience in working with UN entities is essential. Relevant experience at both UN headquarters and in the field is desirable. Other Skills: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance and environmental issues; Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes with respect for divergent cultures and norms.

Education:Advanced university degree (Master's Degree) in political or social science, international studies, environment, law, or any other relevant field of studies; or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Languages:English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in oral and written English is required, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style; knowledge of French languages is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

How to apply:

The position is intended to fill functions of short-term duration This temporary position is until December 2015. All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Please state your full name and the temporary job opening notice number OCHA/G/92/2014 as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every temporary job opening announcement. Documents should be saved as pdf file, with the title formatted as follows: FAMILY NAMEgiven name Doc-t type.pdf. For example: GREY_Joe _PHP.pdf.

All applicants are requested to submit a completed personal history profile (PHP) to Mr. Dawit Yaredyared1@un.org with a copy to ochavacancies@un.org. Please indicate the temporary job opening number OCHA/G/92/2014 in the Subject of your e-mail.

Note that applications to United Nations Secretariat positions can be generated in the new Inspira recruitment system. We encourage you to create an electronic personal history profile and to apply to these and other positions for which you are interested and qualified at http://inspira.un.org

Note that applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the personal history profile is not properly completed. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her; in this context, all staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

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