Senior Programme Management Assistant, G7

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. This post is located in the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) within the Administration Division in Montreal, Canada. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Administration Division and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

A. Independently provides full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance: a) Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties. b) Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seeks clarification from departments, assesses replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action. c) Ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review, and meetings. d) Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in Umoja Analytics; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to line manager. e) Drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. f) Monitors implementation at all stages to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans, including analysing implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action; liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation. g) Supervises office support staff, including distribution and review of work assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluation. h) Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. i) Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. B. Collaborates with colleagues in different departments and units to cost recommendations and decisions and processes the costing information for use at CBD major meetings: a) Keeps the CBD costing templates under review and suggests improvements. b) Assists colleagues in different units and divisions with their costing exercises, suggests improvements, quality-controls their work, and prepares final versions. c) Prepares summary costing tables for inclusion in CBD documents for major meetings. d) Drafts table 4 on voluntary requirements for the budget document. e) Facilitates the inclusion of final costing data into the management information system. C. Collaborates with colleagues in different departments and units to update the Results-based management framework: a) Collaborates with colleagues to update and cost their inputs in the RBM framework and facilitates the inclusion in the management information system. b) Contributes to the updating of formulations for the RBM framework’s sub-output and higher levels. D. Performs other tasks as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of project management, including monitoring, budget analysis, database design and biodiversity-related issues, proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of the various complex dimensions of the environment and sustainable development; good research skills and ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit documents. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commits to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. 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

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Relevant training in project management, project management systems, financial management, results-based management, and budgeting is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of experience, in sustainable development or environment-related programmes is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the United Nations Common System or similar international organization is desirable. Experience working with an Enterprise Resources Planning system, such as Umoja or a similar system, is desirable. One year or more experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of the administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. When completing the Candidate Profile form, 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. 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