Posting Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P4 (Temporary Job Opening)
Job Code Title: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme
Duty Station: OSAKA
Posting Period: 07 March 2023 – 20 March 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Programme Management-UNEP-203303-J-Osaka (X)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and ReportingThe 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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch work closely with governments, industry, and civil society organizations around the world to develop mainstream solutions for the sound management of chemicals and waste. IETC – As part of the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. IETC provide technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. IETC also implement in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, IETC mission is to serve as a global center of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on holistic waste management. The position is located in the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch in Osaka, Japan duty station.
Responsibilities
The incumbent is responsible for leading the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects related to plastic waste, its associated pollution and related management. In fulfilling the responsibility the incumbent carries out day-to-day operation of the programmes or projects, provides on an ongoing basis technical expertise, guidance and leadership to project implementation teams and relevant partners; managing and supervising the project teams during project implementation; organization and participation in supervisory missions. The incumbent also coordinates project implementation and developing and managing internal and external partners and liaises with other partners, including other UN organisations and Multilateral Environment Agreement secretariats. Further the incumbent is responsible for reporting, knowledge management and communication related to projects and programmes he/she manages through preparation of comprehensive reports for management, donors and steering mechanisms; preparation of various written outputs and reports, based on data, research and analyses derived from the relevant projects, including publications and reports, background papers, communication pieces, studies, briefing documents, talking points, etc.; support for knowledge generation, documentation and dissemination of best practices; and implementation of the communication, gender and stakeholder engagement plans. The incumbent’s responsibility also includes resource mobilisation to upscale project activities and results. Under the supervision of the Chief of the Chemicals and Health Branch, and within delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties: –The incumbent is responsible for leading the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects related to plastic waste, its associated pollution and related management. This entails day-to-day implementation of programme and project activities, including issuing all institutional agreements and legal instruments with external partners we well as consultant contracts; providing on an ongoing basis technical expertise, guidance and leadership to project implementation teams and relevant partners; managing the project teams during project implementation; reporting regularly to management and relevant steering arrangements; organization and participation in supervisory missions, including preparation of programmatic documentation prior to and post missions; and supervision of staff under his/her reporting line as well as recruited consultants, UNVs and individual contractors. –The incumbent is responsible for coordination of project implementation and developing and managing internal and external partners. This entails the coordination of the implementation of projects on plastic waste with target national/city governments; liaises with other partners implementing relevant projects on plastic projects within and outside UNEP; liaison with other UN agencies, in particular relevant Multilateral Environment Agreement secretariats as well as other implementation partners; providing substantive input to consultative and other meetings and conferences, including plastic related meetings; representing UNEP in government, donor and stakeholder consultations relevant to the implementation of projects. –The incumbent is responsible for reporting, knowledge management and communication related to projects and programmes he/she manages. This entails production of comprehensive reports for management, donors and steering mechanisms; preparation of various written outputs and reports, based on data, research and analyses derived from relevant projects, including publications and reports, background papers, communication pieces, studies, briefing documents, talking points, etc.; coordination and support for knowledge generation, documentation and dissemination of best practices; and management of implementation of the communication, gender and stakeholder engagement plans. –The incumbent is responsible for resource mobilization. This entails liaises with donors and other development partners to upscale activities; conducting briefings for development partners, industry associations, philanthropists etc. for resource mobilization. The incumbent performs other relevant duties as required.
CompetenciesProfessionalism: -PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human, resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and 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 calms in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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 Creativity –Actively seeks to improve programmes or services, offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs –Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box” , takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches
EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, resource economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 9 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressive responsible experiences in project/programme management, solid waste management, circular economy, resource planning is required. Work experience in waste management, plastic production and management as well as waste disposal and recycling technologies is desired. Experience in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with a broad cross-section of actors from within the United Nations system or comparable organizations, the donor community, as well as Member States and civil society is desirable. Experience in the field of waste management, waste technologies and application of waste solutions including at the international level is required. Experience in managing the projects and project teams against agreed project workplans is required. Experience in engaging with national and sub-national government officials and representatives of civil society and the private sector on strategic and technical waste management topics is desired. Experience in communicating complex technical information on waste managment to a diverse, non-technical audience is desirable.
LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 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.
AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special NoticeThis position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. Internal Applicants – 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. 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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 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. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link.
United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.
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