New Job Principal Programme Management Officer In Quebec

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.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, Implementation Support Division (ISD). Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

A) Leads and manages support for the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, its Strategic Plan and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties:

1) Technical Support:
a) Ensures that appropriate support is provided to Parties to promote implementation of the Convention, including training and capacity-building provided to national focal points and, as appropriate, other stakeholders through, inter alia, development of manuals, guidelines and other tools, provision of online technical support modules; organization of workshops.
b) Liaises with other intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, including the operational agencies of the United Nations and the development banks, to provide enhanced support to Parties for implementation of the Convention.

2) Supports the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP), National Reports, Reviews and Publications:
a) Ensures that appropriate support is provided to Parties to develop, update and implement NBSAPs or equivalent instruments and that biodiversity concerns are effectively integrated into economic sectors.
b) Ensures that appropriate support is provided to Parties for the preparation of national reports and identify financial resources available to developing country Parties for the preparation of these reports.
c) Supervises the analysis and synthesis of measures taken by Parties and their effectiveness, and of the preparation of reviews on the state of implementation.
d) Ensures support to the preparation of the Global Biodiversity Outlook.

3) Stakeholder engagement: Facilitates and supports the engagement of stakeholders in the work of the Convention.

4) Resource Mobilization:
a) Identifies sources of funding and liaises with a wide range of intergovernmental and bilateral agencies, foundations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.
b) Ensures that appropriate training/capacity building support is provided to Parties in project development.

5) Clearing-house Mechanism (CHM), Scientific and Technical and Technological Cooperation:
a) Oversees the design and operation of the CHM and provides guidance on strengthening its effectiveness as the global instrument for technical and scientific cooperation.
b) Develops and oversees the implementation of a strategy to enhance support to Parties in technology transfer and technology cooperation.

6) Information Technology:
Oversees the information technology support for all activities of the Secretariat and the inter-governmental meetings.

B. Provides the Executive Secretary with authoritative technical and policy advice to promote the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols by the Parties and contributes to the overall management of the Secretariat as part of the senior management team.

C. Supports the intergovernmental bodies of the Convention and advises the Executive Secretary in the process of review of implementation and the development of an enabling environment for implementation, and in the development of the Convention’s Strategic Plan:
a) Services the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) and/or other open-ended bodies established by the Conference of the Parties to review implementation of the Convention and the development of an enabling environment for implementation, coordinate preparation of documentation for the meeting.
b) Manages research, analysis and synthesis activities in support of the above, and identifies proposals and options to enhance the implementation of the Convention.

D. Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

F. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge of issues related to sustainable development, preferably with a focus on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources; understanding of the economic, social and legal context including poverty-environment linkages and the importance of an enabling policy environment for implementation is desirable. 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.

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.

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work. Encourages others to set challenging goals. Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise. Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort. Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent), in natural, social or economic sciences, or management or related is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, academic institutions or international organizations, dealing with environment and development issues, closely related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is required.

Experience in managing the administrative and financial components of an organizational unit at the international level is required.

Experience in implementing environmental conventions at national and international levels is desirable.

Experience in servicing relevant negotiations, project management and/or provision of technical advisory services, especially for developing countries, and/or countries with economies in transition is desirable.

Experience in information technologies and communications and their application, potential and limitations in supporting capacity-building and implementation of international instruments, institutional relationship with national governments, NGOs and international organizations and bodies is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable. Working knowledge of any other official UN 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 a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

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

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (CP) and motivation statement.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

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 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.

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.

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.