The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is hiring a Programme Officer to manage the overall organization of the GGKP's next annual conference to be hosted by UNEP in early 2015. More information on the temporary job opening, including responsibilities, competencies, qualifications, and details on how to apply can be found below.
TJO Grade Level: P4
Functional Title: Programme Officer
Department/Office/Division/ Service/Section: DTIE/ETB/Research and Partnership Unit
Job Network and Job Family: Management and Operation Support, Economic and Social Development
Deadline (DD/MM/YYYY): 07/03/2014
Duty Station: Geneva
Estimated Start Date: 01/04/2014
Duration of need: 11 months
Organisational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in Geneva, Switzerland in the Research and Partnership Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Economics and Trade Branch. The Programme Officer will coordinate the overall organization, including the development of the research programme, for the next Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) annual conference that is scheduled to take place in early 2015.
The GGKP (www.greengrowthknowledge.org) is a ground-breaking partnership between over 25 leading international organisations, research institutes and think tanks focused on: i) collaboratively identifying knowledge gaps in green growth theory and practice; ii) catalyzing knowledge generation to address these gaps; and iii) sharing and disseminating green growth knowledge. Its founding members, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), UNEP, and the World Bank comprise GGKP's Steering Committee, and provide strategic direction and oversight for the initiative. The GGKP is also supported by a high-level Advisory Committee formed by leading academics and policymakers.
Responsibilities
In close collaboration with the Head of the GGKP, and under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNEP Research and Partnership Unit, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following:
- Manage the overall organization of the GGKP annual conference to be hosted by UNEP in early 2015;
- Develop the strategy, structure and agenda for the annual conference in consultation with the GGKP Steering Committee, GGKP partner organizations, and other external partners;
- Facilitate the work of the conference research committee, including developing terms of reference for research papers; hiring and managing research consultants; reviewing and finalizing draft research papers; and providing overall research committee support;
- Liaise with the GGKP Communications Officer and the UNEP/ETB Communications Officer in the development and implementation of an outreach and communications strategy for the conference;
- Coordinate all logistics for the conference, including identifying and inviting speakers and participants;
- Serve as UNEP’s focal point for the GGKP, including participating in a weekly GGKP coordinators’ call, and liaising with colleagues in other UNEP Divisions on relevant GGKP activities; and
- Report on progress both informally and formally to UNEP senior managers.
Work Involves Interaction With
Work implies frequent interaction with senior officers and technical staff in the GGKP partner organizations, as well as in UNEP divisions and other UN specialized agencies.
Results Expected
Successful organization of the GGKP annual conference and timely delivery of the related research programme. Effective GGKP coordination within UNEP and formation of strong partnerships with relevant institutions.
Competenties
Professionalism: strong project management skills and ability to deliver under clear timelines. Familiarity with the economics and/or international politics and policy of green growth and sustainable development. Knowledge and understanding of environmental fiscal policy is an advantage. Familiarity with international organizations. Ability to retain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced, information-intensive environment. 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. Experience in adapting to changing organizational cultures. Experience in fundraising and organizing major international conferences (e.g. UNCSD, COP) is an advantage.
Communication: communicates clearly and succinctly with high-level stakeholders and facilitates consensus. Excellent writing and computer skills are required.
Teamwork: fosters collaboration and work with different expert groups engaged in different aspects of green economy; solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; 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 7 years of progressively responsible experience in organizing major international conferences and managing multi-stakeholder research projects either in the public or private sector; preferably related to economics, green growth, or sustainable development.
Education: Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree in relevant subject e.g. economics, international relations, public policy).
Languages: Fluent written and spoken English required; knowledge of another UN official language (French or Spanish) is an advantage.
Documents Required
- Cover Letter
- Personal History Profile (visit https://inspira.un.org to generate a PHP)
All Submission to be sent to
Contact Name: Steven Stone
Email Address: etb [at] unep.org (etb[at]unep[dot]org)