Special Assistant, P4 at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

This post is located at the UNEP Executive Office in Nairobi. Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Responsibilities

Advises the Executive Director on programmatic and policy issues by:

• Coordinating strategic prioritization of all invitations addressed to the Executive Director, reviewing, commenting and suggesting courses of action.
• Monitoring and identifying emerging policy and managerial issues in consultation with the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Executive Director.
• Preparing and reviewing all background briefing materials for the Executive Director to ensure that it meets the highest standards.

Oversees the coordination of the Executive Director's Team, as well as meeting scheduling and communications through:

• Ensuring the daily supervision of the Executive Director’s team.
• Managing the Executive Director's day-to-day commitments.
• Directing substantive support to the Executive Director's meetings, to include proposing agenda items, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations and coordinating follow-up actions.
• Coordinating, planning, preparing and organizing the Executive Director's official travel.
• Accompanying the Executive Director on missions and keeping in close contact with the Executive Office’s Corporate Coordination Team with regards to the logistical preparations required.
• Liaising with the Communications Division on the external communications of the Executive Director.
• Liaising with the Chief of Staff and the Communications Division on the internal communications of the Executive Director.
• Keeping abreast of follow-up from Senior Management Team meetings together with the Chief of Staff and the Senior Adviser.

Maintains liaison with UNEP Divisions/Offices and serves as contact between the Executive Director, other parts of the Executive Office, and Division Directors through:

• Establishing and maintaining effective liaison with senior management on programmatic as well as strategic issues relevant to the Executive Director's functions and responsibilities.
• Liaising closely with the Deputy Executive Director’s team to ensure seamless coordination.
• Liaising closely with the Executive Office’s Corporate Coordination Team to ensure that the Executive Director’s support requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Ensuring prompt and efficient communication and coordination between the Executive Director’s Team and UNEP Divisions/Offices.

Ensures liaison with external partners by engaging with key officials at all levels outside the Organization by:

• Advising and supporting the Executive Director with governments, delegations, senior UN officials, UN system organizations and non-governmental organizations.
• Facilitating effective communication and contacts between the Executive Director and these bodies/organizations.
• Bringing to the Executive Director's and Chief of Staff's attention, issues relevant to UNEP's bilateral relations with governments and inter-agency cooperation.
• Receiving and reviewing confidential communication from governments and drafting correspondence for and on behalf of the Executive Director as required.
• Undertaking ad hoc assignments at the request of the Executive Director.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated professional competence in the field of sustainable development and multilateral relations; Strong analytical skills and ability to analyse complex political issues; High degree of flexibility; Willingness to travel extensively; Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 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 & 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 do not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, environmental science or public administration is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two 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 seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in environment, programme management and/or sustainable development is required.
• Experience working within the international environment governance system is required.
• Experience in liaising with countries is required.
• Experience in advising senior officials is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable

Closing: 01 January 2023