Water Ecosystems Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Task description
Under the direction of and reporting to the Head of the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit of the Marine and Freshwater Branch, the Water Ecosystems Specialist will undertake the following activities:

• Research methods, tools and approaches used for freshwater ecosystems extent, status, water quantity including through earth observations.
• Assists in the exploration, identification, and acquisition of sources of statistical data to help inform the development of a global observational system on wetland ecosystems.
• Assists in capacity building of Member States, researchers and institutions to enable countries to identify and verify actionable data and information on wetland ecosystems for policy and planning.
• Support the Head of the Unit to establish joined up, inter-disciplinary freshwater eco-system research and collaboration network by identifying and bringing key water institutions together.
• Support the establishment of regional, sub-regional and/or basin wide networks connected to existing collaborative frameworks to improve the application of science findings, protection, restoration and sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems include through south south and triangular exchanges.
• Supports the Head of Unit to ensure that information collected and included in the global wetland watch and in UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room platforms on freshwater ecosystems is accurate, accessible, understandable, scientifically robust, near real-time and in high-resolution.
• Assists the team in the work on capacity building of Member States to improve the SDG 6 indicator monitoring for which UNEP is custodian and connect across the UN-Water community to share lessons and form coalitions for action.
• Conduct research, coordinate drafting and review of materials, presentations and re-ports to support the implementation of the UNEA6 water resolution.
• Contributes to the design and development of projects, programmes and initiatives to support UNEP’s integrated approach to freshwater action and implementation of the UNEA6 water resolution.

Eligibility criteria

• Age 27 - 80

Expected start date: 01/11/2024

Requirements
Required experience

• 3 years of experience in relevant fields of which at least two years of progressively responsible experience in in the field of environmental conservation, scientific research or science to policy work is required
• Experience working on freshwater ecosystems and/or wetlands as a topic is required.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate they are organized, reliable and efficient. An understanding of how to work effectively as part of a team, and a willingness to learn and grow professionally by taking on new competencies and remaining abreast of de-velopments in the freshwater ecosystem monitoring and mapping fields is essential. Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of various actors is also required. As well, UNEP highly values creativity and innovative thinking, coupled with a problem-solving mindset.

Required education level

• Master degree or equivalent in environmental or wetland sciences, conservation biology, sustainable management.

Competencies and values

Professionalism:

• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and rec-ommendations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional com-petence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commit-ments, 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 perspec-tives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appro-priate 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.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly inter-prets messages from others and responds appropriately; proven interpersonal skills; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors lan-guage, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing infor-mation and keeping people informed; good spoken and written communication skills, in-cluding ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, artic-ulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, vol-unteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of differ-ent target groups.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes sol-idarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Dealine: 08/08/2024