Openings at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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.

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.

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.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• Experience within the United Nations system or Similar international organization is desirable.
• One (1) or more years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required .

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.

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Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the International Environmental Law Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support one or more areas of international environmental law such as environ-mental rule of law, the progressive development of international environmental law, human rights and the environment, plastic pollution, oceans and the law of the sea, rights of nature and environmental crime.
• Assist in providing legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to environmental justice and the sustainable management of natural resources through the rule of law, institutions support, capacity building, etc.
• Assist in contributing to and promoting interagency initiatives such as the Secre-tary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights, the Environmental Management Group, etc.
• Perform extensive legal research and analysis in the field of international environmental law and correspondence.
• Assist in performing UNEP’s roles and functions as Secretariat under the Monte-video Programme V – a global program on supporting countries to advance environmental rule of law - including the management of the Law and Environment Assistance Platform (LEAP), the servicing of meetings, preparation of back-ground documents, and preparing meeting reports.
• Review, advise on and draft complex contracts, cooperation agreements, project documents, institutional and operational modalities.
• Contribute to review and design of emerging legal principles, policies, guidelines, etc.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible

Requirements

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in environmental law or environmental governance. Prior experience at the international level is advantageous