Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Transboundary Cooperation section of the Environment Division (ENV) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the P4 Environmental Affairs Officer. The broad aim of UNECE's environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda. The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) aims to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation.


Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the P5, Chief, Transboundary Cooperation Section, with the guidance of the P4, Secretary to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention), and the direct supervision of the P4, Environmental Affairs Officer, the incumbent will support the implementation of the programme of work under the Water Convention, in particular its programme area on “Promoting an integrated and intersectoral approach to water resources management at all levels”, by supporting the planning and implementation of activities under extrabudgetary projects in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asian countries. The main objective of the work is to improve the management of water resources, in particular of transboundary waters in countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, by strengthening water governance at the national and transboundary levels through National Policy Dialogue (NPD) and Regional Policy Dialogue processes, and supporting the application of the water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus approach, including the operationalization of nexus solutions and investments and the development of regional/basin level strategies, to foster transboundary cooperation. The incumbent will among others support implementation of the project “Regional mechanisms for the low-carbon, climate resilient transformation of the energy-water-land nexus in Central Asia”. The position will require frequent travel to Central Asia. In particular, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties. Support the National and Regional Policy Dialogue process with a focus on intersectoral and transboundary cooperation - Support the work of national Steering Committees and regional steering bodies which guide National and Regional Policy Dialogues (NPDs), including the technical and substantial organization of meetings - Support the preparation and implementation of the national and regional workplans - Produce and deliver substantive presentations/reports - Work closely with national authorities to provide technical and policy advice on a broad range of issues related to water- food-energy-ecosystems nexus and governance, intersectoral and transboundary cooperation, effective resources planning, and climate adaptation and mitigation. - Support the work of government-appointed rapporteurs and consultants to the secretariat, interns and other resource persons in the drafting of legislation, strategies, assessments, research studies and background papers - Contribute substantively to the policy packages, regional and basin strategies and other activities developed in the framework of the projects - Plan and organize, in cooperation with international and national partners and including both substantial and logistical arrangement, capacity building events to strengthen water - food-energy-ecosystems nexus and governance and integrated water resources management at the national, transboundary and regional levels - Develop training modules at national and regional level - Participate and represent UNECE in project meetings or in related meetings - Plan and develop and publications - Identify and coordinate interaction with programmes of the ECE secretariat, UN organizations, UN-Water, other relevant international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private sector organizations; exchange information with these organizations. Support to the management and development of the projects - Support his/her supervisor in administrative and financial management of the extrabudgetary projects - Arrange consultancy contracts, grant agreements and other needed contracts to carry out activities - In collaboration with supervisors, draft project reports to donors according to project , and prepare budget proposals - In collaboration with supervisors, prepare project proposals to donors and participate in other fund raising activities - Provide information required by UN organizations, donors and other partners General - Perform other related duties as required and assist the rest of the Convention’s secretariat to implement the programme of work under the Water Convention and the Protocol on Water and Health, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services - Represent the UNECE secretariat at international meetings and be willing to travel as required - Provide input to UNECE senior management in his/her field of expertise as requested and required - Draft publications, press releases public relations bulletins and other communication material - Publish information on the Convention’s website and keep the webpages on the projects updated - Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.


Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of and ability to apply concepts in the area of environmental affairs or water management, in particular supporting intersectoral cooperation through the application of the nexus approach. Ability to write and reports, undertake research, analyse data and make recommendations. Professional competence in and knowledge of relevant multilateral environmental agreements and policies. 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. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.


Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in environmental management, science, engineering or related field 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.


Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international levels in the areas related to water resources management or environmental management is required. Experience in managing projects on intersectoral cooperation is required. Experience in servicing multi-stakeholder processes and meetings is desirable. Experience providing policy and technical advice on water or environmental issues to national authorities is desirable. Professional experience in countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia is desirable.


Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required and fluency in Russian is desirable.