Liaison Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: JKKEUNEP/3110/202640

Liaison Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: JKKEUNEP/3110/202640

Nairobi (Kenya)

Job Description
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This post is located in the Governing Bodies Unit of the Governance Affairs Office at the Nairobi duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Director and direct supervision of the Deputy Director of the Governance Affairs Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities
1. Planning, coordination and supervision of the provision of secretariat services to the quarterly, subcommittee and annual subcommittee meetings of the Committee of the Permanent Representative (CPR) by: a) Coordinating with other UNEP divisions and offices the preparation of the background documentation required for all the above meetings; b) Preparing the invitations, agendas, procedural scripts and background documents for the presiding officer for all the above meetings; c) Upon request, providing advice to the presiding officers as well as other elected officers on the organization of work, conduct of business, rules of procedure and the established practices for all the above meetings. d) Preparing the summaries of all the above meetings; e) Coordinating, in liaison with other UNEP divisions and offices, the follow up on the implementation of the decisions and recommendations adopted by the Committee.

2. Ensures efficient relationship and communication with Permanent Representatives and Deputy Representatives to UNEP by: a) Providing major support to the Deputy Director of the Governance Affairs Office in enhancing UNEP’s relationship and communication with governments, ensuring the smooth and efficient preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings of UNEP’s policy-making organs and their subsidiary bodies, including the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) and the CPR. b) Following up on a variety of requests from Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representatives to UNEP on issues such as the implementation of UNEA decisions and UNEP’s programme of work, and advising the Deputy Director on specific follow-up actions;

c) In consultation with the appropriate UNEP Offices, preparing official correspondence and online information to Governments, intergovernmental organizations and others on a variety of issues (e.g. programme areas, procurement costs, UNEP languages requirements). d) Supporting the Deputy Director in increasing the number of Member States becoming accredited to the CPR, whether based in Nairobi or outside of Nairobi, through targeted outreach.

3. Assists in the planning, coordinating and supervising the provision of secretariat services to the United Nations Environment Assembly by: a) Developing the invitation, agenda, structure for the open-ended meetings of the CPR (OECPR); b) Ensuring the timely and accurate submission and issuance of all pre-session, in-session, and post-session documentation (including draft resolutions, decisions and reports) for the OECPR; c) Coordinating, in liaison with other UNEP divisions, the preparation of the Secretariat technical notes upon submission of draft resolutions and draft decisions to be considered by UNEA; d) Ahead of the sessions of UNEA, coordinating the preparation of trainings and preparing background material for co-facilitators and UNEP technical focal points who will support the conduct of the negotiations on draft resolutions and draft decisions;

e) Coordinating and providing inputs to UNEA follow-up actions, including highly complex and sensitive policy and programme issues; f) Performing other duties such as analyzing and summarizing for the Deputy Director comments, views and other substantive inputs from governments on UNEA resolutions and decisions. 4. Coordinating with the Deputy Director, the preparation of relevant briefings for UNEP senior management, including regarding official visits of the Executive Director (ED) to various Member States of the UN and government visits to UNEP and identifying follow-up actions based on the ED’s mission reports and providing inputs to ensure that necessary actions are taken.

5. Undertaking research on procedural and political issues at the request of the Deputy Director. 6. Representing the Deputy Director in his/her absence, at diplomatic functions organized by the UNEP governing organs. 7. 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. 8. Carrying out administrative functions and perform other related duties as required.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Possesses sharp political awareness as well as diplomatic skills; knowledge of intergovernmental processes, including knowledge of relevant rules of procedure, mandates and other provisions, as well as past practice and precedent; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems relating to international governance. Ability to communicate clearly with representatives from governments, civil society and international organizations, including through online tools and official correspondence. Thorough knowledge of rules, procedures and practices of the United Nations systems or equivalent international organizations.

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. 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.

CLIENT ORIENTATION:
Considers all “clients” and seek their point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships; identifies clients’ needs and provide solutions; monitors the clients’ environment and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timelines for delivery of products or services to clients.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, environmental law, international law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (preferably in international relations or a related field) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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 years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, law, diplomacy, multilateral affairs, environmental governance or related area is required. Experience in liaison and engagement with governments on sustainable development, environmental issues or multilateral environmental governance is required. Experience in providing procedural secretariat support to intergovernmental processes and/or the governing bodies of an international organization is required.

Experience in researching, analyzing and drafting procedural documentation for intergovernmental processes and/or governing bodies, including agendas, annotated agendas, meeting scripts, background documents, reports, decisions or similar documents, is desirable. Experience in advising a Chair, President, Bureau or presiding officer on rules of procedure, organization of work and established practices in an intergovernmental body is desirable. Experience in supporting the negotiation of resolutions, decisions, declarations or other negotiated intergovernmental outcomes is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
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