Project Support Officer, Nairobi

• Organization: UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme
• Country: Kenya
• City: Nairobi
• Office: UNEP Nairobi, Kenya
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Closing date: Monday, 13 May 2024

General

Description of assignment title: Project Support Officer

Assignment country: Kenya

Expected start date: 05/27/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 12. Responsible consumption and production

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNEP

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months

(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Nairobi

Details

Mission and objectives

Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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.

UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and 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. UNEPs Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law and environmental governance. The Law Division promotes the contribution of environmental dimension of sustainable development through law, national and international governance and related policy issues, including those related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

This position is in the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch, MEAs Collaboration Unit focusing on the Chemicals and Waste cluster. The incumbent will report to the Programme Management Officer in the MEAs Cooperation Unit.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Support Officer will: Under the overall guidance of the Programme Officer, Ms. Haddy Guisse, Chemicals and Waste cluster, the UN Volunteer, will ensure effective and timely implementation of the activities of the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch by: Ensuring the tasks below are carried out to support the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Collaboration Unit.

Description of tasks and duties of assignment:

•  Project implementation and management.
•  Contribute to the preparation of diverse range of written outputs relating to strengthening environmental governance of chemicals/waste management at national, regional and international levels, e.g. drafting of background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications and websites.
•  Assist in the preparation and holding of meetings of Conferences of Parties and their subsidiary bodies to the chemicals/waste related multilateral environmental agreements including preparation of background documents, side-events and presentations.
•  Assist in planning and facilitating workshops and other expert meetings and trainings on strengthening institutional frameworks and capacities for sound and coherent management of chemicals/waste. Assist in the uptake of integrated approaches and tools for synergistic implementation of the MEAs both within and across the thematic clusters.
•  Contribute to activities on project management including preparation of legal instruments and contracts, progress reports, financial statements. Analyze specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; review of relevant documents and reports; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions.
•  Provide support to meetings, conferences, etc. where the Unit is involved, including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. This includes the preparation of the participation of UN Environment/UNEP in official meetings of multilateral environmental agreements, such as Conferences of Parties.
•  Undertake outreach activities; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participate in and make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
•  Coordinate activities related to budget funding (of the project and submission of progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (project budget, etc.) eLXJEoi Czi2sw
•  Prepare reports, notes and presentations on the progress being made.
•  Contribute to activities on project management including preparation of legal instruments and contracts, progress reports, financial statements. Analyze specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; review of relevant documents and reports; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions.
•  Any other related tasks, as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

•  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.
•  Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
•  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.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in project planning and management, outreach, analysis and research. Experience in the management of environmental projects, including monitoring and evaluation at the national or international level is a plus.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in business administration, international relations, Project Management or other related field or the equivalent combinations of education and experience in a related area.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: Good knowledge of the work of UNEP, the MEAs and in particular, management of projects; Familiarity with the United Nations and its policies, procedures and operations as well as relevant experience in the same field; Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; General understanding of environmental issues; Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; Ability to review and edit the work of others. Communication: Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; Ability to communicate effectively with donors, supervisors and project partners; Ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

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.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 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.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.

Link to the Entitlement Calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy