ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (TJO)

The temporary position is located in the Environment and Forests Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). 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.

Under the general supervision of the P5 Chief, Water and Industrial Safety Section, and the direct supervision of the P4 Secretary to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, the incumbent:

Analysis of industrial safety:

• Develops qualitative and quantitative analysis and information on the prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents.
• Interprets trends, patterns and relationships and analyses the effects of alternative environmental and industrial safety policies and assumptions.
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on industrial safety, in particular in relation to the energy transition and the management of Natural Hazard-Triggered Technological Disaster Risk (Natech).
• Identifies and analyses policy and technical proposals made elsewhere relating to industrial safety.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on industrial safety issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support:

• Prepares pre-session documentation and inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies under the Convention.
• Supports preparation and servicing of intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports, draft decisions and recommendations for action.
• Prepares inputs to statements by elected officers of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
• Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes under the Convention.

Technical cooperation:

• Participates in missions on industrial safety issues, usually as a member of a team.
• Organizes training seminars for national experts.
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General:

• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
• 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.

• Professionalism: Understanding of environmental issues, with a particular knowledge of industrial pollution and accident prevention, preparedness and response. Knowledge of international legal instruments in the field of environment. Able 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.
• 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in environmental management, engineering, natural or social science, legal affairs, international relations, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or legal issues is required. Experience with multilateral environmental agreements and the servicing of their intergovernmental bodies is required. Experience in the field of industrial safety and the prevention of accidental water pollution is required. Experience working in the UN common system or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience with legislation review and analysis is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required.

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