PROGRAMME OFFICER, P4

Job Title: PROGRAMME OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station: BANGKOK

Posting Period: 28 May 2013-27 July 2013

Job Opening number: 13-PGM-UNEP-27223-R-BANGKOK (X)

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.  The overall objective of the UNEP's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE) is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. 

Under the general supervision of the Head of Technology Transfer Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Project management and administration: Provide technical and strategic assistance for the Regional Climate Technology Network activities; Identify opportunities for offering targeted support for low carbon technology transfer actions. Ensure proper synergies and links with actions and activities of  SEAN-CC, Central Asia Climate Change Network, FIRM, APAN, TNA, FACET, SCAF and other relevant UNEP technology projects; Coordinate the work of consultants, partners and sub-contractors, review intermediary outputs, documents and reports; Identify suitable partners in the region to establish thematic and institutional networks to support technology transfer for low carbon and climate resilient development; Undertake field missions; Coordinate internally (and with ADB) the preparation of project implementation reports, progress reports and financial statements; Identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; document lessons from project implementation and make recommendations to the Steering Committee.  2. Provision of overall technical backstopping on technology transfer to target countries:  Provide policy advice and support target countries on institutional strengthening and regulatory frameworks for climate technology transfer; Support national activities that build capacity of national institutions as well as certification and standardization; Provide hands-on support in the areas of technology project design, management and planning, implementation, information management, monitoring, and impact assessment; Support efforts  to acquire low carbon technologies and provide technical support  on low carbon technology transfer issues in the development or adaptation of policies, new standards and norms and in the adoption of efficient certification and enforcement procedures; Support development of specific programmes or approaches that hasten technology transfer and the adoption of low carbon and climate resilient development; Conduct research and analysis on low carbon technology transfer issues and trends, synthesize and disseminate information. 3. Supervise and coordinate the activities and services related to the UNEP components of the GEF funded Asia Pacific Pilot Climate Technology Network and Finance Center: Participate in the organization and implementation of networking and trainings events; provide background information, suggest priorities for discussion and identify resource speakers in relation to low carbon technology transfer; Produce focused pieces of technical analysis on low carbon technology transfer of wider mutual interest for the target countries; Identify the climate mitigation technologies and services; Identify and establish synergies and collaboration with national, regional and international technical experts and institutes who can develop and share experience on low carbon technology transfer issues as well as support target countries. 4. Perform other relevant tasks as may be assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of the technology and policy aspects of climate change in developing countries and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the ability to implement theories in practice. Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of low carbon development and technology transfer. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.  Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
• 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, environmental policy, political science or economics preferably with relevant specialization in energy, climate change 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in energy and climate change project or programme management. Working experience in the Asia Pacific region with GEF, technology transfer and networking projects is desirable.   Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required.  Working knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based  interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their
careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged  where an email address has been provided.

If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement  within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases,  please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical  assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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