Special Administrative Assistant

Scope: 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The incumbent will perform executive and administrative assistant functions to the missions Director and Deputy Director’s UNEP unit.

United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations {UN} staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the UN Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the UN service code. Therefore, UN staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. In this connection, UN has incorporated the 2013 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service into the UN Personnel Instructions. In accordance with the UN Staff Regulations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible and ensuring equal gender representation. Subject to the foregoing, selection of staff members shall be made without distinction as to race, ethnicity, sex or religion, nor shall there be any discrimination on account of any disability of a candidate who meets the qualifications required to perform the tasks. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications with their recent CV and cover letter according to the instructions provided in the application form to be considered for the current job opening.

Typical Responsibilities:
1. Systematize the planning process to facilitate strategic decision making within the Division.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources, of relevance to the Director and Deputy Director such as policy issues and administrative matters.
• Support and advise the Director and Deputy Director and bring to their attention urgent and sensitive matters.
• Oversee and organize policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Generate survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.
• Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g., prepare background and briefing papers, analyze, report and study, inputs to publications, etc.
• Establish and maintain procedures, standards and tools which are consistent with UN policy and practice to ensure proper adherence to Human resources matters and financial management and control.
• Supervise and manage staff in the office of the Director and Deputy Director.
2. Maintain liaison with Divisions, the Executive Office, Senior Management and UNEP’s Regional and out-posted offices including the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans Secretariats.
• Ensure prompt and efficient liaison and coordination between the Director and UNEP Divisions and Offices.
• Working with relevant staff from the Divisions and Offices, draft reports for the Director and Deputy Director, including on issues of sensitive and confidential nature.
3. Support the Director and Deputy Director’s meetings and missions.
• Assist in planning for and participating in meetings of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
• Ensure that the Director and Deputy Director are effectively able to participate in and lead, when appropriate or requiring Ecosystems Division related interventions, meetings with the UNEP Senior Management Team and other internal bodies as necessary.
4. Support the Director and Deputy Director to maintain close contract with governments, delegations and Senior officials of the UN including on operational and administrative matters.
• Bring to the attention of the Director and Deputy Director, issues relevant to UNEP’s bilateral relations with governments, partners and inter-agency cooperation relating to the work of the Division.

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Education
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher graduate qualification) in any environmental, social sciences, business, public administration, management, economics or a related field.
• A first-level university degree or Diploma in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
• At least five (3) years of professional working experience is required.
• Experience working in a front or coordinating office, supporting senior level managers or cross functional teams is highly desirable.
• Work experience within the United Nations context or any corporate organization is desirable.

Languages
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of another United Nations official language is an added advantage.

• UN Graduate lucrative salary & benefits
• Health insurance
• Overtime pay and Bonus
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Occupational Accident Insurance
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• 401k matching
• Parental leave
• Flexibility at work
• Childcare
• Gym membership
• Bonus (Holiday) pay
• Fuel discount
• Performance bonus
• Quarterly bonus
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pension and 401K Plan
• Maternity, Paternity and Family Medical Leave
• Work From Home and Reduced or Flexible Hours
• On-duty free meals
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Discount and Diversity Program
• Professional Development and Tuition Assistance
• Employee mentoring program