Org. Setting and Reporting

The objective of the Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. The functions of the secretariat are, among others, to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies; to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions; report to the United Nations General Assembly, at its request on implementation of the Convention. This position is located in the UNCCD New York Liaison Office. The Programme Officers reports to Director, NYLO on UNCCD matters and to the Executive Secretary of CBD, on CBD related matters.

Responsibilities

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Director, UNCCD Liaison Office in New York and general guidance of the UNCCD Executive Secretary for UNCCD related matters and the general guidance of CBD Executive Secretary on CBD related matters, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: – Fulfilling UNCCD reporting obligations to the UN General Assembly (UNGA), including preparing the annual UNCCD report to UNGA, the presentation of the report to the UNGA Second Committee and inputs for other relevant reports to the UNGA, HLPF and other intergovernmental processes of the UN. – Servicing the annual intergovernmental negotiations on the UNCCD resolution in the UNGA, Advancing Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) DLDD agenda in intergovernmental processes at UNHQ by assisting with substantive and logistical preparations of inter alia World Day to Combat Desertification, UNCCD side events on the margins of UNFF, HLPF, CSW and other relevant intergovernmental meetings. – Maintaining regular dialogue with Permanent Missions; liaison offices of relevant UN entities; Office of PGA, senior officials of UN for advocacy and outreach on DLDD and Biodiversity issues – Providing secretariat support for the Group of Friends on DLDD at UN headquarters. – Providing protocolar, logistical and substantive support for visits by the Executive Secretary/Deputy Executive Secretary to UNHQ, including organization of briefings for interest groups, inputs for statements, press releases. – Preparing inputs for Result Based Management (RBM) RBM framework. – Liaising with GEF and preparing the UNCCD related documentation required for CRIC and COP. – Assisting the Director with any other UNCCD related matters. – Fulfilling CBD requests for support at UNHQ including Preparing the annual CBD report to UNGA, presentation on the report to the Second Committee of the UNGA, as also inputs for other relevant reports to the UNGA, HLPF and other intergovernmental processes of the UN. – Servicing the annual intergovernmental negotiations on the CBD resolution in the UNGA. – Assisting with substantive and logistical preparations of CBD side events on the margins of UNFF, HLPF, CSW and other relevant intergovernmental meetings. – Maintaining regular dialogue with Permanent Missions; liaison offices of relevant UN entities; Office of PGA and senior officials of UN for advocacy and outreach on CBD related issues. – Providing protocolar, logistical and substantive support for visits by the Executive Secretary/Deputy Executive Secretary of CBD to UNHQ including organization of briefings for interest groups, inputs for statements, press releases. – Performs any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the UNCCD and CBD and as required by the Executive Secretaries.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyse complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; 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. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations/international law or sustainable development, environment social sciences or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the area of sustainable development, in intergovernmental processes, is required. Experience within the UN system, or international organizations is required. Experience with knowledge of intergovernmental meetings, processes and procedures related to sustainable development and international diplomacy and Experience with writing UN reports on sustainable development related issues, and norms and procedures governing diplomatic correspondence is required. Experience working with the Rio Conventions or other multilateral environmental Conventions is desirable.

Languages

For this post, fluency in English with excellent drafting skills is required. Working knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment to this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension provided performance is satisfactory and funds are available. The UNCCD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNCCD recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. UNCCD is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UNCCD in the last six months are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.