Project Support Officer

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.) •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.