ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (TJO)

The post is located in the Environment and Forests Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). The broad aim of ECE's environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in its member countries in line with Agenda 21. The selected candidate reports to the Chief of the Unit. This position is temporarily available 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2027.

Under the supervision of the Operational Activities and Review Section Chief and the Environmental Performance Review (EPR) Programme Manager the incumbent assists in planning and monitoring the implementation of EPRs in Eastern and South East Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia countries; carries out research and drafts chapters on specific issues related to EPRs. (1) As project coordinator for designated country EPRs the incumbent will: - Plan, implement and monitor the implementation of EPR reviews; - Schedule preparatory missions and review missions and participate in these missions. Assist in selecting and building up teams of international experts; in charge of liaising and coordinating national experts, consultants and experts from other international organizations. Liaise and cooperate with environment and other ministries in the reviewed countries, with other government’s officials, representatives of national, regional and global organizations and organizations of the UN system and NGOs dealing with environmental policy and management issues; - Assist in planning, organizing and servicing of meetings of the EPR Expert Group, and provide support to intergovernmental processes dealing with environmental policy and management in particular of the peer-review meeting of the ECE Committee on Environmental Policy; draft reports, and policy papers and prepares summaries of the meetings; - Assist in the organization of panels and round tables and in particular of EPR launching events. (2) As expert on environmental issues the incumbent will: - Participate in the analysis of environmental policy and management; evaluate frameworks of strategic nature and management practices on the basis of empirical research; carry out interviews in the reviewed country, crosscheck the information and prepare a series of recommendations; participate in integrating/assembling the chapters of the report, and in verifying and harmonizing information contained in the report as well as the recommendations therein; - Prepare/contribute to the preparation of publications, various other written reports, documents and communications e.g., draft reports or sections of analytical reports, studies, background papers, parliamentary documents, briefings and correspondence. Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. (3) Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work unit’s service: - Represent the work unit at international and other meetings; prepare inputs to statements by secretariat staff to such meetings; - provide input to the strategic framework reporting in the Enterprise Resource Planning system (Umoja); - Prepare EPR highlights and press releases, provide substantive input for updating website contents; - Provide support to the management of the Division and the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) on substantive and administrative issues.

Professionalism: 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. In-depth understanding of environmental management issues, sustainable development and the specific problems facing countries-in-transition. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management or economics, law, political science or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in government service, research institutions or in international intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations on environment-related issues and/or sustainable development or related field is required. Experience working with countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus or Central Asia is desirable. Experience in project/programme management and administration is desirable.

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

and

Russian are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Russian

UN Level I

UN Level I

UN Level I

UN Level I

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

This position is temporarily available 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2027. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.