Org. Setting and Reporting
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. This position is located in UNEP/Ecosystems Division in the Ecosystems Integration Branch at the Athens duty station.
The incumbent will report directly to the Head of Branch, and be responsible for the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Responsible for the overall management and strategic directions/leadership of the Secretariat of the Barcelona Convention and the Secretariat to the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) by:
a) Developing and directing the Secretariat’s work programme in accordance with the decision of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention;
b) Developing the overall programme of work (PoW) for implementing the terms of reference of the MCSD and identifying components of the PoW within the mandate and capabilities of MAP ensuring that the proposed work programme is in accordance with approved goals and objectives of the Barcelona convention and MAP Phase II. Initiating, developing and preparing policies, strategies and guidelines to be presented to the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and to the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development;
c) Liaising with Governments, International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to ensure their input in MAP activities and the MCSD activities.
2. Responsible for budget and disbursements and for directing budgetary policies of the MAP Programme and for determining priorities for budget allocations, responsible for fundraising through:
a) Directing or recommending the budgetary policy for the MAP programme;
b) Reviewing human and financial resource requirements for programme implementation and determining priorities for budget allocation;
c) Supervising professional and general service staff;
d) Providing an overall overview of the preparation for meetings of the Contracting Parties and the Bureau.
3. Reviews MAP human and financial resource requirements for programme implementation and makes recommendations to Contracting Parties, and UNEP management.
4. Oversees the development and implementation of MAP information and knowledge management activities.
5. Contributes to the Executive Director of UNEP and other heads of organizational units of Headquarters in the formulation of relevant policies and activities.
6. Performs representative functions on behalf of the Executive Director of UNEP.
7. Communicates with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece on matters arising out of the Host Country Agreement with Greece and is UN Designated Official for Security of Greece.
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.
•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.
•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.
•Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
•Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.