General
Description of assignment title
Programme Associate – Environmental Policy
Assignment country
Kenya
Expected start date
02/09/2024
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNEP
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Nairobi
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 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, Environmental Policy Unit (EPU). The objectives of the EPU are as follows: i. To support Member States to strengthen and pioneer Science-Policy Interfaces (SPIs) at all levels by developing tools and approaches in support of enhanced uptake of scientific knowledge for policy development and implementation. ii. To support policy coherence and alignment within and outside UNEP to enhance the effectiveness of action in addressing the three planetary crises of climate change, nature protection and pollution management coherently and synergistically. iii. To provide capacity building to Member States in developing policy and legal frameworks in selected strategic action areas in addressing the three planetary crises. iv. To serve as the convenor for the Law Division and UNEP on issues related to policy development, coherence and implementation. The incumbent will report to the Head of the EPU.
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: • Contribute to the preparation of diverse range of written outputs relating to work of EPU on issues of policy coherence, biodiversity financing and policy, such as drafting of background papers, policy briefs, analytical notes, talking points, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications and websites to deliver on GEF EAS project implemented by the EPU. • Assist in planning and facilitating workshops and other expert meetings and trainings relating to the work of EPU, as well as and inter and intra divisional collaborations. • Provide support to meetings, conferences, trainings, workshops, seminars etc. where the Unit is involved, including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents, presentations and other communication outputs, handling logistics, etc. • Support programme reporting and quality control, including through data and results collection and progress reports preparations. • Any other related tasks, as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in project planning and management, outreach, analysis and research at national and international level. Experience in the management of environmental projects, including monitoring and evaluation, is a plus. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in environmental governance and policy volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Basic, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in natural sciences, law, international relations, or other related field or the equivalent combinations of education and experience in a related area. An advanced university degree (eg Master’s Degree) in the same fields is advantageous. Specialization in International relations, sustainable development, and environmental affairs.
Competencies and values
• Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring So-malia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has seven ad-ministrative provinces plus the Nairobi Area. Provinces are further divided into districts. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 39 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at a rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international pov-erty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tu-bers.” (FAO) The normal “lean season” is in June and July. Severe drought in 1999-2000 led to decreased agricultural production, and according to FAO, “seriously undermined the food security of 4.4 million people, particularly in pastoral areas. Kenya. Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at cost. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta Inter-national Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that is serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
