Programme Officer

The United Nations Environment Programme is to undertake an “Inquiry into the Design of a Sustainable Financial System: Policy Innovations for a Green Economy”, with its core objective being to identify and develop financial market policy and regulatory options, based on global best practice, which would deliver a step change in their effectiveness in channelling capital to green investments.

A small team is being assembled to support the set-up phase with two Co-Directors, together with a Head of Communications, which will make up the Inquiry`s leadership team. A Programme Officer is required to provide Programme support to the leadership team.

Overall, the Programme Officer will undertake the following activities to ensure the effective delivery of the Inquiry`s specified outputs.

Reporting to the Co-Directors for Research and Operations, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

·        Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of the assigned projects, monitors and analyses specific aspects of the project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

·        Carries out basic research on selected aspects of the project, operations and other activities (this includes collecting, analysing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources).

·        Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends within the project, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.

·        Assists in facilitating workshops and assisting and developing the action plan required for the project.

·        Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.  

·        Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. on the issue of finance and regulation of capital markets

·        Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.

·        Participates in official missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.

·        Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

·        Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant UN units, funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies. Representatives and officials in relevant private sector institutions, national governments, international organizations, consultants

Results Expected:

Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects.  Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.  Develops and maintains effective working relationships.  Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients.  Efficiently uses of resources.

·        Professionalism:  Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field.  Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including  familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 

·        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 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.

·        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.

·        Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

SKILLS:

·        Coordination

·        Communication

·        Report writing

·        Record management

·        Presentation and logistics skills

·        Research and analytical skills

·        Project management support

·        International organizations experience

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, business administration, management, economics or a related field. 

A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  Experience with environmental issues a plus.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

CANDIDATES ARE RECOMMENDED TO SUBMIT A ONE-PAGE COVER LETTER.

CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO:
1. Provide the full names, titles, street addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of 3 persons who are acquainted with them professionally and who will provide a reference check.
2. Confirm whether their current supervisor can be contacted for a reference check.  If not, to provide the name and full contact details of their immediate previous supervisor.