Science Policy Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Task description
Under the oversight of the UNEP Chief Scientist, and the direct supervision of the Senior Program Coordinator in the OCS, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Contributes to the work plan of the Office of the Chief Scientist as a whole, and in particular, carry out specific tasks related to scientific research, knowledge management, and science communication;
• Support efforts to strengthen the science-policy interface; mobilizing the science and research community, in the service of key environmental challenges.
• Researches and analyzes information on assigned topics; gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information products.
• Reviews information to include in reports, briefings, newsletters, websites, etc.
• Prepare, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts and/or sections articles and other inputs as required for inclusion in UNEP reports and materials.
• Assist in the preparation of meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events, including but not limited to the preparation of briefing materials, remarks, background notes, presentations, and minutes;
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

• Age 27 - 80

Expected start date: 01/11/2024

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in in related fields of which 2 years of experience in the field of nature and biodiversity.
• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in environment, international relations, public administration, or related area is required.
• Experience with government agencies, non-governmental and/or international organizations working at the science-policy interface and preferably in environment/natural/climate/biodiversity science, sustainability, or a related field is required.
• Experience in providing scientific advice in a regulatory context or climate/biodiversity research is required.
• Experience as a science writer is desirable.

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Required
• Chinese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
• French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
• Spanish, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
• Russian, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in the natural sciences, environment, climate or biodiversity science, physical sciences, engineering or related area is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies and values

Professionalism:

• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and rec-ommendations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional com-petence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commit-ments, 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspec-tives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appro-priate 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.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly inter-prets messages from others and responds appropriately; proven interpersonal skills; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors lan-guage, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing infor-mation and keeping people informed; good spoken and written communication skills, in-cluding ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, artic-ulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, vol-unteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of differ-ent target groups.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes sol-idarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Dealine: 08/08/2024