Administrative Specialist (Environmental)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and operates with a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. UNICEF is dedicated to sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact by 45% by 2030, aligning with the UN Climate Action Plan and the UN Strategy for Sustainability Management in the UN System 2020-203

• The organization emphasizes professional and personal development for its employees, fostering a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Specialist (Environmental) will play a crucial role in supporting the integration of sustainability across UNICEF operations. This position involves contributing to the development of policies and guidance related to sustainability, assisting UNICEF offices with environmental reporting and greenhouse gas (GHG) data, and driving performance improvements. The specialist will also support the implementation of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), focusing on sustainability initiatives, target setting, and capacity building. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to promote UNICEF's sustainability objectives and ensure that sustainability principles are embedded in office management plans globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Administrative Specialist (Environmental) include:

• Supporting the integration of sustainability objectives, principles, metrics, and indicators into office management plans across global offices.
• Assisting in the development of organizational policies and guidance related to sustainability and SCAP implementation.
• Providing guidance to UNICEF offices on the environmental inventory process and reviewing GHG emissions and resource consumption data to ensure compliance with reporting standards.
• Enhancing environmental performance by identifying areas for improvement in GHG emissions, waste management, and sustainability governance.
• Supporting the ongoing Sustainability Assessment and the development of Science-Based Targets.
• Organizing and delivering training sessions, presentations, and workshops to promote sustainability objectives.
• Supporting sustainability initiatives, smart energy monitoring, green building certifications, and eco-efficiency projects across UNICEF facilities.
• Promoting knowledge sharing and innovation through effective capacity building for stakeholders.
• Actively participating in internal and external meetings to contribute insights on UNICEF's environmental sustainability agenda.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education: A Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability, or related fields.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience at both national and/or international levels, with specific experience in environmental impact assessment, sustainability policy, social safeguards, and project implementation aimed at reducing emissions.
• Skills: Demonstrated experience in implementing sustainability initiatives, conducting risk assessments, data analysis, and making policy recommendations to improve sustainability and compliance. Technical knowledge of environmental issues and sustainability strategies, including decarbonization, net-zero, and renewable energy, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and sustainability practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience, which should include both national and international contexts. Candidates should have specific experience in environmental impact assessments, sustainability policy development, social safeguards, and the implementation of projects aimed at reducing emissions. This level of experience is essential to effectively contribute to UNICEF's sustainability initiatives and objectives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. Familiarity with sustainability and environmental reporting tools, as well as database management, is also advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of UNICEF's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, and UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and misconduct. The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks, and selected candidates may need to provide additional information for verification. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require compliance with vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.