Chief Technical Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The organization focuses on critical areas such as climate change, ecosystems, and resource efficiency, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Chief Technical Advisor position is located within the Project Management Unit for the project titled 'Strengthening Climate Information and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for Increased Resilience in Azerbaijan'. This role is pivotal in leading the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project, ensuring that all activities align with the objectives set forth by UNEP and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The incumbent will work closely with national and technical partners to enhance the capacity for climate information and early warning systems, thereby supporting Azerbaijan's climate resilience efforts. The position requires a strategic approach to project management, emphasizing collaboration with government officials and stakeholders to ensure that project activities are integrated into national policies and frameworks. The Chief Technical Advisor will also be responsible for overseeing project monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Technical Advisor will lead and provide technical oversight of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and collaborate with national and technical partners to ensure high-quality project execution. Responsibilities include serving as the primary liaison with government officials, providing strategic guidance for project implementation, overseeing project monitoring based on the results framework, and ensuring compliance with the Funding Proposal and agreements with implementing partners. The advisor will coordinate project activities with other UN agencies and organizations, integrate sustainability dimensions across project outcomes, and initiate outreach activities such as meetings and conferences. Additionally, the role involves leading field missions, collecting and analyzing data for decision-making, and ensuring that lessons learned are documented and shared effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in project management related to environmental management, early warning systems, and climate change. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in these areas is required, along with previous experience working with government entities and stakeholders at the country level, particularly in Eastern Europe or Central Asia. Familiarity with Global Funds or similar funding mechanisms is essential, as is demonstrated experience in strengthening climate information services and early warning systems. Experience in data analytics related to environment and climate change is desirable, highlighting the need for a candidate who can effectively analyze and interpret data to support decision-making processes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, climate change, meteorology, climatology, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is also desirable, emphasizing the importance of analytical skills in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project management related to environment, early warning systems, and climate change. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government entities and other stakeholders to implement activities at the country level, particularly in the Eastern Europe or Central Asia region. Experience in managing projects according to the requirements of Global Funds or similar funding mechanisms is essential, as is demonstrated experience in strengthening climate information services and early warning systems. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics related to environment and climate change is considered desirable.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, while proficiency in Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse working environment of the United Nations and the need for effective communication across different languages.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this project position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The selected external candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with the relevant administrative instructions. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the ongoing availability of funding and the project's requirements. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the stated deadline.