Environmental Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Affairs Officer position is embedded within the Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-Horn) and is part of the UN Climate security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Mechanism (CSM). The incumbent will support the UN Special Envoy in addressing issues related to environment, climate change, natural resources, and biodiversity. This role involves developing analyses related to environmental challenges, coordinating policy development, and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders, including UN entities, governments, and research partners. The officer will also be responsible for generating survey initiatives, preparing written outputs, and conducting outreach activities to promote awareness and action on climate-related security risks. The position requires a strategic approach to integrating climate-related security risk analysis into policy-making processes and fostering collaboration across the UN system and with regional organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Affairs Officer include supporting the UN Special Envoy in all aspects related to environment and climate change, developing analyses and identifying problems to initiate corrective actions, performing advisory functions in collaboration with UN and government counterparts, coordinating policy development and serving as rapporteur for relevant strategies, generating survey initiatives and analyzing data, preparing written outputs such as reports and background papers, providing substantive backstopping to meetings and conferences, initiating outreach activities and conducting training workshops, leading field missions and drafting mission summaries, and liaising with UNEP's Disasters and Conflict Branch to ensure strategic cooperation. The officer will also be responsible for collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international affairs, project management, and approaches relevant to environment and climate change. They should have the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct data collection, and interpret data to support decision-making. The role requires conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, as well as the ability to apply judgment in planning and managing conflicting priorities. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are essential for success in this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environment, development studies, international relations, geography, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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 desirable, indicating a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, project or programme management, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience in political analysis and advice, as well as in climate change impacts analysis and strategy development in conflict settings. Experience working in international organizations within conflict-affected or developing country contexts, particularly in the Horn of Africa, is desirable. Proven experience in policy development, advisory services, and advocacy is also preferred, along with at least two years of experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's application but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this 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 position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and renewal is contingent upon these factors. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not request any fees from applicants at any stage.