Regional Director for UNEP in China

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Position Title: Regional Director for UNEP in China
Location: Beijing
Country: China
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 operates in multiple countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. It was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, working with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The position of Regional Director for UNEP in China involves representing UNEP in the country and enhancing its visibility. The incumbent will develop and maintain relationships with senior officials of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other partners, assist in organizing UNEP-China consultations, and support the government in identifying areas of cooperation. The role also includes collecting and analyzing information on environmental matters in China, assisting in resource mobilization for UNEP's activities, and ensuring adequate media coverage of UNEP's key activities. The position requires coordination of UNEP's programs and projects in China, providing technical advice to UNEP Divisions, and representing UNEP in the UN Country team to integrate environmental considerations into all UN programs and projects. Additionally, the incumbent will manage the office, oversee staff performance, and ensure effective implementation of UNEP programs and projects in China.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain relationships with senior officials of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other partners.
• Assist in organizing UNEP-China consultations.
• Collect and analyze information on environmental matters in China.
• Assist in resource mobilization for UNEP's activities.
• Ensure adequate media coverage of UNEP's activities.
• Act as the main interface between UNEP Divisions and ROAP/China.
• Provide technical advice to UNEP Divisions.
• Represent UNEP in the UN Country team.
• Function as Co-Chair of the Planet Result Group of UN Country Team in China. 1
• Ensure effective implementation of UNEP programs and projects in China. 1
• Undertake regular project and program reviews. 1
• Conceive, plan, and manage expert group meetings and seminars. 1
• Function as Head of the Office and oversee assigned staff. 1
• Coordinate high-level UNEP official visits to China. 1
• Lead team efforts to collect and analyze data for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of inter-governmental and inter-agency negotiations, the ability to analyze environmental, political, and economic developments, and provide technical support in environmental policy development. They should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, accountability, leadership, and the ability to manage performance. The role requires a proactive approach to developing strategies and establishing relationships to gain support.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Economics, Environmental Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international policy, environment, and/or sustainable development work in a multi-cultural setting is required. At least five years of work experience at the international level in the UN system or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience in China, particularly at the international level and in a senior supervisory capacity, is also desirable. Candidates should have experience in program management, research, evaluation, and policy development, as well as partnership and resource mobilization issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of Chinese is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.