Senior Environmental Policy Advisor

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 operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. Its mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The Senior Environmental Policy Advisor will be responsible for representing UNEP in China and enhancing its visibility. This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with senior officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other relevant partners, assisting in organizing UNEP consultations, and identifying areas of cooperation. The advisor will collect and analyze information on environmental matters in China, focusing on emerging issues and innovative policy initiatives. Additionally, the role includes mobilizing resources for UNEP's activities, ensuring media coverage, and coordinating UNEP's country activities in China. The advisor will also provide technical advice to UNEP divisions, represent UNEP in the UN Country team, and manage the office's operations, ensuring effective implementation of UNEP programs and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain relationships with senior officials of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other partners.
• Assist in organizing UNEP consultations and meetings.
• Collect and analyze information on environmental matters in China.
• Mobilize resources for UNEP activities from government and private sector partners.
• Ensure media coverage and implement outreach programs on UNEP activities.
• Coordinate UNEP's country activities in China and provide technical advice to UNEP divisions.
• Represent UNEP in the UN Country team and promote environmental considerations in UN programs.
• Manage the office's operations, including overseeing staff performance and preparing work plans.
• Conduct project reviews and site visits. 1
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts to support decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of inter-governmental negotiations and environmental policy development. They should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to analyze and interpret data. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to listen, interpret messages, and tailor communication to different audiences. Candidates should also exhibit accountability, leadership, and the ability to manage performance effectively, delegating responsibilities and providing feedback to staff.

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 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 organizations is desirable. Experience in China, particularly at the international level, is also desirable, along with three years of experience in a senior supervisory capacity. Candidates should have experience in program management, research, evaluation, and policy development, as well as in partnership and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Chinese is desirable, as it would facilitate communication and collaboration within the local context.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term, and candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.