Job: Project Assistant - Biodiversity Global Programme

Location: New York
Deadline: Tuesday, 23 July 2013 

Description

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the worlds most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.
UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.
By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.
UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.
Background Information - Development Group Cluster
Development Group Cluster
The UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the North America Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Human Development Report Office, and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.
Background Information - Job-specific
Building on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and resolutions reached at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Equator Initiative has adopted a sustainable development strategy that stresses the need for local level action to reduce poverty through the conservation of biodiversity. The Biodiversity Global Programme, of which the Equator Initiative is part, assists countries to develop their own capacity to manage biodiversity to deliver ecosystem services on which sustained human development depends. To achieve this objective it engages in mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation, market transformation, and capacity development activities.
This assignment concerns support to the Equator Initiative, which within the Biodiversity Global Programme focuses on local success at biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. This assignment will focus on communications and outreach, including knowledge management. It includes communications and outreach activities with two main functions: support production of a public service announcement pilot project entitled “Biodiversity Matters: Kids Get It†and support the global distribution of Equator Knowledge products, with a focus on the book “The Power of Local Action†and 152 case studies. Communications’ activities include creating comprehensive information packages for the country offices, and serving as focal point during the outreach process. Working within UNDP’s Biodiversity Global Programme and under the Equator Initiative Manager and Research Analyst, the assignment is expected to cover a period of three months during which the consultant will assist with all aspects of support to complete the tasks described here. The candidate should have an understanding of the relevant issues in local and community-based action, in environmental conservation and poverty reduction.
Functional Responsibilities
  • Provide logistical and organizational support to production of a pilot for a series of public service announcements for the campaign ‘Biodiversity: Kids Get it’;
  • Liaise with UNDP country offices, Equator Prize winners, local and indigenous representatives, and academic institutions to disseminate Equator Initiative publications;
  • Provide support to distribution of the book ‘The Power of Local Action’ and information packages and UNDP country office and the environment focal points;
  • Outreach to Equator Prize winning communities for distribution of the book ‘The Power of Local Action’ and information packages;
  • Support EquatorNet and Between the Lines newsletters as needed;
  • Provide support as needed to other Equator Initiative work.
Competencies
Communications -
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organization
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Teamwork
Ability to work productively in a team environment; Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations. Experience working in project teams and working in a multi-project environment is required.
Respect for Diversity
Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender and geographical balance. Respect for, and understanding of, international political processes; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and discretion
Education/Experience/Language requirements
EDUCATION
Secondary School Diploma required, Bachelors or Masters Degree in Communications; International Relations, Economic Development and or Environmental Management would be an asset;
EXPERIENCE
  • 2-3 years of experience working in a support role in for a communications and/or outreach program.
  • Experience with communications production (Film, TV, etc) would be an asset;
  • Strong organization skills would be an asset:
  • Willingness to contribute as needed to the overall work of the Equator Initiative and UNDP;
  • Dedication to UN principles and knowledge of overarching goals.
LANGUAGE
Strong written and oral communications skills in English;
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local ICA Contract level: LICA-SU 4 Contract duration: Full time – 3 months, July – September 2013 For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY NATIONALS OF THE US AND THOSE WITH THE LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK THEREIN NEED APPLY.
Additional Considerations
  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

0 comments:

Post a Comment