Coordinator, Mediterranean Action Plan Secretariat, D-2

10-PGM-UNEP-424096-R-ATHENS

 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) is one of the UNEP's Regional Seas Programmes encompassing a comprehensive system of activities for the protection and the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region based on a legal framework (the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols). The Convention involves the 21 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea as well as the European Community. This post is located in the Coordinating Unit of MAP at the Athens duty station in Greece. Under the overall guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Barcelona Convention and the Director, Division of Environmental Policy implementation (DEPI), and working closely with the UNEP/DEPI Coordinator for the Coastal and Marine Branch, the incumbent shall perform the following duties: 1. Overall management of the Secretariat of the Barcelona Convention and the Secretariat to the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD): a) Develop and direct the work programme in accordance with the decisions of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and relevant work programmes or recommendations of bodies such as the European Union and UNEP; b) Initiate, develop and prepare policies, strategies and guidelines to be presented to the Contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention and to the MCSD and facilitate their implementation; c) Liaise with Governments, the European Union, Inter Governmental Organizations (IGOs), Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to ensure their input in MAP activities and the MCSD activities. 2. Mobilize additional funding for the MAP programmes and determine priorities for budget allocations, in accordance with the UN financial rules and regulations; Observe planning and reporting requirements, including implementing legal instruments with partners as required. 3. Develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance the effective cooperation between national, regional and international initiatives on sustainable development in the Mediterranean States. 4. Coordinate the preparation of meetings of the Contracting parties and the MCSD and the input of the Mediterranean Action Plan into other international meetings such as organized by the European Union and UNEP. 5. Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to the Conference of the Parties. 6. Assist the Director, DEPI and cooperate with other heads of organizational units of Headquarters in the formulation of policies and activities to forward and strengthen the MAP. 7. Perform representative functions on behalf of UNEP. 8. Oversee the recruitment of staff for the Office according to the UN rules and procedures on recruitment. 9. Communicate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece on matters arising out of the Host Country Agreement with Greece.

 Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of environment and sustainable development issues especially coastal and marine ecosystems including oceans, seas and fisheries; Extensive knowledge of the environmental situation in the Mediterranean region; Proven ability to undertake strategic analysis; Proven success in overseeing the work of others and providing direction to staff; Ability to provide guidance in a broad range of human resources, financial and administrative matters. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies; Proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; Ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue the same direction. Leadership: Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and drives for change and improvement; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. Empowering Others: Empowers others to translate vision into results; Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Involves others in decision making, showing appreciation and encourages others to set challenging goals and holds them responsible for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Judgment/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Makes tough decisions when necessary.