Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Environment and Forests Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). The broad aim of ECE’s environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in its member countries in line with Agenda 21. The selected candidate reports to the Chief of the Unit. This position is temporarily available 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2027.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Operational Activities and Review Section Chief and the Environmental Performance Review (EPR) Programme Manager the incumbent assists in planning and monitoring the implementation of EPRs in Eastern and South East Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia countries; carries out research and drafts chapters on specific issues related to EPRs. (1) As project coordinator for designated country EPRs the incumbent will: – Plan, implement and monitor the implementation of EPR reviews; – Schedule preparatory missions and review missions and participate in these missions. Assist in selecting and building up teams of international experts; in charge of liaising and coordinating national experts, consultants and experts from other international organizations. Liaise and cooperate with environment and other ministries in the reviewed countries, with other governments officials, representatives of national, regional and global organizations and organizations of the UN system and NGOs dealing with environmental policy and management issues; – Assist in planning, organizing and servicing of meetings of the EPR Expert Group, and provide support to intergovernmental processes dealing with environmental policy and management in particular of the peer-review meeting of the ECE Committee on Environmental Policy; draft reports, and policy papers and prepares summaries of the meetings; – Assist in the organization of panels and round tables and in particular of EPR launching events. (2) As expert on environmental issues the incumbent will: – Participate in the analysis of environmental policy and management; evaluate frameworks of strategic nature and management practices on the basis of empirical research; carry out interviews in the reviewed country, crosscheck the information and prepare a series of recommendations; participate in integrating/assembling the chapters of the report, and in verifying and harmonizing information contained in the report as well as the recommendations therein; – Prepare/contribute to the preparation of publications, various other written reports, documents and communications e.g., draft reports or sections of analytical reports, studies, background papers, parliamentary documents, briefings and correspondence. Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. (3) Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work units service: – Represent the work unit at international and other meetings; prepare inputs to statements by secretariat staff to such meetings; – provide input to the strategic framework reporting in the Enterprise Resource Planning system (Umoja); – Prepare EPR highlights and press releases, provide substantive input for updating website contents; – Provide support to the management of the Division and the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) on substantive and administrative issues.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. In-depth understanding of environmental management issues, sustainable development and the specific problems facing countries-in-transition. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in environmental management or economics, law, political science or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in government service, research institutions or in international intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations on environment-related issues and/or sustainable development or related field is required. Experience working with countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus or Central Asia is desirable. Experience in project/programme management and administration is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French

and

Russian are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Russian

UN Level I

UN Level I

UN Level I

UN Level I

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2027. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In…