Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Dangerous Goods Section, Sustainable Transport Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva. The Sustainable Transport Division works to facilitate the international movement of persons and goods by inland transport modes and to improve competitiveness, safety, energy efficiency, environmental performance and security in inland transport and to contribute effectively to sustainable development. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of the Sustainable Transport Division.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Provides leadership, co-ordination and supervision of the work of the professional and general service staff members of the Section, who: (a) Are responsible for or provide support to the servicing of the following intergovernmental bodies: Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals of the Economic and Social Council and its two sub-Committees; Inland Transport Committee; Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Joint Meeting of the RID Safety Committee and of the Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods; ADN Safety Committee; ADN Administrative Committee. (b) Write and prepare documentation for meetings. (c) Draft, compile and edit technical and legal texts relating to the conditions of transport of Dangerous goods (hazard classification, labelling, documentation, packing standards, construction and operation of vehicles, containers, tank-containers, etc.); arrange those texts in the form of legislative texts for national law or international agreements; preparing corresponding depositary notifications for circulation by the Office of Legal Affairs, prepare revised editions of recurrent United Nations sales publications (every two years) (in English and/or French): United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations; United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), and European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN). 2. Leads the secretarial work of the intergovernmental bodies: (a) acts as Secretary of the Economic and Social Councils Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, and its Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods; (b) acts as Secretary of the Joint Meeting of the RID Safety Committee and of the UNECE Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods; (c) acts as Secretary of the ADN Safety Committee and ADN Administrative Committee. In this capacity: – Writes and prepares documentation for meetings; – Reviews or writes summary reports on the debates and submits the final reports to the Economic and Social Council or to the ECE Inland Transport Committee; – Is in charge of the organization and preparation of the meetings of these bodies; – Organises the follow-up activities resulting from decisions of the ECOSOC or of the Inland Transport Committee. 3. Participates in activities of other sections and other organizations, and seeks cooperation of Governments: (a) At ECE level: – To ensure harmonization of the various national or international instruments dealing with the transport of dangerous goods; – To implement the work of the Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in all countries of the ECE and beyond; (b) At worldwide level: – To promote the implementation of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals; – To ensure an effective follow-up to the implementation of chapter 19 of UNCED Agenda 21, as well as of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in relation to SDGs 2, 3, 8, 11, 12 and 14. 4. Represents the ECE secretariat at relevant conferences and meetings convened by specialized agencies, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. 5. Advises the Director of the Division on the political, legal and technical aspects of the areas of responsibility of the post as well as of other areas of international transport. 6. Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the transport of dangerous goods area. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. Planning and organizing: 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in transport, chemistry, physics, engineering, industrial safety management, economics, international law or related field is required. A first level university degree in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least ten years of experience linked to transport of dangerous goods or related regulations in a Government department and /or in international organization is required. Experience in drafting summary reports of meetings and preparing texts for publication is required. Experience in…