VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Training Associate
Programme: Chemicals and Waste Management Programme
Deadline for applications: 8 April 2011
Date of issuance: 9 March 2011
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Duration of contract: 12 months

Remuneration: Depending on the professional background and experience the range of remuneration is USD 5,200 to USD 6,300 per month. The benefit package includes six weeks of annual leave and a limited health insurance plan. It does not include a pension contribution. Please note that this vacancy is located in Geneva and is a locally recruited position with no international benefits. This is not a regular post but a type of contract specific to UNITAR.

Area of Specialization/Thematic Areas:

• Training/capacity building for chemicals and waste management
• Project management
• Expertise in organizing workshops
• Guidance and training material development
• Communications expertise
• English and French languages
• Computer and Internet expertise
• Strong administrative support capabilities

Skills and Competencies expected from the individual:

• Highly organized and reliable planning coordinator with the ability to plan, monitor and have the capacity to execute urgent tasks
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Focus on quality work, thoroughness and attention to detail
• Reliable and committed team member with strong interpersonal skills to work in a multi-cultural team
• Adaptability and flexibility to work in a complex and dynamic environment
• Excellent knowledge of French and English (oral and written)



Responsibilities:

· Support SAICM enabling activity projects, POPs enabling and implementation projects, and Rotterdam Convention projects, especially in the African Region
  • Support activities regarding nanotechnology/manufactured nanomaterials
  • Support other programme areas as identified by mutual agreement with the supervisor
  • Develop/review project agreements
  • Support project proposal development
  • Organize training workshops
  • Coordinate the delivery of technical guidance and advice to countries
  • Participate in project reporting and monitoring
  • Liaise with UNITAR Administration and Finance Section on expenditures of assigned projects and activities
  • Undertake other communications/correspondence for the projects as required, and translation of, for example, training/technical documents, official communication with countries, etc.
  • Participate in international conferences and other national/international meetings
  • Supervise interns and/or internal consultants

Measurable outputs:
• Completed MOAs
• Systematic communications with countries
• Timelines followed
• Other project deliverables completed, where appropriate
• Minutes and meeting reports (where relevant) developed

Reporting structure:

The incumbent reports directly to the Manager, Chemicals and Waste Management Programme.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:

· Positive feedback from clients and supervisors regarding services provided
· Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion
· Outputs are of high quality
· Assistance in developing the programme as appropriate
· Communications in dealing with countries are proactive and systematic
· Challenges encountered result in proactive seeking of guidance from supervisors
· Inputs to guidance and training material development of demonstrably high quality
· Suggestions on programmatic directions and related issues (including budgetary) are regularly made

Remarks:

In 2011, the programme has country projects in some 9 French-speaking countries. This assignment is therefore critical to the success of that work.

Competencies:

  • Professionalism: Good understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and good general knowledge of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units; good knowledge of relevant operational and administrative policies, processes and procedures, including records management/filing procedures; ability to accurately prepare a range of unit’s outputs, reports, etc.; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; practical experience in programme/project management and administration; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases;

  • Planning and organizing - Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

  • Communications – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.

  • Technology Awareness – Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, Internet, etc.

  • Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: Advanced University degree in chemistry, environmental engineering, sciences, international affairs/relations, or any related area or equivalent combination of education and work experience accepted in lieu of.
Three to five years of work experience or relevant combination of education and experience in planning/organizing workshops, communications and training/capacity building; preferably in a multicultural setting. Knowledge of UNITAR’s institutional policies and guidelines as well as knowledge of the UN system an advantage.

Language:Fluency in oral and written English, French language a strong asset.

UNITAR shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article . English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Priority will be given to the applicants from the underrepresented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

A letter of motivation as well as the P11 form/ Curriculum Vitae are to be sent to: [email protected]

UN staff members must submit copies of their latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) report at the time of application.