UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and to advance green and climate resilient development. It offers a range of services, including executive training, institutional capacity development, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks. The Programme also hosts the Secretariat for UN CC:Learn, the One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (www.uncclearn.org) and is a member of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) (www.un-page.org).

The Associate Programme Officer for Green Development and Climate Change provides planning, implementation and programme management support for UNITAR’s portfolio in the area of climate change.

Under the supervision of the Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme, Division for Planet, the incumbent:

1. Supports the development and implementation of UNITAR climate change portfolio by:

• providing technical and project management support for activities related to climate change;
• supporting the coordination of UNITAR activities under UN CC:Learn, including the preparation of reports and monitoring of expenditure;
• supporting the planning and delivery of global UNITAR climate change services and activities;
• supporting UNITAR planning and implementation of deliverables for national and regional projects on climate change learning;
• engaging closely with the NDC Partnership and the UNFCCC Secretariat, as well as other key partners;
• supporting the organization of meetings and events;
• carrying out partnership building activities and preparation of project concepts in order to help to expand UNITAR’s climate change portfolio and mobilize co-financing for UN CC:Learn.

2. Supports Programme Management by:

• contributing towards the building and strengthening of partnerships with international organizations, research and training institutions, and practitioners;
• serving as Officer in Charge, as needed;
• undertaking related human resources management, financial management and internal/external programme tasks;
• contributing research and analysis to conceptualize new project concepts and project proposals;
• helping to raise the visibility of the UN CC:Learn programme as well as other climate related services provided by UNITAR in Bonn with international organisations and the government of Germany.

• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality;
• National and regional UN CC:Learn partners are affectively supported;
• Communications in dealing with countries and UN CC:Learn partners are professional and systematic;
• High quality inputs for the development of learning and training products development;
• Team leadership is demonstrated and positive spirit within the structure of the institute is supported and maintained;
• The interests of the programme unit are represented in internal and external meetings, as needed;
• Research for the identification of potential resource mobilization opportunities is provided;
• Effective prioritization of work, initiative and responsibility taken for work within the programme/projects served.

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change. Skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgement, based on agreed upon criteria, in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and advanced knowledge 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to maintain effective working relations within teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Planning & Organizing: Sound planning and organizational skills and ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure Under supervision, adjusts priorities and formulates plans 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 and resources efficiently.
• Accountability: Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honors commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Technological Awareness: Excellent knowledge in the field of technology-enhanced learning; very good knowledge of training methodologies, practices and principles of adult learning; practical experience in course design, implementation, and evaluation; excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills; keeps abreast of technology development and training methodology and delivery techniques.
• Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as training materials, reports, studies, strategies, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style, including ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in one or more of the following: political science, economics, environment or other equivalent related technical field; sound knowledge of climate change and green economy; specialized training in the implementation of capacity building activities is considered an important asset.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience at the international level in the fields of environment, climate change, green economy, and any other relevant fields; demonstrated experience in supporting project and programme design and implementation including at country level; good understanding of the fields of climate change, green economy and sustainable development; demonstrated proficiency in coordinating the organization and implementation of training activities and in-country projects; experience in interacting with training and academic partners.

Languages: Fluency in English required. Either one of the following languages would be an asset: German, French, Spanish.