Org. Setting and ReportingThe post is located in the Water Unit of the Transboundary Cooperation Section of the Environment Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. This position is temporarily available for six months. The Associate Environmental Affairs Officer reports to the Secretary to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and Co-Secretary to the Protocol on Water and Health. ResponsibilitiesUnder the general supervision of the Chief, Transboundary Cooperation Section, and the direct supervision of the Secretary to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and Co-Secretary to the Protocol on Water and Health, the incumbent will support the activities on transboundary water cooperation in the Middle East region under the Water Convention, with a focus on Iraq, and activities on equitable access to water and sanitation under the Protocol by implementing the following tasks: Water sector analysis: • Collects, evaluates, interprets, analyses specified statistics and qualitative information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to transboundary water cooperation and water, sanitation and hygiene. • Maintains databases and programmes for database management and organizes non-quantitative information. • Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches and similar material on water issues in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists. • Prepares first drafts of country or regional components of analytical studies on water issues and policies. • Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc on water and development issues. Intergovernmental support to the Water Convention’s and Protocol on Water and Health’s bodies: • Prepares inputs for reports and other documentation to intergovernmental bodies. • Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports and similar material. • Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings. • Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc on water and development issues for inter-governmental processes. Technical cooperation in the areas of equitable access to water and sanitation in the UNECE region and transboundary water cooperation in the Middle East region: • Compiles and analyses the data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the areas of equitable access to water and sanitation in the UNECE region and transboundary water cooperation in the Middle East region, with a focus on Iraq. • Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects. • Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects. • Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects. General: • Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services; • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of water, sanitation and hygiene and transboundary water cooperation. Knowledge of water-related issues in the Middle East region. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning& 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. EducationA first-level university degree in economics, environmental sciences, water management or related field. Job - Specific QualificationSuccessful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in research and analysis, policy formulation in water issues is required. Experience of work in or with countries of the Middle East region is required. Experience with multilateral environmental agreements and the servicing of their intergovernmental bodies is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. 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).