Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General in the Department of Operational Support. The Environmental Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Environment Section (Senior Environmental Affairs Officer). ResponsibilitiesThe Environmental Affairs Officer is responsible to develop, coordinate and manage capacity building programs in the area of environmental management in UN Peace Operations, in support of extra-budgetary resources provided to DOS, drawing on and building partnerships with wider UN system actors, from non-conflict settings. Within delegated authority, the Environmental Affairs Officer will be responsible for: Capacity building and Awareness • Consulting environmental and engineering practitioners from peacekeeping missions and field-based special political missions on capacity building needs in the area of environmental management • Developing a capacity building workplan based on outcomes of the consultation and on specific objectives set in the agreement signed between DOS and the donors having provided extra-budgetary sources • Coordinating, in collaboration with other members of the Peace Operations environmental core team, the development and the delivery of capacity building programs in the area of environmental management • Reviewing and updating existing training material to ensure that these reflect the latest relevant strategic and policy documents • Monitoring expenditures related to the development and delivery of the capacity building programs to contribute to efficient use of the extra-budgetary resources provided by donors. • Undertake outreach activities and promote awareness on environmental issues. • Facilitate the network of Missions Environment Affairs Officers and Secretariat Environmental Focal Points by sharing best practices and lessons learned from missions and/or organizations, and by managing the online Peace Ops Environment Community website. Policy and Guidance • Participate in the drafting and/or review of various other environmental guidance documents. • Review environmental assessments, scorecards and surveys of operations in the missions. • Assist in the review of all relevant policies, and provide inputs to mainstream environment in all guidance documents; • Prepare various written outputs, e.g. input to communication materials, briefing notes, and talking points for senior management. Environmental Action Plan - Implementation: • Draft papers, technical documents, advice notes and operational guidance to support the mainstreaming of environmental and positive legacy considerations in operations • Support missions in identifying opportunities to leave a positive legacy in the host community, in particular those related to mission facilities, infrastructure, and camp management services; • Recommend to the Senior Environmental Affairs Officer and management to undertake such measures as may be required to improve environmental management performance in the field; • Advise relevant officers or offices on environmental issues arising from assessments, studies, and plans, including environmental information relevant to the operations of the Department and/or the missions. Coordination and Partner Relations • Work with DOS pillars and divisions to mainstream the environmental management practices across the organization, including headquarters-led processes • Provide support in liaising on environmental issues with Permanent Missions and member states and relevant United Nations bodies and agencies; • Evaluate opportunities to extend this support to host nations to build local capacity; • Participate in or lead field visits, including provision of guidance to external consultants and other parties and drafting mission summaries; and • Perform any other tasks required to support the Environment Strategy for Peace Operations. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to environmental management in field operations. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to synthesize complex information and to prepare high quality summary for senior management. Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to analyze and interpret complex information in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. • 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. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in environmental management, science, engineering, or related field is required. 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 QualificationNot available. Work Experience• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the environmental management field with a national or a sub-national government/administration, a multi-national private company or an international organization, or a combination such experience is required. • Experience in working with the wider UN family or similar international organizations on the implementation of environmental programmes, including related to build facilities and infrastructure, beyond the sphere of conflict settings is required. • Experience in developing and delivering capacity building programs, or in coordinating the development and delivery of capacity building programs, in the area of environmental management is desirable. • Experience in the environment management in the context of field operations (inclusive of peacekeeping operations, special political missions, agencies, funds and programmes), or other conducted in conflict or post-conflict settings is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is 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).