Download Format job description JPO/ASSOCIATE EXPERT/APO

Request from
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Environment for Europe and Sustainable Development Team – Espoo Convention
Environment, Housing and Land Management
Job Description
INT-200-09-P080-01-V (July 2009)
1. General Information
Functional title:
Associate Expert (Climate Neutrality and Energy Efficiency Officer)
Duration:
1 year (with possibility for extension for another year)
Date Required :
As soon as possible
Duty station(location, sector):
Geneva, Switzerland
Palais des Nations,Housing and Land Management
Unit, Environment, Housing and Land Management
2. Supervision
Direct supervision by:
Secretary to the Committee on Housing and Land Management
Content and methodology of the supervision:
For each assignment, general objectives, desired results and anticipated problems are
discussed beforehand with the JPO. The supervisor gives regular feedback on the progress of
activities through review of the work in progress. All duties should be carried out under
general supervision and the supervisor be consulted with on issues of policy or other sensitive
matters. Final results of each set of activities will be reviewed for attainment of objectives
and quality of work.
The supervisors will introduce the JPO to the Unit and its programme/projects. His or her
work programme will be discussed and evaluated in light of the PAS (the UN Personal
Appraisal System), including feedback on the frequency and nature of assessments of
accomplishments, review of problems, discussions on job-satisfaction; and a discussion of the
development plan and learning objectives. Guidance will be provided in developing the work
plan and in project implementation. The appraising officers will be:
First Appraising Officer:
Secretary to the CHLM
Environment,
Housing
Management Division
UNECE
and
Second Appraising Officer:
Acting Director
Environment,
Housing
and
Management Division UNECE
Land
Land
3. Duties, responsibilities and output expectations:
Under the supervision of the Secretary to the CHLM, the JPO would:
1. Organize workshops, seminars and events on climate neutrality and energy efficiency
in housing, both at the UN headquarters in Geneva as well as in host countries by:
(a)
Liaising with relevant authorities within the Secretariat and/or member States
on logistical and substantive issues;
(b)
Identify and contact experts and potential speakers;
(c)
Coordinating the development of background information and studies;
(d)
Providing the necessary logistical and technical assistance to experts and
speakers for the development of their works and presentations;
(e)
Being responsible for the preparation of the programme of events as well as the
related reports;
(f)
Developing proposals for follow up activities to the meetings;
(g)
Monitoring the implementation of related activities and projects.
2. Develop studies and researches on energy efficiency in housing as well as project
proposals to present to potential donors by;
(a)
Undertaking review of relevant literature and liaise with international and
regional experts to gather relevant information;
(b)
Drafting studies, in accordance with the CHLM mandate and guidelines
provided by the supervisor;
(c)
Drafting project proposals for fundraising activities in support of energy
efficiency in housing and climate neutrality in cities;
(e)
Liaising with donors (form Member States and private sector) to develop a
relationship of trust and regularly discuss possibilities for funding of activities;
(f)
Preparing and maintaining a list of international experts to involve in workshop,
relevant missions and events on energy efficiency and climate neutrality;
(g)
Preparing and delivering presentations at relevant events on energy efficiency in
housing and climate neutral cities.
3. Assist with the servicing and preparation of meetings to develop and negotiate the
Action Plan for Energy Efficiency in Housing in the UNECE region by:
(a) Providing technical and logistical back up to the secretariat and/or organizing
countries;
(b) Developing relevant background and supporting documents and drafting related
reports;
(c) Supporting member States attending the meeting and to ensure proper follow up
at the national level.
4. Assist with the development of outreach material on the work of CHLM and
WPLA on energy efficiency in housing by:
(a)
Monitoring information on CHLM and WPLA to be constantly updated
(website, publications, communications to Member States);
(b)
Providing assistance to consultants working on outreach material, including
videos and publications;
(b)
Contributing to the work of the Unit on outreach, in particular by providing
information n energy efficiency in housing and climate neutral cities.
5. Assist with the daily activities of the Unit, including by:
(a)
Supporting the organization of the regular sessions and Bureau meetings of the
CHLM and WPLA;
(b)
Gathering relevant information for the preparation of meeting documents and
newsletters;
Liaising with relevant international organizations on matters related to the work
of the CHLM and WPLA;
(c)
(d)
Attending relevant meetings.
Output Expectations

Overall, increased understanding by relevant Member States of the importance of
sound housing and land governance, policy and administration, as well as use of
appropriate tools to increase energy efficiency in housing and reduce GHG emissions
in cites;
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Development of effective public awareness, capacity building and technical tools, to
be used at the national and local levels and thus increased capacity of Members States
to use tools appropriately, to protect the most disadvantaged part of the population
Enhanced capability of the HLM Unit to provide technical assistance to Member
Countries on energy efficiency and climate neutrality;
Improved dissemination of the guidance of the CHLM and WPLA on these topics;
Better and smoother organization of workshops and better impact of results and
guidance;
Increase quality and effectiveness of UNECE material and events on the topics above;
Identification of expertise that can be deployed in workshop, events and capacity
building exercises in the region;
Increased visibility and impact of the work of the CHLM and WPLA and the HLM
Unit;
Increased synergies with other international organizations on issues related to energy
efficiency in housing and reduction of GHG missions in cities, and better assistance
provided to Members States on projects and programmes.
4. Qualifications and experience
Education:
Advanced university degree in architecture, land management,
geography, economics, or another relevant discipline.
Work experience:
At least two years of relevant working experience.
Languages:
Fluency in English and good drafting and writing skills are
required; a working knowledge of either French or Russian is
useful.
Other skills:
They should also have good computer, writing and communication
skills.
UN Competencies: Professionalism: Ability to undertake research, analyze 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;
shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in
stressful situations.
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; demonstrates openness in
sharing information and keeping people informed.
Team work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is
willing to learn from others and supports and acts in accordance with final group
decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
Client orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by
gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to
appropriate solutions; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
5. Learning Elements
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On the job training in the administration and functioning of the Committee of
Housing and Land management and the Working Party on Land Administration
On the job training, through missions on site, and interaction with local
authorities, NGOs and other UN agencies
Coordination with other UN agencies and partner organisations through the UN
system
Understanding of international UN negotiations and servicing of UN bodies
Understanding of key issues regarding housing and land management and
administration at the international level
Improvement of English writing skills, if necessary.
Language courses in the UN languages are available as required (courses take
place regularly on the UN premises), as well as other courses (negotiations,
teamwork, etc)
Further computer courses or other courses can be covered by the JPO training
budget
During the first year, the JPO will become familiar with CHLM and WPLA requirements
for housing maintenance and refurbishment, with a focus on energy efficiency, and with
the procedures for the organization and funding of missions and workshops. He/she will
oversee the elaboration of activities and to finalize related documents with limited
supervision. He/She will compile information on energy efficiency and climate neutrality
activities and oversees its dissemination. He/she will have gained knowledge of the entire
CHLM work and more in-depth knowledge of the operation of the WPLA. He/she should
have become familiar with the systems for the management of information and have
improved his/her English drafting skills, if necessary. He/She fully participates in the
discussions, planning and work of the HLM Unit.
During the second and, if applicable, the third year, the JPO will be able to oversee the
elaboration activities and workshops and to organize missions and workshops, including
the finalization of related documents with minimal supervision. He/She monitors the
implementation of activities and projects, and undertakes the technical evaluation of the
results of the activities. He/She makes suggestions on possible follow up action and
initiates contacts with relevant organizations or Member States. . He/She autonomously
replies to queries to the Unit concerning capacity building activities. He/She has gained
experience in the organization and servicing of the CHLM and WPLA intergovernmental
meetings. Represent on request the Unit at meetings and other events. He/She regularly
reviews information on the work of CHLM/WPLA and prepares ad-hoc material.
During the whole period, the JPO will gain experience in the role of the Unit, and be
increasingly able to take a proactive and value-added role in supporting the smooth
functioning of the office.
6. Background information
Climate change: a priority for the UN as a whole and for UNECE
The world needs a more coherent system of international
environmental governance. We need to invest more in green
technologies and smarter policies. And we need to do far more to
adapt to global warming and its effects.
Ban Ki-moon
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has consistently stated that climate
change is a major global challenge and he intends to take a leadership role in supporting
efforts by the international community to address the problem by bringing world leaders
together and by ensuring that all parts of the UN system contribute to the solution. As a
global forum with universal participation, the United Nations is uniquely positioned to
forge a common approach to combating climate change.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is contributing to
combating climate change in the wider European region, covering fifty-six member
States and spanning the whole European continent, Caucasus, Central Asia, Israel,
Turkey, Canada and the United States of America. Its role is also to contribute to the
local and regional implementation of the UNFCCC. UNECE has spearheaded the
region’s effort to achieving target number seven of the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals, to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country
policies and programmes and reverse the losses of environmental resources.
Housing and Land Management activities at UNECE and Programme of Work
Housing and land management issues in the UNECE region are complex as they are the
result of and encompass a long European building history as well as a variety of cultures
and living habits. Through the work of the Committee on Housing and Land Management
and the related Working Party on Land Administration, UNECE is addressing important
goals, such as bettering housing conditions and ensuring security of tenure in the
region, thus offering important contributions to the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals.
The Committee is also trying to respond to the challenges posed by climate change,
and identify policy solutions that would enhance energy efficiency in housing and make
cities more climate neutral. In addition to contributing to reducing emissions and energy
savings, interventions in this sector would enhance the living conditions of most dwellers
in the region.
The housing sector, through both its high GHG emissions and large potential for energysaving measures, plays a critical role in climate change mitigation. The IPCC estimates
that the global potential to reduce emissions at roughly 29 per cent for the residential and
commercial sectors.1 Energy-saving potential in this sector is considered to be the
highest. It is estimated that in Europe, buildings account for roughly 40 – 45 per cent of
energy consumption, emitting significant amounts of CO2. Residential buildings
accounted for the lion’s share of these emissions.2
Energy efficient buildings can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation by
reducing the energy consumption of the building, as well as by making them more
resistant to severe weather events. Improving energy efficiency is especially important in
the UNECE region, where projected increased housing construction and home ownership
are likely to be accompanied by higher electricity consumption, and thus growing
emissions.
Energy Efficiency in Housing and Climate Neutral Cities: an area to be strengthened in
the Housing and Land Management Committee
The work of the Committee on Housing and Land Management in this area allows
countries to share experiences and good practices in reducing energy consumption in the
residential sector, both aimed at the existing housing stock and at new residential housing
construction. This is expected to have an important impact on improving energy
performance in parts of the region where progress is hampered by low innovation
capacities and a lack of knowledge about technical options to improve the thermal
efficiency of existing buildings or by outdated building codes that prevent countries from
embracing the newest energy efficient construction techniques.
As experiences and situations in the UNECE region on energy efficiency in housing and
reducing GHG emission in urban environments vary widely. UNECE has developed, as
part of its programme of work, a series of activities to be undertaken in the coming
three/four years. These include encouraging exchange of experience through a number of
workshops, seminars and events, the development of technical literature and
communication material to inform member States of challenges and opportunities, the
development of a Action Plan on Energy Efficiency in Housing for the UNECE region (at
the request of the UN Economic Commission for Europe), and the development of
specific activities to promote tools for climate neutral cities, to name a few. Technical
work will include for instance the analysis of institutional, financial, technical and legal
gaps that are currently preventing countries from achieving more energy efficiency in
housing. Also high-level expert discussions will be organized on effective ways to reduce
emission in buildings and throughout the cities, by means of better planning, sustainable
transport and increased greening.
As mentioned, at the global and regional scale this work will also contribute to the
attainment of Millennium Development Goals, to integrate the principles of sustainable
development into country policies and programmes and reverse the losses of
environmental resources and the implementation of the commitment of the United
1
Quoted in Deda, P. & Georgiadis, G., Tackling Climate Change “at home”: Trends and Challenges in Enhancing Energy
Efficiency in Buildings in the ECE region, a contribution to UNECE Annual Report 2009, mimeo, p. 2.
2
Ibid. p. 3.
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and its post-Kyoto process to
reduce GHG emissions.