Coordinator, D-1
Conference Affairs Services (CAS) Programme
Announcement number: VA 15/031/CAS
Expected date for entry on duty: As soon as possible
Duration of appointment: One and half years with possibility of extension
Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
Post number: FCA-2942-D1-001
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The Convention secretariat supports the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties.
The Conference Affairs Services programme (CAS) plans and manages all UNFCCC conferences and meetings, ranging from its Conferences of the Parties, the largest annual events in the UN calendar with up to 10,000 participants, to smaller meetings, workshops and events. CAS provides the full range of conference-related facilities and services including for conferences and sessions held at the secretariat headquarters in Bonn and abroad. In 2015, the programme has served five major sessions and 81 workshops.
CAS ensures that Parties receive high quality official documentation for their negotiations and implementation activities in the six official languages of the United Nations and in good time for informed deliberations and decisions. The programme manages the participation of observers in the UNFCCC process and liaises with constituency and group representatives. It facilitates participation in the intergovernmental process, especially by Parties eligible for funding and observer organizations, and ensures highly conducive and secure meeting environments.
What will you be doing
As Coordinator you will plan, formulate, implement and manage the work of the CAS programme consisting of 35 staff. Managing a budget of approx.. USD 22 million, you will ensure that the full range of conference-related facilities and services are provided to the high standards expected by Governments.
Expected key results:
Strategic vision and policy advice Programme and leadership management Senior representation
You will have the following responsibilities:
1. You will enhance the secretariat’s ability to achieve its overall mandate through strategic vision and policy advice to the ES. Activities include:
Providing authoritative advice to the Executive Secretary, Deputy Executive Secretary and the Management Team on the need for developing or adjusting conference/meetings systems, policies and procedures to meet the evolving needs of the UNFCCC process and the secretariat in the short and long term;
Developing and implementing forward-looking, innovative and cost-effective approaches and measures to enhance conference management support and promote new concepts of event management; working with IT colleagues to introduce cutting edge technologies and systems including for virtual participation, electronic documents management and conference registration and systems;
Overseeing all policy development relating to observer participation, external relations with Parties, document drafting and submission, and logistical and facilities standards.
2. You will plan and direct the full range of activities related to conferences, meetings and workshops, including budgets, finance, human resources management, procurement, and travel. Activities include:
Coordinating the preparation and the implementation of high quality conferences, meetings and workshops for the secretariat as a whole and for client programmes including related administrative planning and support; ensuring meeting environments and arrangements that enable active participation, secure access and effective dialogue and negotiations;
Acting as principal adviser to the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary on all matters pertaining to Conference Affairs Services operations;
Directing staff of the programme by coordinating the development of work plans, guiding performance, and monitoring activities;
Overseeing the day-to-day execution of operating policies in the area of conferences, meetings and workshops as well as official documentation and participation by observer organizations; providing advice to heads of programmes and other secretariat staff;
Continuously monitoring operations to improve consistency, coherence and client-orientation in the provision of secretariat-wide conference services.
3. You will represent the Executive Secretary and the secretariat in negotiations and consultations on the full range of conference matters. Activities include:
Providing authoritative advice on conference matters to host Governments, presiding officers and the Bureau, including the negotiation of host country agreements for conferences of approx. 10,000 participants;
Chairing/participating in joint advisory bodies, committees and Management Team sub-committees;
Building collaborative networks and maintaining relationships with representatives of Governments, global civil society and other stakeholders to promote engagement and secure effective participation;
Liaising with UNOG and other UN partners in relation to the provision of services to the secretariat related to conferences, meetings and workshops; developing agreements as required.
What are we looking for:
Educational background
Required: Advanced university degree in international relations, social or political science, public or business administration or a related discipline. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and additional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
Required: A minimum of 15 years in increasingly responsible positions in the area of event management with proven managerial experience at senior level.
Asset: At least 4 years of relevant experience in an international environment.
Language skills
Required: Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).
Desirable: Knowlege of another UN language.
Specific professional knowledge
Required: Up to date knowledge of event management, operations and logistical planning.
Job related skills
Required: Excellent planning and organizational skills; management of large and complex events with timely and cost effective achievements of results; proven analytical skills, negotiating skills and political sensitivity.
What is the selection process:
You may be invited for assessment of your technical/professional knowledge. If successful you may be invited for the final stage of the selection process, which consists of a competency based interview to assess the skills and aptitudes required to successfully perform the functions of the post. The following set of competencies for this particular post will be applied: Thinking strategically and building the vision, exercising sound judgement and decision making, delivering results, being responsive to clients and partners.
How to apply:
Candidates, whose qualifications and experience match the vacancy profile, should use the on-line application system available by clicking on the "Apply" button below.
Please note:
Qualified women candidates and candidates from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Service is limited to the UNFCCC Secretariat.
We will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates under serious consideration and contacted for an interview will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.
Indicative net annual salary and allowances:
US$ 96,540 to 103,274 (without dependents)
US$ 104,444 to 112,218 (with dependents)
(plus variable post adjustment, currently 25.9% of net salary),
plus other UN benefits as indicated in the link below:
https://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/conditions-of-employment.html