UN Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya

Information Systems Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This position is located in UN Environment, Corporate Services Division, Enterprise Solutions Section in Nairobi.The incumbent will be reporting to the Chief, Enterprise Solutions Section

Responsibilities

·         Lead the development, maintenance and review of information technology systems: ·

·         Plans and directs major systems projects of significant importance to the institution, or major components of these complex systems which typically impact critical operations and large or multiple user groups.·

·         Track and monitor project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaises with users on all aspects and during all phases of development and implementation.·

·         Provide professional leadership and work direction to assigned project team, and/or mentor and supervises the work of new/junior officers, contract staff, etc.· Is actively involved in the execution of the most complex aspects of the project (e.g. systems analysis, development, programming, etc.); oversees development of document and database structures, ensuring that all design aspects are addressed and control and security mechanisms are established.·

·         Prepare technical and user documentation for entire systems and interdependent applications; prepares training materials and detailed technical presentations. ·

·         Provide expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems) or respond to requests from users; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, schedules, time and cost estimates, metrics and performance measures.·

·         Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the work program and budget pertaining to IT projects

·         Participate in planning and preparation of the budget, work program and spending plan.

·         Develops cost proposals for contractual services, oversees the technical evaluation of proposals received and manages the contract service, including the establishments of service level agreements (SLAs) with clear key performance indicators (KPIs)·

·         Provide technical advice on Information technology projects and tasks.

·         Develop, implements and monitors information standards and guidelines, including testing paradigms·

·         Keep abreast of developments in the field and determines the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies, including innovative and emerging information technologies; provides leadership on introducing technological changes; prepares various technical reports.

Competencies

·         Professionalism: Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems.

·         Ability to develop and oversee large centralized or decentralized institutional systems; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational and substantive issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters.

·         Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, including agile methodologies.

·         Knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s).

·         Show 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; show 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.

·         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.

·         Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks Shows willingness to learn new technology.

·         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.

Education

·         Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, information management, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

·         A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area.

·         Experience or solid practical knowledge in innovative and emerging information technologies, such as big data, blockchain, internet of things, and artificial intelligence are highly desirable.

·         Experience in handling the development of innovative information technology solutions in the environmental area is an advantage.

Languages

·         English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both Oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an added advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Initial appointment against this post is for a period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) requirements, or geographical to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “need Help” link.

How to Apply

Apply here  

Statistician

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Environment Statistics Section, Environment Statistics and Geospatial Information Branch, Statistics Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Statistician reports to the Chief of the Environment Statistics Section. The Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. The Division compiles and disseminates global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Further information is available on the following website: https://unstats.un.org.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section, the Statistician will be responsible for the following duties:

·         Initiates and co-ordinates the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data on environment statistics.

·         Ensures the quality of collected environmental data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.

·         Plans and conducts analytical programmes of work in environment statistics. This may include: identifying projects, conducting analysis and participating in technical advisory activities for national capacity building.

·         Supervises and contributes to the development and maintenance of databases, web publishing tools, and other software for collection, storage and distribution of environment statistics.

·         Undertakes methodological research with regard to standards on concepts, definitions and classifications in environment statistics (including climate change statistics) to assist countries and other constituents in strengthening their statistical development.

·         Develops new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses related to environment statistics.

·         Provides guidance and advice to other departments, field experts, etc., in the planning, operation and evaluation of environment statistics programmes and projects.

·         Plans and co-ordinates seminars, workshops, expert meetings in environment statistics.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

·         Professionalism: Knowledge of concepts and approaches relevant to environment, sustainable development and climate change. Knowledge of statistical programmes to analyze and evaluate complex data. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to statistical development. 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.

·         Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

·         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.

Education

·         Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in statistics, mathematics, economics, environmental sciences, sustainable development or related field is required.

·         A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

·         A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data or related area is required.

·         Experience in the area of environmental statistics/indicators or statistics/indicators relating to sustainable development or climate change is desirable.

·         Experience in the use of computerized databases is desirable.

Languages

·         English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

·         Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

·         Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

How to Apply

Apply here

Legal Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations (UN) Ethics Office, an independent office, which assists the Secretary-General in ensuring that all staff members observe and perform their functions consistent with the highest standards of integrity, required by the Charter of the United Nations, through fostering a culture of ethics, transparency and accountability. The Legal Officer will report to the Senior Ethics Officer, who leads the Team on Protection-against-Retaliation and other matters, and to the Director.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following:

1. Protection against Retaliation (PaR)

·         Serves as a lead officer in conducting procedural reviews of appeal cases, preliminary reviews of PaR requests and drafts prima facie case findings; advises clients of the UN PaR policy and internal grievance mechanisms; independently handles a wide range of multi-discipline and complex PaR legal matters, involving issues of public, private, and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area of concentration (both substantive and procedural).

·         Advises and engages with UN internal justice system bodies including the tribunals, on retaliation cases, participates in negotiations and settlement of claims, to include establishing strategy and approach; deciding on the recommendations on the merit of claims and in connection with the reviewability of administrative decisions taken upon a recommendation of the Ethics Office.

·         Reviews retaliation investigations to determine if retaliation occurred as alleged, applying the legal standard of “clear and convincing evidence” required by the PaR policy; advises on and drafts complex agreements and other legal documents; develops new modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances.

·         Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares determinations, briefs, and correspondence, in particular to remediate situations where retaliation has occurred, and effectuate the consultation/resolution process; provides legal advice to the unit/division.

·         As needed, services conferences, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, and, in particular as it relates to reviews of PaR determinations; participates in the preparation of background materials, and summaries of issues and reviews.

·         Employs creative solutions to prevent retaliation and reduce instances of formal complaints.

2. Provision of legal and ethics advice

·         Provides timely and confidential legal advice and guidance on diverse and substantive questions of considerable complexity, including monitoring trends and conducting analysis into root causes of legal dilemmas for staff.

·         Conducts extensive complex, organizational, managerial and legal research and analysis.

·         Provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of staff regulations and rules, including the review of administrative decisions.

·         Participates in negotiations and discussions in advising on legal terms and conditions of the recommendations of the Director in PaR cases where retaliation is established.

·         Consults and liaises with the Administrative Law Section (ALS) in the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), among others, to update and interpret legislative and governance framework of the Ethics Office.

·         Provides assistance in developing coherence within the UN system, taking as applicable, the leading role in working towards common frameworks and policies within the UN ethics and legal communities and networks with regard to whistleblower protections and PaR policy development.

·         Performs other tasks as directed by the First and/or Second Reporting Officer.

3. Coherence, training and outreach

·         Contributes to review and design of applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, outreach materials, etc., especially in relation to the PaR programme.

·         As required, serves on boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces; promotes the work of the UN Ethics Office and represents the Office at meetings, conferences, seminars, to help ensure engagement with all stakeholders.

·         Coordinates with colleagues inside and outside of own team in dealing with significant problems as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior officers on specific projects as required.

Qualifications

·         Professionalism: Knowledge of international or administrative law, both substantive and procedural. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems, particularly in the application of the PaR policy to the specific facts of a claimant’s case, and in developing innovative solutions in analyzing complex cases.

·         Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare briefs, opinions, and related documents.

·         Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement.

·         Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. 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; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

·         Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.

Education

·         Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international or administrative law, or related area.

·         A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

·         A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in organizational ethics, law, including legal analysis, research and writing, or related area is required.

·         Experience in implementing whistle-blower protection in an international organization is desirable.

Languages

·         English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

How to Apply

Apply here