Deputy Executive Secretary Wanted at UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

Deputy Executive Secretary (Assistant Secretary-General)   Deadline for application Announcement number Expected date for entry on duty Duration of appointment Duty Station   06 December 2016 VA 16/034/EDM As soon as possible One and half years with possibility of extension Bonn, Germany     The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The UNFCCC secretariat supports the Convention, its Kyoto Protocol and the historic Paris Agreement by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties and the implementation of commitments. It is a dynamic organization working in a politically challenging environment to help resolve one of the defining environmental issues of our time.   Reporting to the Executive Secretary (Under-Secretary-General), the Deputy Executive Secretary undertakes the following responsibilities: Provides strategic leadership and support to the Executive Secretary in developing and implementing a vision for the evolution and management of the secretariat as an institutionand shaping the programmatic direction of the organization; Represents the Executive Secretary and contributes to catalyzing the UNFCCC secretariat’s political engagement with governments and other actors; Provides leadership in the management of an innovative, dynamic, diverse and high-performing organization that respects diversity, ethics and integrity, and incorporates the gender perspective in all areas of the work programme; Provides political guidance in the relationship with UNFCCC Governing Bodies and high-level oversight of intergovernmental affairs and strategic guidance to the Senior Director of that cluster; Provides strategic guidance to the secretariat’s biannual programme budget planning, secretariat-wide resource mobilization activities, oversight and monitoring of budget implementation, and related evaluation and reporting to Parties; advises the Executive Secretary on budget negotiations with Parties and key contributors; Ensures an integrated approach to managing the operations of the secretariat, including direct oversight of administration, information and communications technology, and communications and outreach; identifies strategic opportunities for integration, synergy, cost savings, and ensure secretariat operations are optimally aligned to overall organizational goals; Ensures effective systems of delegation of authority within the organization and oversees internal risk management and secretariat responsiveness to internal and external audits; Manages the relations with the host country, the host city, and heads of United Nations agencies in Bonn; Oversees policy planning and implementation of activities related to staff well-being, including effective staff-management relations and executive communications with staff; and Acting as chief ethics and integrity officer, ensures the values of the organization are integrated and communicated by the leadership. Competencies   Professionalism: Expert knowledge in organizational management; proven ability to lead and oversee work on technical issues; ability to guide the work of others. Well demonstrated negotiating and diplomatic skills.   Communication: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. Ability to maintain effective relationships with outside collaborators and other contacts, including representatives of Member States and the public.   Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Proven ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavour.   Managerial Competencies   Judgment/Decision-making: Mature judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact; proven ability to provide strategic direction, to plan and establish priorities, and to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals.   Leadership:  Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills and ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and skills. Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing change initiatives including the analysis of complex human resources, budgetary, financial or administrative management policy and programmatic issues.   Building trust:  Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff; recognized and highly respected by peers, clients, partners and staff.   Vision: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicate links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Establish/identify and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.   Education   Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in public or business administration, environment, sustainable development, social science, law, or related area. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.   Experience   At least 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions, preferably in the public sector, with particular focus on management in large, multicultural institutions, such as international organizations, governments or non-governmental organizations. Programme and project planning and analyses, and budgeting skills are essential. Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills.   Language   Fluency in oral and written English; knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.   Other Desirable Knowledge and Skills   Knowledge of intergovernmental processes and protocols. Good understanding of the field of climate change in all its aspects, environmental policy, and the related global agenda in this area. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations. Knowledge of principles and practices related to organizational development and change management.   How to apply   Candidates, whose qualifications and experience meet the requirements, should use the on-line application system available at http://unfccc.int/recruitment.