First Economic Affairs Officer, (Water), UN-ESCWA

Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) Position: First Economic Affairs Officer - (Water) Duty Station: Beirut (Beyrouth), Lebanon Deadline for Application: 3 May 2012 Term: P-4 Experience Requirements: Knowledge of Arabic highly desirable Special Requirements: Applications only accepted on-line via the vacancy announcement website Org. Setting and Reporting This post is located within the Water Resources Section, Sustainable Development and Productivity Division (SDPD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The First Economic Affairs Officer reports directly to the Chief of the Water Resources Section and will be under the overall supervision of the Director of SDPD. Responsibilities The incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following: 1- Design and conduct substantive studies on selected water resources management issues, including shared water resources management, climate change, and water services in the Arab region; 2- Develop draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work; 3- Formulate proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others; 4- Attend international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions on water resources management issues facing the region; 5- Organize and contribute to expert group meetings, seminars and workshops on water and sustainable development issues for government officials and others; 6- Prepare speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff; 7- Undertake missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, and provide technical assistance to government officials and regional stakeholders as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities; 8- Prepare global, regional, national or sector analysis that provides a basis for advising national governments on water issues in the region; 9- Formulate technical modalities for the preparation, implementation and evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects; 10- Support junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback; 11- Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work programme; 12- Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. Competencies Professionalism: Expert knowledge of water resources management, with proven technical expertise in hydrological systems and integrated water resources management as they relate to sustainable development and water issues facing the Arab region. 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. 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. 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. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following disciplines: water resources management, hydrology, engineering, environmental sciences, law or economics. A first-level university degree in addition to qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research, analysis and policy formulation on water resources management, with demonstrated experience related to integrated water resources management issues facing the Arab region. Experience supporting intergovernmental processes is preferred. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. Assessment Method The shortlisted candidates will undergo a written assessment and a competency-based interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 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. United Nations Considerations The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. No Fee