Job Title:	Researcher (Environment –3R Project)

Status:	Individual Contractor’s Agreement (ICA)

Duty Station:	Nagoya, Japan

Starting date:	Expected to be 1 August 2012

Duration:	Initial contract up to 30 June 2013, with possibility of extension

Closing date:	30 June 2012

 

Core Values:

Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

 

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

This position is open at the head office of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) in Nagoya, Japan, which is a project of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The Researcher reports to the Coordinator of the Environment Unit. The job involves the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programmes, operations, and other activities in the field of environment, in particular the 3R initiative and waste management.

 

Responsibilities:

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Environment Unit, the Researcher will be responsible for the following:

• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects in the areas of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and waste management; monitor and analyse programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; and identify and track follow-up actions;
• Research, analyse and present information related to the areas of 3R and waste management, gathered from diverse sources;
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Provide substantive support to the Regional 3R Forum, consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposed agenda topics, identify participants, and prepare documents and presentations, etc.;
• Participate in or lead field missions, and draft mission summaries, etc.;
• Formulate project proposals for bilateral and multilateral donor agencies;
• Liaise with the Ministry of the Environment-Japan and other countries (both at the central and local government levels) on project-related matters and provide substantial input in the implementation of 3R-related projects in developing countries;
• Establish networking with Japanese as well as internationally recognized resource institutions and experts in 3R areas and mobilize required expertise for the formulation of national 3R strategies for developing countries in Asia;
• Link 3R activities at the national level such as the Regional 3R Forum with IPLA (International Partnership for Expanding Waste Management Services of Local Authorities) for synergy;
• Perform writing/editorial work for reports published by UNCRD as well as for the website; and
• Perform other duties as required.

 

Work involves frequent interaction with the following:

Counterparts, senior officers, and technical staff of relevant Secretariat units and UN funds, programmes, and other UN specialized agencies.
Representatives and officials of national and local governments, international organizations, and consultants.

 

Results Expected:

Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate assigned programme/projects. Provide thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develop and maintain effective working relationships. Efficiently manage the use of resources.

 

Remuneration:

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualification and experience. This position carries a starting salary of JPY330,000 per month (No commuting allowances; no social allowances will be paid).

 

Competencies:

• Professionalism:
  Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to environmental issues, in particular 3R and waste management. A grasp and sound understanding of current sustainable development issues, governance issues, and overall state of the environment (both bio-physical and socioeconomic conditions) in developing countries. A good understanding on the policy/institutional/technological gaps in developing countries concerning various urban environmental management issues such as waste management, and health and sanitation, etc. Ability to identify issues, analyse, and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources such as electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. Show pride in work and in achievements; demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; persistent when faced with difficult problems or challenges; and calm even when faced with stressful situations. Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication:
  Able to speak and write clearly and effectively; listen to others; correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately; ask questions to clarify; exhibit interest in having two-way communication; tailor language, tone, style, and format to match audience; and demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork:
  Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; willing to learn from others; place team agenda before personal agenda; support and act in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; share credit for team accomplishments; and accept joint responsibility for team’s shortcomings.
• Planning and Organizing:
  Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; and use time efficiently.
• Accountability:
  Take ownership of all responsibilities and honour commitments; deliver outputs for which one has responsibility within the prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operate in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; support subordinates, provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments; and take personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Creativity:
  Actively seek to improve programmes or services; offer new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promote and persuade others to consider new ideas; take calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; think “outside the box”; take an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; and not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Client Orientation:
  Consider all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seek to see things from clients’ point of view; establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identify clients’ needs and match them to appropriate solutions; monitor ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keep clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; and meet timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning:
  Keep abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seek to develop oneself professionally and personally; contribute to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; show willingness to learn from others; and seek feedback to learn and improve.
• Technological Awareness:
  Keep abreast of available technology; understand applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seek to apply technology to appropriate tasks; and show willingness to learn new technology.

 

Qualifications:

Education:	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in science, engineering, science policy or related field (preferably related to environment and natural resources management). A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:	A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area.
Language:	The working languages of the UN Secretariat are English and French. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Knowledge of Japanese would be an asset.
Other:	Practical knowledge of all the basic software for document production is required.

 

Application:

Please send a completed UN Personal History (P-11 ) form to the following address by either postal mail or e-mail, detailing relevant education and professional experiences, together with a cover letter indicating the job title and your motivation for applying for the position.
Application should reach us no later than 30 June 2012 (Japan local time).

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. No individual acknowledgement will be sent.

 

No Fee
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information pertaining to applicants’ bank accounts.

 

Please note that this is a local post and is open to Japanese nationals and to individuals who have a valid work permit in Japan.

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