VA No.: NA-08-03
Functional Title :Coordinator
Level: L-5
Duty Station:Bangkok, Thailand
Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
Duration:one year (renewable)
Closing Date:18 April 2008

Background:
The Regional Coordinating Unit for the East Asian Seas Action Plan (EAS/RCU) has the overall responsibility of coordinating the implementation of the East Asian Seas Action Plan based on the decisions of the participating governments, among others through coordinating the implementation of the yearly work programmes; involving the relevant regional, national and international agencies, NGOs and government departments as well as relevant social, economic and environmental stakeholders; convening the inter-governmental meetings of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and related expert meetings; designing new projects for consideration by COBSEA; and undertaking fund raising activities and ad hoc tasks as requested by COBSEA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. The development of the annual workplans and budgets for approval by the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) as well as the development of new strategic directions and actions to strengthen the action Plan and increase its political effectiveness, for consideration by COBSEA;
2. Coordinating the implementation for the EAS Action Plan, facilitating partnerships with, and involving of social, economic and environmental actors in the region and ensuring the effective cooperation and coordination with all relevant programmes, initiatives and policy bodies in the region;
3. Undertake fundraising activities for projects and activities; assist member countries to mobilize domestic resources; as well as negotiate with donors possibilities for funding of the COBSEA-approved projects that require external funding; coordinating these activities with the National Focal Points of the EAS Action Plan, as well as with the relevant units at UNEP headquarters;
   
4. Strengthen the capability of the EAS Action Plan to achieve institutional and financial sustainability through amongst others, initiating new projects and partnerships and liaison with donors in and outside the region;
   
   
5. Authorise expenditures for the EAS Trust Fund in accordance with the approved work-plan and budget of COBSEA and prepare financial reports to COBSEA, UNEP and co-financing organizations;
6. Ensure close cooperation with the National Focal Points of the EAS Action Plan in the development, implementation and review of policy issues and options, coordination of technical activities and financial matters;
7. Represent the EAS/RCU, as the Secretariat of COBSEA, and/or UNEP at relevant national, regional and international meetings;
8. Facilitate the enhancement of country ownership of the Action Plan;
9. Provide supervision and guidance to professional and general service staff including compliance with PAS requirements;
10. Ensure an active participation of and contribution by COBSEA to the global Regional Seas programme and relevant international developments, including cooperation with other regional seas programmes and relevant UNEP programmes.

Competencies

Professionalism - Demonstrates mastery of regional seas and/or marine activities and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Ability to manage the EAS/RCU and coordinate the work of the EAS partners in such a way as to ensure the highest productivity and most efficient delivery of the Programme of Work.
Communication –Ability to communicate distinct organizational directions, maintain effective partnerships and collaborative working relations including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions.
Leadership –Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and drive for change and improvement.  Able to initiate vision and empowering others to translate vision into results and give staff autonomy in important areas of their work.
Judgement –Discretion and sound judgement in applying expertise to complex and sensitive issues, with partners, stakeholders and staff under supervision.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

Advanced university degree in marine science or environmental science required. Ten years of professional experience of which a minimum of 5 years should be with international organizations in formulation and coordination of multi-disciplinary national and international projects. Familiarity with the UN system an asset.  Knowledge of international donor programmes including GEF and experience with international policy setting processes are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset and at least one language of the region is desirable.

Other Desirable Skills

Good negotiation skills, personal management and team building skills.  Demonstrated leadership skills and proven ability to develop long-term international programmes are assets.  Diplomatic skills and familiarity with the cultural sensitivity of the East Asian Seas region are essential.

Plus 30 days paid leave every year and other standard UN secondary benefits.
See UN website http:www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html for more details.
*Post adjustment subject to change due to cost of living fluctuations.

Interested applicants are requested to send a detailed Curriculum Vitae including date of birth, nationality, educational qualifications, a summary of professional skills and/or expertise, a summary of relevant work experience, publications written, and languages spoken, and to complete a United Nations Personal History form (P.11), available on our website at: www.unep.org/vacancies. Equally qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

All applications to be sent to:
UNON Human Resources Management Service

e-mail: recruitment@unon.org
fax:       254-20-7624212

Deadline for applications:  18 April  2008
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER  AND FUNCTIONAL TITLE OF THE POST:NA-08-03, Coordinator, East Asian Seas Regional Coordinating Unit (EAS/RCU)

Note: UNEP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of this office and requesting for payment please check our alert on http://www.unep.org/vacancies or send an e-mail to recruitment@unon.org