The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region. The Environment and Development Division (EDD) assists developing countries in the region through providing advisory services, organizing capacity building tools and activities, carrying out research and analysis and supporting intergovernmental cooperation on environment and development in support of sustainable development. This position is located in the Sustainable Urban Development Section, in the Environment and Development Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Sustainable Urban Development Section.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Sustainable Urban Development Section, and overall supervision of the Director, Environment and Development Division, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions: • Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the work of the Section in various regions/countries. Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background and research materials for meetings, workshops and events, assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports. • Systematically follows through and retrieves, highlights and compiles data and information from a wide variety of information sources; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data. • Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information in order to facilitate the in-depth analysis by section staff, the supervisor and other users. • Participates and assists in organizing expert group meetings,, capacity-building workshops, and a variety of section and division activities, takes notes and prepares summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc. • Maintains and expands contacts with other departments in the Secretariat, as well as the UN agencies and programmes and other organizations relevant to the region, and co-ordinate the input of other departments in the collection of data for assignments received. • Drafts programme/project summaries, and co-ordinates review and clearance process and co-ordinates with editor, translation services, etc., on finalization and issuance of publication and reports. • Identifies the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings, assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings; prepares organization of a variety of meetings/conferences; assists in conducting preparatory meetings with relevant UN agencies and delegations regarding procedural and organizational arrangements for the meetings/conferences in all formats – on-site, virtual or hybrid, including communication with potential delegates, managing video conferencing invitations and operations, and updating relevant technical guides incorporating new features and functionalities of conferencing tools that are utilised to organise meetings/conferences in ESCAP, and prepares summary report as well as post-meeting evaluations. • Performs administrative support functions related to the work of the Section, including recruitment of interns, preparing and/or processing requests in Umoja (e.g. travel requests, expense claims, authorization of recruitment and payment), Inspira and DCPMS. • Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff. • Performs reference check, requests ISBN and sales number as well as other related work as required.
Professionalism: Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection and maintenance. Ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.
High school diploma or equivalent is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience.
A first-level university degree is desirable.
A minimum of seven years (or five years if graduated with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in administrative services or in collecting researching data across various areas of environment, social and economic development or related area is required. Experience in MS Office and operating virtual meeting platforms (i.e. MS Teams, Zoom, other event management platforms) is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations similar to UN Common System is desirable. Experience in drafting and/or reviewing documents, including agendas/programmes, concept notes, meeting invitations, etc. is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.