View Vacancy - UN Engagement Coordinator A2 (L) (43/18 NR)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
UK Permanent Representative's Office
UKMIS (UK Mission to the United Nations)

Main purpose of job:

 

The UK’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Nairobi is responsible for advancing UK interests at the two UN bodies headquartered in Nairobi, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human’s Settlement Programme (UN Habitat).

 

The primary focus of this role is maintaining our strong relationship with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).   The jobholder will also keep abreast of developments at the UN Habitat and will be the initial point of contact between the High Commission and the UN Office in Nairobi, including coordinating messaging and reporting on 5th committee issues and UN reform.

                                                                        

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

 

You will engage on a range of multilateral issues.  You will develop your negotiating, influencing and stakeholder management skills with UN agencies, Member States, Whitehall and Mission colleagues.

 

You will help deliver HMG policies through the international system, and will need good political antennae to spot risks and opportunities.  Working in the multilateral system as the UK exits the EU will provide a unique opportunity for the jobholder to ensure that the UK retains a high profile in UN Nairobi. 

 

UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. There are significant policy interests for the UK led internationally by UNEP

 

The job holder will

 

  • Follow developments at UNEP and UN Habitat closely ensuring the Perm Rep, Deputy Perm Rep and teams in DEFRA, DfID and FCO in London are briefed on key issues, risks and opportunities. 
  • Maintain strong networks across UNEP, HABITAT, UNON and Member States by spending time at the UNON compound
  • When required represent the UK at meetings at UNEP, HABITAT and with other Member States, delivering UK messages as appropriate and completing accurate and action-focussed reports following the meetings. 
  • Provide logistical support for visits to UNON by UK ministers and officials.  Lead on admin arrangements for UK participation at the fourth UN Environment Assembly in March 2019
  • Arrange passes for High Commission staff needing to visit UNON

 

The jobholder will be part of the Prosperity and UN Team based in the main High Commission building.  In addition to UN tasks the jobholder will also

 

  • Work closely with the team leader on Illegal Wildlife Trade issues. 
  • Assist to deliver networking events
  • Manage the team’s travel and entertainment budget

 

All High Commission staff are encouraged to participate in the wider, corporate life of the Mission as well as play a role in crisis management activities on an ad hoc basis. The present jobholder is on the charity committee and the group working to eliminate single use plastics from the office.  

Essential on arrival:

  • A minimum of four (4) years of relevant progressive experience in office management and working in a multi-cultural environment is required.
  • At least 4 years’ experience in administration and report writing.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, organisational and networking skills.
  • Ability to prioritise and execute tasks to a high standard.
  • Attention to detail and good follow-up discipline.
  • Demonstrate initiative to deliver results and meet tight deadlines and targets.
  • Excellent skills in written and spoken English are also required, as the job will on occasion include speaking on behalf of the UK in international meetings in Nairobi.
  • Ability to work flexibly and under minimum supervision.
  • The applicant should be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline  i.e International relations/ political science, environmental science
  • Experience in working within the UN system would be an asset.
  • Knowledge of and interest in international environmental issues.  
24 September 2018
Administrative Officer (AO)
Permanent
Africa
Kenya
Nairobi
British High Commission
KES
144,401(before tax)
1 November 2018

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The High Commission is committed to Learning & Development.  We encourage both formal training, drawing on what is on offer from the FCO, Civil Service Learning as well as informal on-the-job development.  We are also happy to support activity designed to develop your broader understanding of the FCO and to enhance your skills base. Everyone joining the High Commission is provided with a package of learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge of Kenya and the UK and to gain qualifications from the UK’s Diplomatic Academy.  The holder of this job will be expected to follow the Academy’s Multilateral Faculty curriculum

Leave:

Members of staff are entitled to paid annual leave, which is earned, from the day they commence employment. Entitlements are as follows:

  • Grade A2 - 25 days
  • In addition to annual leave, the BHC normally observes no fewer than 9 and no more than 14 Kenyan and British public and religious holidays in a year. These vary from year to year and are at the discretion of the High Commissioner. A list of holidays is published each year.

Working Patterns:

36.25 hours per week

Flexible working could be arranged, including opportunities to work from home and possibility to work adjusted hours.

The jobholder will not routinely have to work out of hours.  When assisting with visits and particularly during the UN Environment Assembly there will be a need to work outside of normal working hours; the jobholder will be eligible for time off in lieu if required to work extra hours. 

Any other information: 

The jobholder will be based in the High Commission, but will also need to spend time at the UNON in Gigiri.  We do not have an office in the UN campus.  The time spent at UNON varies according to the need to attend meetings and meet contacts.  Flexibility (and patience for the inevitable time spent stuck in traffic) is needed. 

  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.
  • It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.