Request from Communication and Outreach Branch DESA/Division for Sustainable Development for an Associate Expert JOB DESCRIPTION INT-170-04-P64-01-V (July 2009) 1. General Information Title: Duration: Date Required: Duty Station (location, sector): 2. Supervision Title of the supervisor: Associate Expert in Sustainable Development 1 year (with possible extension for another year) ASAP New York DESA/DSD/NIMO Chief of the Communication and Outreach Branch (COB) Content and methodology of supervision: The Associate Expert will work directly under the supervision of Nikhil Chandavarkar, Chief of the Communication and Outreach Branch (COB). A detailed work plan will be developed for the Associate Expert, in consultation with the supervisor. This work plan will also be incorporated into the UN’s Performance Appraisal System (PAS). On the basis of the work plan and the PAS, the supervisor will hold regular discussions with the Associate Expert on her/his job performance and expectations. In addition, the supervisor will be available at any time to assist the Associate Expert in meeting his/her goals. 3. Duties, responsibilities and output expectations Assist in reviewing and analyzing national reports and case studies submitted by national focal points to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in relation to the specific themes considered by the CSD, and processing them for posting on the DSD website; Contribute to the formulation of new and improved guidelines for future national reporting to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), based on an analysis of other UN and international agency reporting requirements, as well as on feedbacks from national focal points. Solicit, manage and analyze case studies submitted by national focal points through the online data base; Contribute to drafting communication materials on DSD or CSD activities, working with communication focal points from other Branches or with DPI; Provide support to website content updating and uploading, as needed. Assist in providing substantive servicing to the CSD through taking notes of the deliberations, preparing summaries of discussions, providing support to the related events, etc.; Undertake other practical and substantive tasks related to the implementation of the work programme of the Branch commensurate with the incumbent’s professional level and expertise. 4. Qualifications and experience Education: Advanced University degree in social sciences with an interest in sustainable development or development issues, and strong analytical and computer-related skills Work experience: Working experience in a field related to sustainable development planning, integrated development analysis or applied economics. Relevant work experience in an area related to sustainable development and in a multinational setting are desirable Languages: Fluency and strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken; a working knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable; Other skills: Ability to work under time pressure when required; Interpersonal skills for maintaining good working relations with others. UN competencies: Professionalism: Excellent analytical and organizational skills and strong sense of responsibility and commitment. Communication: Good presentation, interpersonal communication, as well as strong drafting skills; Technological awareness: Working knowledge of software tools including word processing, presentation programmes, spreadsheets, graphics, databases and internet research tools. Communication: Good interpersonal skills. Teamwork: Ability to interact respectfully and constructively and create good working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. 5. Learning Elements After the two-year assignment, the Associate Expert will be able to: Be knowledgeable of issues related to sustainable development and of the functioning of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Be familiar with the programme of work and working arrangements of the Division for Sustainable Development, Improve his/her drafting skills, Develop a good understanding of general actions and approaches taken by Governments, UN agencies, Major Groups and others in sustainable development, Further refine technical and analytical skills to undertake integrated assessments and analysis relevant to sustainable development-related issues. 6. Background information The Division for Sustainable Development is the Secretariat of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), an intergovernmental body that was established by the General Assembly to monitor implementation of the programme of action (Agenda 21) agreed upon at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 adopted at the Earthsummit + 5 in 1997, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI) adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in September 2002. NIMO’s key areas of responsibilities can be summarized as follows: (i) monitoring and evaluating progress in the implementation of Agenda 21, +5 and JPOI, particularly in relation to their specific targets and goals, through regularly updating and analyzing national and regional information as new reports and case studies are received; (ii) undertaking monitoring, advisory and conceptual work related to national sustainable development strategies and indicators; (iii) maintaining and updating the sustainable development website including the website on national information; and (iv) conducting communication and external relations work for the Division and for the CSD.