Antimicrobial resistance technical analyst

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The overall objective of UNEP's Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities 

UNEP's Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch works with international and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of conventions and international agreements. 

This post is located in the Chemicals and Health Branch of the Economy Division in Geneva. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Knowledge and Risk Unit and the daily supervision of a Programme Manager Officer of the Unit. 

The ICA will work in the Knowledge and Risk Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch, home-based, supporting the Unit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) portfolio.

The ICA will support and assist in the implementation of the UNEA-3 resolution on Environment and Health on antimicrobial resistance.

Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer of Knowledge and Risk Unit, the duties of this assignment are to:

1. Assist in the development of a report on environmental impacts of antimicrobial resistance and the causes for development and spread of resistances in the environment, including the gaps in understanding of these impacts and causes and their impact on human and animal health, in collaboration with WHO, FAO, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and the Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

2. Undertake research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Provide inputs and draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies and inputs to briefings.

3. Provide technical support to the development of awareness-raising and communication materials in order to enhance knowledge and understanding of member states and other stakeholders with regards to antimicrobial resistance and the environment, and provide inputs to enable the maintenance of the webpage on antimicrobial resistance on the UN Environment Programme website.

4. Assist in correspondence, organization of events, including meetings in preparation of the report to be developed by the 5th Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), scheduled to take place in February 2021. 

5. Assist with the preparation of documents for consideration of meetings.  

6. Make presentations on assigned topics/activities and conduct training webinars.

In addition, the ICA will provide further support as required and requested by the Programme Management Officer of the Knowledge and Risk Unit.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The ICA will work 11.5 months full-time, and be responsible for the following deliverables:

• Documents for consideration of the meetings on antimicrobial resistance and environment, including, when necessary, presentations, concept notes and agenda prepared on time. 

• Development of awareness raising materials on antimicrobial resistance and environment to be presented at events, side events or other appropriate fora including at the SAICM global and regional meetings. 

• Draft and revision based on the contributions to the report received, to be presented to the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.  

• Regular update of the UNEP web pages related to antimicrobial resistance. 

• Outreach activities undertaken. 

• Completion of other tasks as requested.
  

Impact of results:

• Successful dissemination of findings at chemicals and waste conferences of the parties and other relevant negotiations. 

• Member States fully informed about antimicrobial aspects related to environment, gaps in knowledge, capacities and best practices. 

• Well-established network of researchers and institutions working on AMR and the environment.

Education 

• Advanced university degree in environmental policy or science, or a related technical field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 1 at international level. 

• Knowledge of global environmental issues and relevant experience at the international level related to antimicrobial resistance environmental aspects. 

• Experience in developing countries and countries with economies in transition is an asset. 

• Experience working in the UN System is desirable.     

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.