Chief of Section, Economic Affairs, P-5

Chief of Section, Economic Affairs, P-5

UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Vehicle Regulations, Road Traffic Safety and Transport Innovations Section of the Sustainable Transport Division (STD) of the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the D-1, Chief, Sustainable Transport Division, and is under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary (USG) of UNECE.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Sustainable Transport Division, the Chief of the Vehicle Regulations, Road Traffic Safety and Transport Innovations Section will be responsible for the following:

• As Chief of Section, lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of the Vehicle Regulations and Transport Innovations Section and coordinate the work carried out by the staff members of the Section. This includes: supervision of the activities and programme of work of the Working Parties under the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicles Regulations (WP.29), namely those on the Pollution and Energy (GRPE); General Safety Provisions (GRSG); Brakes and Running Gear (GRRF); Lighting and Light-signalling (GRE); Noise (GRB); and Passive Safety (GRSP); as well as of the Administrative Committee of the 1958 Agreement (AC.1), Working Party on Transport of Perishable Foodstuff (WP.11), Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1) and its subsidiaries, and Group of Experts on the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Transport (AETR).; provision of substantive and policy direction; participation in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes, including analytical and capacity building activities, relevant publications and data bases.
• Act as secretary to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicles Regulations (WP.29), its coordinating committee (AC.2), the Administrative Committee of the 1958 Agreement (AC.1), the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3), and the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement (AC.4). Plan and organize the activities of the Working Party in line with its programme of work. Prepare relevant documentation and establish productive partnerships among Contracting Parties, non-governmental organizations and other clients in the field. This also involves: preparing documentation, agendas, reports; servicing meetings; carrying out follow-up actions, including the preparation of recommendations and resolutions adopted by the World Forum as well as the transmission of the adopted proposals for regulations, their amendments and rules to the OLA in New York.
• Provide efficient services as well as legal and policy support to Contracting Parties for the effective monitoring and implementation of the vehicle related agreements administered by the Section (1958, 1998, 1997) as well as ATP, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 Conventions on Road Traffic and Road Signs and Signals, AETR and other related legal instruments.
• Oversee and coordinate substantive and administrative contributions by the Section to the Inland Transport Committee (ITC).
• Lead the section’s analytical activities with special attention to active and passive safety and environmental performance of vehicles, fuel quality standards and intelligent transport systems. In this regard ensure close cooperation with the secretary of the working party on transport economics and trends (WP.5) that acts as integrator for the division’s analytical activities.
• As vehicle safety is an important part of road safety, ensure close cooperation between the UNECE Road Traffic Safety Forum (WP.1) and WP.29.
• Ensure effective cooperation also with the rest of the division and in particular with the ITC Secretary and the divisional focal point on program-budgeting, the Regional Adviser.
• Advise the Director of the Sustainable Transport Division on relevant policy, legal and technical aspects (e.g. e-mobility, Intelligent Transport Services etc.), including on cooperation with other international organizations.
• Represent the Section and/or as requested the STD at international, regional and national meetings on transport matters dealt with by the Section or the Division.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge in the field of transport in general and specifically in the areas of safe and environmentally friendly vehicles, of technical, legal and administrative provisions of vehicle regulations and of Intelligent Transport Services. Ability to carry out and supervise analytical activities, and produce reports and papers on these issues; ability to review and edit the work of others; ability to organise inter-governmental meetings. 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.
• 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning and 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.
• Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or related area is required. A first-level university degree in mechanical engineering or related area in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

• A degree in economics or law is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience relevant for motor vehicle regulations is required.
• Experience in the fields of vehicle's active and passive safety, emissions control, anti-theft provisions, technical inspection and other regulatory aspects is required.
• Demonstrated experience in management is required.
• Experience with multilateral treaties and their related administrative procedures is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English with excellent drafting abilities is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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