to UNDP [United Nations Development Programme], and particularly to Mr. Valdés [Director of the Regional Bureau for Latin America] whom [the Applicant] believes to be a relative of Mr. Vergara, and that, as part of the arrangement, UNDP had agreed to finance an IMO post in Colombia as requested by the Secretary-General". In addition, the Applicant asserts that, although the post of Assistant Marine Pollution Adviser was described by the Administration, in correspondence exchanged related to its establishment, as a "'junior post', the exact status of Mr. Vergara and his administrative relationship to the Applicant was somewhat vaguely defined". According to Mr. Vergara's terms of reference as Assistant Adviser, he was to "work under the supervision of the Director of Technical Co-operation Division or other as may be designated by the Secretary-General of the Organization ... with, and under the guidance of, the Regional Marine Pollution Adviser for Latin America. ... He [would] assist the Marine Pollution Adviser in the overall aspects related to controlling and/or combatting of Marine Pollution...". The Applicant argues that "the distinction between working 'under the supervision of the Director ... Technical Co-operation Division [TCD]' and 'with, and under the guidance of, the Regional Marine Pollution Adviser for Latin America' proved to be one of the most unsatisfactory aspects of the relations between the Applicant and Mr. Vergara and between them and IMO Headquarters" because the lines of authority were not clearly defined. Mr. Vergara took over a number of the Applicant's functions and did not intend "to act under his supervision but, on the contrary, to- 5 - have a considerable degree of independence". Although the Applicant asserts that he made "several requests to IMO to clarify his position ... [he] received no clear guidance or assistance. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing an employment-related issue within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The dispute revolves around the role and authority of a staff member, Mr. Vergara, and the unclear lines of authority between him, the applicant, and IMO Headquarters. The issue seems to be related to the management and coordination of marine pollution-related activities, which suggests a connection to the natural resources and environment sector.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment