Programme Management Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has been operational since its establishment in 197

• The organization employs thousands of individuals across various countries, working towards a sustainable future by addressing pressing environmental issues. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries, providing guidance and support to governments and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Assistant position is crucial for supporting the UNEP Task Manager in managing the GEF portfolio of Climate Change Enabling Activities. This role involves building the national team's capacity to handle administrative and technical aspects of National Communications (NCs), Biennial Update Reports (BURs), and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). The assistant will be responsible for preparing high-quality project budgets, work plans, and reports, ensuring timely coordination of project and administrative needs within the climate mitigation unit. The position requires a proactive approach to facilitate the implementation of climate change enabling activities, ensuring that countries meet their reporting obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement (PA).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Assistant include: A. Programme/Project Development - Monitoring the status of programme/project proposals and ensuring the receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. - Researching, compiling, and presenting basic country project information/data for project proposal preparation. B. Project/Programme Implementation - Preparing Project Cooperation Agreements (PCA) and Internal Cooperation Agreements (ICAs) for CEO approved projects, including amendment packages for UNEP and Executing Agencies (EAs). - Tracking the circulation of project agreements and revisions through the UNEP approval process. - Reviewing project implementation plans, work plans, and budgets, verifying fund availability, and ensuring necessary approvals. - Compiling, summarizing, and entering data on project delivery, drafting status reports, and identifying shortfalls in delivery and budget overruns. - Preparing reporting templates for UNEP partners and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. - Reviewing project expenditure and progress reports for technical and financial compliance. - Guiding EAs in project revisions, including budget and workplan reviews. - Organizing meetings with EAs to discuss report disparities and project sustainability strategies. - Supporting the financial team in project closure and preparing Operational Completion Reports for assigned projects. C. Programme/Project Administration - Organizing and facilitating Enabling Activities Portfolio meetings as needed. - Ensuring proper filing and archiving of project information. - Assisting with data collection and analysis, preparing presentations and reports for knowledge management and decision-making. - Supporting the functionality of MS Planner and other tracking tools for timely document circulation. - Preparing monthly reports listing completed deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Management Assistant position include: - An advanced university degree in natural resources management, biological or physical sciences, environmental sciences, international relations, or related fields. - A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. - A minimum of two years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area is required. - Experience working with national governments on climate change issues is desirable. - Knowledge of task management and team collaboration tools is desirable. - Familiarity with the Global Environment Facility or other international multilateral climate funds is desirable. - Understanding of UNFCCC processes is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as natural resources management, biological or physical sciences, environmental sciences, international relations, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered acceptable in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area. Experience working with national governments on climate change issues is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of international environmental governance and policy implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this consultancy role, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for 13 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.