Chief of Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation. UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), which is administered by UNEP, is located in Montreal, Canada, and focuses on the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The organization aims to integrate environmental considerations into national and international policies and practices, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division will lead and manage the division, providing neutral scientific, technical, policy, and information documents and expert advice to the Conference of the Parties (COP) and other relevant bodies. The incumbent will be responsible for developing evidence-based documents that facilitate decision-making processes, coordinating the preparation of draft decisions and recommendations, and ensuring effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in CBD meetings. The role requires strategic leadership in executing various components of the Convention's work on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including the development and implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The Chief will also oversee the monitoring of implementation, engage with intergovernmental processes, and provide scientific and technical support to Parties through capacity-building activities. This position demands a strong advocate for science-based policy, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will lead, manage, and supervise the Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division, ensuring the provision of expert advice and documents to the COP and other bodies. Responsibilities include:

• Developing evidence-based documents from scientific, technical, policy, and governance data to facilitate decision-making.
• Coordinating the preparation of draft decisions and recommendations in an integrated manner.
• Providing substantive contributions to SBSTTA Chairs and Bureau.
• Preparing scientific, technical, and policy reports and publications.
• Organizing expert workshops and meetings to support COP and subsidiary bodies.
• Ensuring effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in CBD processes.
• Representing the Convention at relevant events and meetings.
• Managing the execution of the Convention's work on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
• Overseeing the monitoring of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. 1
• Engaging with intergovernmental processes and enhancing scientific partnerships. 1
• Managing staff performance and facilitating resource deployment. 1
• Promoting communication activities to raise awareness on biodiversity and the Convention.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in biological, environmental sciences, legal, policy, and environment-related subjects. A minimum of fifteen years of professional experience in managing international environmental and sustainable development programs related to biological diversity is required. Candidates should have experience in policy analysis and design, as well as in supporting intergovernmental processes and international negotiations. Strong program management skills, the ability to synthesize complex scientific information, and excellent communication skills are essential. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations is also required, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in biological, environmental sciences, legal, policy, or environment-related subjects is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of professional working experience in the management of international environmental and sustainable development programs related to biological diversity. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in policy analysis and design, as well as in supporting intergovernmental processes and international negotiations. Experience interacting with the scientific community and understanding the interlinkages between natural and social sciences as they apply to sustainable development is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also a working language. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience but does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and eligibility may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.