Senior Administrative Officer

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. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates in over 100 countries. The organization aims to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Officer will be responsible for advising the Executive Secretary and senior staff on financial, personnel, and administrative matters. This includes preparing budget proposals for various conferences, monitoring budget implementation, and advising on the redeployment of funds. The incumbent will also oversee the recruitment and administration of staff, manage financial resources, and ensure compliance with UN regulations. The role requires a strategic approach to resource mobilization and effective management of risks and resources, as well as the ability to produce complex reports for senior management and parties involved in the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise the Executive Secretary on financial and administrative questions, including management reviews and delegation of authority.
• Prepare budget proposals for review by various conferences and monitor budget implementation.
• Liaise with governments regarding contributions and provide cost estimates for activities.
• Assist in the recruitment and administration of staff and oversee the performance appraisal system.
• Ensure compliance with UN financial regulations and manage procurement and travel arrangements.
• Provide leadership to the conference service team and ensure effective delivery of support services for conferences and workshops.
• Coordinate with UN offices on administrative matters and represent SCBD in commercial transactions.
• Analyze data to identify trends for decision-making and reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge in financial management and resource planning, with the ability to develop and implement policies for cost-effective resource management. Strong managerial and programmatic competence is essential, along with excellent negotiation skills. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership capabilities, including the ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative work environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting and financial management is required. Candidates should have experience supporting budget proposals to intergovernmental bodies and working in supervisory roles within large international entities. Additionally, five years of experience in managing large conferences or similar international events is required. Experience with multilateral environmental agreements and Business Intelligence Reporting within an ERP system is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 202

• The selection process may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to the funding source of the position. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.