Programme Management 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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, encouraging decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, and practices that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. The organization focuses on making efficient use of natural resources, ensuring safe management of chemicals, and contributing to mutually supportive trade and environment policies. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division specifically aims to assist in environmentally sound decision-making and the building of corresponding activities, with a mission to foster sustainable development through sound environmental practices. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is located within the Industry and Economy Division, specifically in the Chemicals and Health Branch, Global Environment Facility Chemicals and Waste Unit (GEF C&W) at the Paris duty station. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and supervision of GEF projects related to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and mercury mining, among other themes. This role involves identifying, developing, and approving high-quality new projects that align with UNEP's strategic priorities and respond to the needs expressed by governments and partners. The officer will establish and maintain the legal and operational delivery structure for projects, ensuring compliance with fiduciary standards and supporting project closure. Additionally, the officer will contribute to the UNEP High Impact Sector Team and mining and critical metals work areas, providing technical guidance and aligning project inputs with UNEP publications and communication materials. The role requires data collection and analysis to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making, along with other duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and supervision of GEF projects focused on ASGM and mercury mining, including project identification, development, and approval processes.
• Establish and maintain the legal and operational delivery structure for projects, including preparing legal agreements with project Executing Agencies and conducting due diligence assessments.
• Supervise Executing Agencies to ensure project delivery meets the Project Result Framework and expenditure targets, while adhering to fiduciary standards.
• Provide quality assurance for technical outputs and deliverables of GEF projects, including reviewing reports and leading corrective actions when necessary.
• Support the operation and direction of the UNEP High Impact Sector Team, contributing to technical guidance and advisory roles.
• Align GEF ASGM and mercury mining portfolio inputs with UNEP publications and communication materials.
• Engage with the private sector to foster partnerships and knowledge sharing for innovative solutions in sustainable metals and mining.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends, providing insights through visualizations for decision-making and reporting.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international environmental project design and implementation, including partner coordination and compliance. They should demonstrate excellent communication skills, analytical abilities, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and teamwork are essential competencies for this role. The candidate should be able to develop clear goals, prioritize activities, allocate resources efficiently, and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational objectives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in earth sciences, environmental sciences, environmental management, chemistry, metallurgy, engineering, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, 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.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience at the international level related to the minerals, mining, and metals (3Ms) value chain is required. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing international environmental programs in developing countries, as well as managing sustainability projects aimed at reducing mining pollution. Experience with the Global Environment Facility or equivalent international project cycles is also required. Desirable experience includes working with the private sector on upstream innovation and solutions for sustainable metals and mining value chains, as well as two or more years in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in all skills for French and UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking for Spanish.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA limited) in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.