COBSEA Coordinator

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 works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. The Ecosystems Division of UNEP focuses on strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in multiple countries worldwide, engaging in various environmental initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The COBSEA Coordinator is responsible for leading the COBSEA Secretariat, which is an intergovernmental mechanism that has been operational since 1981, bringing together nine participating countries to protect and conserve the marine environment in the East Asia Seas. The position involves direct implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of COBSEA programs, operations, policy development, and other activities aimed at achieving the effective implementation of COBSEA’s Strategic Directions for 2023-202

• The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of UNEP’s Regional Seas Branch and will be expected to develop, implement, and evaluate COBSEA-related programs and projects, ensuring alignment with gender mainstreaming guidelines and effective collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The COBSEA Coordinator will take the lead in developing, implementing, and evaluating COBSEA-related programs and projects. This includes directing subordinates in program/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment, as well as reviewing relevant documents and reports. The Coordinator will ensure the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action. Responsibilities also include directing research and program evaluation, coordinating COBSEA policy development, guiding survey initiatives, supervising the preparation of various written outputs, and managing outreach activities. The Coordinator will lead field missions, coordinate activities related to COBSEA’s budget and funding, and serve as an effective spokesperson for the organization. Additionally, the Coordinator will ensure effective utilization, supervision, and development of staff, guiding team members in data collection and analysis to support data-driven planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resources management, with a focus on implementing multi-disciplinary programs at national and international levels. At least five years of experience in managing intergovernmental processes is required, along with a minimum of three years of fundraising experience. Experience in managing large programs and projects related to the marine environment is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism, teamwork, planning, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and negotiate successfully.

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 in combination with 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 considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resources management, with a strong emphasis on the implementation of multi-disciplinary programs at both national and international levels. Candidates should have at least five years of experience managing intergovernmental processes and a minimum of three years of fundraising experience. Experience in managing large marine environment-related programs and projects is desirable, as well as experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for details on language proficiency levels.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. External candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with the relevant administrative instructions. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's mobility requirements. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.