Programme Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, 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. Established in 1972, UNEP works with national and local authorities, civil society, other UN organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to catalyze the efficient use of the region’s natural assets and reduce the degradation of the environment. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch of UNEP focuses on minimizing environmental risks before, during, and after conflicts and disasters, providing scientific assessments, policy guidance, and capacity-building support to help countries strengthen environmental resilience and integrate sustainable natural resource management into peacebuilding and recovery efforts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects under the supervision of the Project Manager. This position involves providing administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth delivery of projects in Somalia, which includes managing communications, knowledge management, logistics, and coordination. The Programme Associate will work closely with consortium partners, technical partners, and government entities to ensure that program results are delivered effectively and on time. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, including tracking timelines, facilitating field missions, and ensuring compliance with technical standards and project objectives. The consultant will also be responsible for report writing and producing quality communication outputs for UNEP, as well as delivering on the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan within the consortium throughout the consultancy duration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Associate will be responsible for a variety of key work assignments and outputs, including:

• Project Implementation Support: Assisting in the coordination and execution of project activities in accordance with approved project documents, work plans, and budgets. This includes ensuring that implementation partners are aligned with technical standards and project objectives, contributing to technical discussions on water resource management and environmental monitoring, tracking project timelines and deliverables, and supporting field missions and workshops.
• Administrative and Operational Support: Drafting correspondence, reports, and meeting notes, maintaining organized project files, and preparing procurement requests in line with UN procurement rules.
• Coordination and Liaising: Liaising with government counterparts and local authorities to strengthen partnerships, participating in project coordination meetings, and supporting stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Implementing the JOSP M&E framework, developing indicators and targets, preparing quarterly and annual M&E reports, and supporting capacity building for project staff on M&E practices.
• Communications and Visibility: Developing a communication strategy, writing content for press releases and newsletters, drafting human-interest stories, and ensuring compliance with donor visibility guidelines.
• Reporting: Preparing high-quality narrative and financial reports, ensuring timely submission of reports, and maintaining accurate records of project documentation.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: Documenting lessons learned and best practices, organizing learning events, and contributing to the development of knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
A master’s degree in international development, management, social sciences, or equivalent academic qualifications is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The candidate must possess strong communication, analytical, reporting, and writing abilities, excellent facilitation skills, and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines. A positive and constructive attitude towards work, along with integrity and ethical standards, is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree in international development, management, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of project management and environmental issues in fragile contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience related to project management support, monitoring and evaluation, and communications, particularly in fragile contexts. Experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams, including local and expatriate technical experts, is essential. The candidate should have demonstrated experience in project development, implementation, and management, as well as experience in environmental research and the formulation of project proposals.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 6 months, from December 20, 2025, to June 19, 202

• The position is based in Nairobi, with travel to Somalia required. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.