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 and was established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues and sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is based in the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), within the Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF) in Montreal, Canada. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit (BSPG) and the Programme Management Officer (Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity). The role involves organizing workshops, meetings, and webinars, managing administrative elements of work related to protected areas and marine/island biodiversity, coordinating with parties and relevant organizations, and producing and managing documentation and information. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with various stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives related to biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organizes workshops, meetings, and webinars, including planning, logistical arrangements, and follow-up activities. This includes liaising with stakeholders, managing real-time problem-solving during events, and contributing to the preparation of meeting reports and materials.
• Manages administrative elements of work under protected areas and marine/island work, including contract preparation, recruitment support, and financial monitoring.
• Coordinates with parties, governments, and organizations, preparing draft correspondence, assisting in communications, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Coordinates the production and management of documentation, reviewing materials for clarity and consistency, conducting background research, and assisting in data collection and analysis.
• Performs any other tasks as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in relevant areas such as environmental, social or political sciences, business administration, public administration, or environmental management is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts relevant to programme administration and projects, with proven analytical capacity and good research skills. The ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues is essential, along with a commitment to gender equality and professional integrity.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Additional qualifications in environmental, social or political sciences, business administration, public administration, or environmental management are considered advantageous and desirable for candidates seeking to enhance their candidacy.

Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area is required. This experience is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Desirable experience includes working in the field of environment or sustainable development, with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), international organizations, or the United Nations. Experience in supporting biodiversity and environmental programmes, projects, or organizations, as well as familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and UNEP and CBD policies, is also beneficial. Candidates with one (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related areas will have an advantage.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency defined by the UN Language Framework. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English at UN Level II proficiency.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension, contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members in the General Service and related categories will not be eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.