Associate Programme Management Officer

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. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with member States and international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Management Officer will operate within the framework of the 'Resilient Mountains' project, which includes its 'Adaptation at Altitude' and 'Mountains Adapt' components. This role focuses on the nexus between nature and climate action in mountain ecosystems, particularly in the East African region and other tropical mountain ecosystems globally. The incumbent will provide assistance in support of the implementation of the aforementioned project components and related activities, closely liaising with UNEP's relevant Divisions and other partners within the UN system. The position is located in the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit in the Biodiversity and Land Branch (BLB), Ecosystems Division, at the Panama City duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Mountain Team Leader), the incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the successful management and execution of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Programme Management Officer include working with key partners and stakeholders to provide technical and administrative support for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned projects. This involves monitoring and analyzing specific aspects of project development, reviewing relevant documents, identifying problems, and recommending corrective actions. The officer will assist in defining synergies and cooperation in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), and the Global Biodiversity Framework. They will carry out basic research on thematic aspects related to mountain ecosystems and climate change, provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, and assist in consulting assignments by planning and facilitating workshops. The officer will also contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, provide administrative support for meetings and conferences, undertake outreach activities, participate in field missions, coordinate budget-related activities, and contribute to data collection and analysis.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field relevant to tropical mountains, ecosystem management and restoration, biodiversity and wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation, or related fields such as environmental sciences or sustainable development. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is also desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project management is required, including experience in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation/nature-based solutions. Experience in sustainable mountain development, particularly in the Tropical Andes, and in wildlife conservation with large carnivores is essential. Desirable experience includes policy and strategy development at the national or regional level and previous work in international organizations. Experience in developing tools and methodologies related to climate change adaptation and wildlife conservation is also desirable, along with at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, but for this role, the minimum required level for English is UN Level II, and for Spanish, it is UN Level I for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The position is a fixed-term appointment limited to the availability of funding and the continued existence of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must provide complete and accurate information in their applications, and the evaluation of candidates will be based on the information submitted. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.