Associate Programme Management Officer

Associate Programme Management Officer

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

January 23, 2026February 21, 2026Panama CityPanama
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, established to set the global environmental agenda and promote 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 member States and international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. The organization operates globally, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives, and has a significant presence in multiple countries, including those in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in the 'Vanishing Treasures' project, particularly focusing on the Andes components and related activities that address the intersection of nature and climate action in mountain ecosystems. This position requires close collaboration with UNEP's relevant divisions, the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, and other UN partners. The incumbent will provide assistance in implementing the project, ensuring alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The role involves conducting research, supporting policy coordination, and contributing to various written outputs, including reports and analytical notes. The officer will also engage in outreach activities, coordinate budget-related tasks, and participate in field missions, making this a dynamic and impactful position within UNEP's Ecosystems Division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Programme Management Officer include:
  • Collaborating with key partners and stakeholders to provide technical and administrative support for project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Analyzing project development aspects, identifying issues, and recommending corrective actions.
  • Assisting in establishing synergies with SDGs and other initiatives, supporting resource mobilization efforts.
  • Conducting basic research on mountain ecosystems and climate change, including data collection and analysis.
  • Supporting policy coordination functions by reviewing emerging issues related to ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss.
  • Facilitating workshops and interactive sessions for consulting assignments.
  • Preparing written outputs such as background papers and sections of reports.
  • Providing administrative support for meetings and conferences, including logistics and document preparation.
  • Engaging in outreach activities and developing training workshops. 1
  • Participating in field missions for data collection and support. 1
  • Coordinating budget-related activities and preparing financial documents. 1
  • Analyzing data trends and providing insights through visualizations. 1
  • Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change adaptation. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze and resolve issues, develop data collection sources, and interpret data for decision-making. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are essential. The candidate should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as tropical mountains, ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, or environmental sciences is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project management, particularly in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation, is required. Experience in sustainable mountain development, especially in the Andes region, and working with wildlife conservation, particularly large carnivores, is essential. Familiarity with policy and strategy development at the national or regional level and experience in international organizations are desirable. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also beneficial.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. The United Nations recognizes English and French as its working languages, but for this role, the candidate must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both English (UN Level II) and Spanish (UN Level I) across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term, and external candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
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