Director of Climate Change Division

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, working with Member States and partners to accelerate and support a just transition towards climate stability. The organization focuses on enhancing implementation capacity, providing data and knowledge, and building resilience to climate change. UNEP's Climate Change Division is dedicated to delivering strategic guidance and high-impact actions aligned with global climate goals and the needs of individual countries.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Climate Change Division will be responsible for leading the implementation of UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work. This includes aligning the Division's activities with sustainable development goals and United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions. The incumbent will supervise the work programme of the Division, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities while fostering collaboration across UNEP Divisions and with other UN organizations. The role involves preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, maintaining high-quality standards for outputs, and assisting the Director in resource allocation and programmatic tasks. The Director will also manage and develop staff, organize substantive meetings, and represent the Division in various international forums, providing expertise on climate change issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work for the Climate Change Division.
• Supervise and coordinate the work programme of the Division, ensuring timely execution of activities.
• Foster collaboration across UNEP Divisions and with other UN organizations.
• Prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring clarity and objectivity based on comprehensive data.
• Assist the Director in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources.
• Manage programmatic and administrative tasks, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluations.
• Recruit staff with consideration for geographical balance.
• Develop and train staff, fostering teamwork and communication.
• Organize and manage substantive meetings and seminars on climate change issues. 1
• Represent the Division at international, regional, or national meetings, providing expertise and insights.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environment, economics, natural resources, business or public administration, finance, law, social sciences, or related area is required.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of 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 desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environment, economics, natural resources, business or public administration, finance, law, social sciences, or related areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are considered advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme and organizational management is required. This experience should be within government, intergovernmental entities, or United Nations entities. Candidates must have senior-level experience in multilateral and intergovernmental processes related to climate change, policy analysis, and implementation. Experience in building capacity in developing countries on climate change, resource mobilization, and knowledge of climate change vertical funds is essential. Familiarity with UN country or regional strategies is desirable, as is experience in managing decentralized human resource teams and financial resources at a senior level.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term appointment limited (FTA-limited). Candidates should be aware that the United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will include a substantive assessment and competency-based interview. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted.