Programme Management Officer

Programme Management Officer

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

February 4, 2026February 18, 2026NairobiKenya
Job Description
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 mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 100 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, providing leadership and encouraging partnerships in caring for the environment.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Management Officer is situated within UNEP's Climate Change Division, specifically in the Mitigation Branch of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Climate Mitigation Unit. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the management of the GEF Climate Change Enabling Activities Portfolio. This includes participating in project inception and steering committee meetings, monitoring project progress, and ensuring adherence to UNEP and GEF criteria. The officer will also contribute to the development of new climate change enabling activity project proposals, coordinate consultations, and maintain communication with government officials and international organizations. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that projects align with global climate goals and the specific needs of individual countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: providing substantive and administrative support to the management of the GEF Climate Change Enabling Activities Portfolio; participating in project inception and steering committee meetings; monitoring project progress and performance; analyzing project outputs and coordinating support for quality improvement; ensuring compliance with UNEP and GEF regulations; coordinating reporting by project executing partners; assisting in project revisions; providing support for mid-term reviews and evaluations; contributing to the development of new project proposals; maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders; and contributing to UNEP and GEF corporate tasks including document reviews and evaluations. The officer will also be expected to conduct data collection and analysis to support decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of climate change enabling activities and related fields, with knowledge of the Global Environment Facility, the UN, and UNEP. The ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Management, Development, Environment, Economics, Energy, or a Climate Change related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a relevant field 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.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in climate change transparency project management is required. Candidates should have experience managing a portfolio of projects, particularly in engaging with government institutions in Least Developed Countries and Small Islands Developing States. Experience working on climate change enabling activity projects in developing countries is also required, along with familiarity with Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. Additional experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days and may be subject to extension. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates, and the position is subject to the funding source. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to ensure their application is complete and accurate.
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