Programme Management Officer (ABS)

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation on environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer (ABS) position is located within the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) in Montreal, Canada. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of the Access and Benefit-Sharing Protocol Unit (ABS) and the Programme Management Officer (ABS). The role involves providing planning and implementation support for capacity-building, awareness-raising, and technical support related to the ABS Clearing-House. The officer will engage with government officials and stakeholders to enhance their understanding and use of the ABS Clearing-House, ensuring effective communication and resolution of issues. The position also requires monitoring and analyzing progress related to the national implementation of the Protocol, contributing to the preparation of official documents and reports, and managing the system for tracking government and stakeholder engagement. The officer will assist in overall capacity-building and communication efforts for the Nagoya Protocol and related SCBD activities, ensuring that all tasks align with the goals of the organization and contribute to sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer (ABS) include:

• Providing planning and implementation support for capacity-building and technical assistance related to the ABS Clearing-House, including resolving issues for government officials and stakeholders.
• Monitoring and analyzing progress on national implementation of the Protocol and ensuring proper categorization and follow-up of communications and outputs.
• Developing collaborative relationships with users of the ABS Clearing-House, identifying their needs, and providing appropriate support.
• Assisting in the preparation and drafting of capacity-building materials and organizing training sessions and webinars.
• Contributing to the administration and implementation of the ABS Clearing-House by preparing official documents, reports, and proposals.
• Performing user testing of the ABS Clearing-House functionality and suggesting improvements.
• Managing the system to track government and stakeholder engagement and providing statistical reports and analysis.
• Assisting in the overall capacity-building and communication work for the Nagoya Protocol and related SCBD activities, including data collection and presentation.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Management Officer (ABS) position include a high school diploma or equivalent, with supplementary training in administration, programme and project management, or a related field. Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, or sustainable development. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to two years. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, is essential. Experience in communications, user experience, web development, business analysis, and Access and Benefit-Sharing processes is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in administration, programme and project management, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree or higher is advantageous and can reduce the required years of experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as programme or project management, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, or sustainable development. This requirement is reduced to two years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with Microsoft Office applications, especially advanced proficiency in Excel, is necessary. Desirable experience includes communications, user experience, web development, and familiarity with the ABS Clearing-House platform.

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

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 subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Montreal. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.