Programme Management Officer on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and Island Biodiversity

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. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues and providing guidance to countries on how to implement environmental policies effectively. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), located in Montreal, Canada, is administered by UNEP and plays a crucial role in the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and Island Biodiversity will be responsible for facilitating the preparation of neutral scientific technical documents and providing expert advice on the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit and will be involved in preparing evidence-based documents, facilitating draft decisions and recommendations for the Conference of the Parties (COP), organizing expert workshops, managing scientific information, and providing support to various stakeholders. The role requires a strong understanding of marine and coastal biodiversity issues and the ability to integrate these considerations into relevant international processes. The officer will also support capacity development activities and monitor the status and trends of marine biodiversity, contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

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

• Facilitating the preparation of scientific technical documents and expert advice on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity.
• Preparing evidence-based documents for decision-making by the COP and its subsidiary bodies.
• Organizing and servicing expert workshops and meetings to provide inputs to the COP and its subsidiary bodies.
• Managing scientific information on ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs).
• Providing organizational and technical support to the Informal Advisory Group on EBSAs.
• Supporting the identification of new and emerging issues related to marine and coastal biodiversity.
• Producing quality outputs in line with requests from the COP and its subsidiary bodies.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration with national focal points and partner organizations.
• Preparing statements and responding to correspondence regarding marine and coastal biodiversity. 1
• Supporting the integration of marine biodiversity into relevant international processes and sectors. 1
• Implementing capacity development activities and maintaining the Sustainable Ocean Initiative website. 1
• Supporting the monitoring of marine biodiversity status and trends. 1
• Overseeing the preparation and dissemination of communication products related to marine biodiversity.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include a strong background in marine environmental management, marine policy, and sustainable ocean and coastal development. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts relevant to natural resources management, environmental management, and international relations. The ability to apply United Nations administrative rules and regulations is essential, along with strong analytical and evaluative skills. Candidates should also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to sustainable development, environmental science, marine biology, coastal management, oceanography, or other related subjects. 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.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of professional and progressively responsible experience in marine environmental management, marine policy, or sustainable ocean and coastal development is required. Experience at the international level, particularly with organizations such as the CBD Secretariat or UNEP, is essential. Demonstrated experience in managing or developing environment-related projects is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position 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, and external candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.