Environmental Response and Recovery Specialist

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 and works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy. The organization aims to strengthen the environmental management capacity of developing countries, particularly those in crisis-affected situations. UNEP's Ecosystems Division is responsible for these initiatives and operates in various countries around the world, focusing on sustainable development and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Response and Recovery Specialist will be responsible for leading UNEP's environmental response and recovery interventions in fragile and crisis-affected countries and regions. This role requires close collaboration with other parts of the Disasters and Conflicts Branch and wider UNEP teams. The incumbent will coordinate rapid responses to environmental emergencies, manage activities undertaken by the response and recovery team, and oversee programmatic and administrative tasks such as planning, implementation, evaluations, and budget preparation. The specialist will also identify programmatic priorities, liaise with relevant parties, and lead field missions to crisis-affected countries. This position emphasizes the importance of gender mainstreaming and requires the specialist to direct research on environmental impacts of conflicts and disasters, develop strategic partnerships, and manage outreach activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct UNEP’s environmental response and recovery interventions in crisis-affected regions.
• Coordinate rapid response efforts to address Member States’ requests for environmental assistance.
• Plan and oversee management activities of the response and recovery team, including programmatic and administrative tasks.
• Identify programmatic priorities and propose corrective actions in consultation with relevant UNEP offices.
• Lead field missions to crisis-affected countries and provide guidance to external consultants and government officials.
• Ensure implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines in all planned actions.
• Direct research on environmental impacts of conflicts and disasters, and evaluate recovery interventions.
• Develop strategic partnerships and mobilize resources for the Response and Recovery Unit.
• Supervise preparation of various written outputs, including reports and publications. 1
• Manage outreach activities and conduct training workshops and seminars.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in environmental science, political science, international development, law, economics, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two 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 (Masters degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science and management, political science, international development, law, or economics. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with qualifying experience. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are considered advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in programme management in environmental management is required. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in political analysis, environmental security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, or international relations in conflict or disaster-affected situations. Experience in United Nations field operations or similar international organizations in emergency or post-conflict settings is also required. Supervisory experience and work at the international level in assessing and responding to environmental issues in complex crisis situations are 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 desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as they are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months with a possibility of extension, subject to funding availability. The duty station may change to another location, such as Nairobi, before or after the start date. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.