Senior Programme Officer

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 was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer will play a crucial role in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), specifically within the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). This position involves leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects related to nature-based sustainability pathways. The incumbent will be responsible for guiding subordinates in program/project development, monitoring, and assessment, as well as overseeing the review of relevant documents and reports. The role requires a strategic approach to engage government and private sector leaders, particularly during meetings of the Convention governing bodies. The Senior Programme Officer will also coordinate policy development on sustainability pathways and institutional engagements to enhance the implementation of the biodiversity agenda, contributing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This position demands strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to foster collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders.

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

• Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects related to nature-based sustainability pathways.
• Guiding subordinates in program/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment.
• Overseeing the review of relevant documents and reports, identifying emerging issues, priorities, and proposing corrective actions.
• Proposing and coordinating plans for strategic engagement of government and private sector leaders in the Convention's work.
• Supervising the preparation of various written outputs, including intergovernmental reports and background papers.
• Coordinating policy development on sustainability pathways and institutional engagements.
• Directing substantive support to meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars on biodiversity conservation.
• Undertaking survey initiatives and guiding the design of data collection instruments.
• Establishing and expanding collaboration and partnerships with key officials. 1
• Ensuring effective utilization, supervision, and development of staff. 1
• Leading team efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, biodiversity policy, environmental governance, or program management. Candidates must have experience in advising and engaging senior government officials and private sector leaders in intergovernmental or multilateral settings. Additionally, experience in drafting and supervising high-level intergovernmental documents and strategic policy papers is essential. Supervisory experience within an international organization, including oversight of program delivery and performance management, is also required. Familiarity with the Convention process and the functioning of its bodies is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in disciplines such as international development, environmental affairs, law, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with an additional 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields is required. This includes experience in environmental management, biodiversity policy, and program management, as well as advising senior officials in intergovernmental settings. Supervisory experience and familiarity with the Convention process are also important.

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, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

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 and is limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are expected to provide complete and accurate information in their applications, and the recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.