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 through sound environmental practices.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer will be located in the Governance Affairs Office at UNEP's Nairobi duty station. This position involves heading the Governing Bodies Unit and the Civil Society Unit, acting as director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for the Governance Affairs Office, and reporting directly to the Director of the Office. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the convening and follow-up of sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary bodies. The role requires a deep understanding of intergovernmental processes, strong leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate complex activities involving multiple stakeholders. The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for ensuring effective communication and collaboration among Member States, UNEP divisions, and civil society organizations, thereby enhancing the overall governance framework of UNEP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: coordinating secretariat services for UNEA sessions and subsidiary organs, providing guidance to presiding officers, supervising the preparation of procedural scripts for meetings, ensuring timely submission of documentation, facilitating orientation sessions for Member States, coordinating follow-up actions, preparing briefing notes for UNEP leadership, conducting research to improve governance practices, and contributing to policy development. Additionally, the incumbent will lead the Major Groups and Stakeholders programme, manage the Civil Society Unit, oversee accreditation processes, maintain relations with stakeholders, and provide strategic advice to senior management. The role also involves managing team operations, allocating work assignments, and participating in budget formulation activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess sharp political awareness, negotiation and diplomatic skills, and a thorough knowledge of intergovernmental processes and relevant rules of procedure. They should demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, with a strong commitment to achieving results. The ideal candidate will have experience in policies and practices relevant to stakeholder engagement in intergovernmental processes, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making. Strong leadership and teamwork skills are essential, along with the ability to manage conflicts and drive change effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, diplomacy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degrees or programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong analytical capability that complements the role's requirements.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, law, diplomacy, policy, or sustainable development is required. Candidates should have experience providing secretariat support to intergovernmental processes and legislative machinery within international organizations, particularly the United Nations. Experience working with Major Groups and Stakeholders in intergovernmental fora and organizing diverse stakeholder groups is essential. Familiarity with fundraising efforts involving Member States and other actors is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields.

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 for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary role provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain new work experience but does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The position is open to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.