Conference Management Officer

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 implements legislative mandates of the United Nations Environment Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. The organization is dedicated to coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees working towards its mission of promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices.

Job Overview:
The Conference Management Officer position is located in the Governance Affairs Office of UNEP in Nairobi. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and executing logistical arrangements for sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR). This role requires collaboration with various UN agencies, including the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), to ensure the smooth execution of these sessions. The officer will also oversee communication and outreach activities, manage content for the UNEA website, and coordinate multilingual live streaming of meetings. The position demands a high level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment. The incumbent will also support resource mobilization efforts and assist with administrative tasks related to budget development and performance reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Conference Management Officer include planning and coordinating logistical arrangements for UNEA and OECPR sessions, leading coordination with UNON and other UN agencies, overseeing communication and outreach activities, managing content for the UNEA website, coordinating multilingual live streaming, liaising with the Government of Kenya and the Permanent Mission of Kenya, managing procurement matters, implementing greening measures, supporting the Chair and Secretary of the UNEA Strategic Taskforce, conducting survey initiatives, and performing other duties as required. The officer will also analyze data to identify trends, conduct training workshops, and support the planning of Committee of Permanent Representatives Subcommittee meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of complex conference and event management, including logistics, procurement, and stakeholder engagement. They should demonstrate the ability to apply UN policies and standards effectively and deliver results in a politically sensitive environment. The role requires excellent judgment, decision-making skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making processes. Professionalism, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to manage conflicting priorities are essential for success in this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, political science, international relations, or a related area 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 degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating intergovernmental meetings and conference management within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is required. This includes experience in planning and delivering high-level, complex meetings and managing logistical, operational, and procurement arrangements for large-scale events. Candidates should have experience in procurement processes, liaising with contractors and service providers, and integrating environmental sustainability measures into conference planning.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one (1) 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 renewal is contingent upon funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.