Senior Programme 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 aims to support decision-makers in government while engaging with industry and the finance sector. The organization focuses on using strong scientific evidence to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, including circular economy initiatives. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is dedicated to addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution while advancing economic and social objectives. UNEP operates globally, with a mission to foster sustainable development through sound environmental practices and policies, and it has a significant presence in various countries around the world, working with numerous stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Programme Officer is located at UNEP's Paris duty station within the Industry and Economy Division, specifically under the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit. This unit is responsible for leading the formulation and implementation of UNEP’s work programme, which aims to integrate data, science, and knowledge networks in the area of sustainable materials management, circular economy, and life cycle thinking. The incumbent will work closely with governments, industry, and finance actors to develop relevant policies and practices that promote sustainable consumption and production. The role involves providing methodological advice on life cycle approaches, ensuring that research and analysis consider competing priorities across stakeholders, and strengthening the science-policy interface on resource and material production and consumption. The Senior Programme Officer will also leverage opportunities to inform policy and business discourse on sustainable practices and will provide secretariat support to various science bodies and partnerships, enhancing the usability and access to scientific data and knowledge products related to sustainable materials management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the preparation and review of scientific studies and assessments related to sustainable use and management of natural resources; providing methodological advice on life cycle approaches and metrics; ensuring integration of stakeholder priorities in research and analysis; strengthening the science-policy interface in global, regional, and national policy processes; informing policy and business discourse on sustainable consumption and production; providing secretariat support to various science bodies and partnerships; increasing accessibility to scientific data and knowledge products; enhancing knowledge management capacities within the Unit; implementing gender mainstreaming guidelines; overseeing budget and funding activities; supervising and developing staff; leading data collection and analysis efforts; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in sustainable materials management, sustainable consumption and production, and circular economy principles. They should demonstrate knowledge of strategic issues, opportunities, and risks related to these areas. The ability to communicate effectively and provide innovative technical leadership is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical skills, the ability to negotiate and apply good judgment, and a commitment to gender balance in staffing and decision-making processes. Professionalism, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, vision, and trust-building are key competencies required for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural resources science, natural resource management, or environmental science is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills relevant to the position.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of proven experience in providing science-based and policy-relevant advice at the country level on sustainable consumption and production and circular economy initiatives, with at least five years in an international role. A demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals on scientific analysis related to natural resource use and management is required. Experience in mobilizing resources for projects with budgets exceeding USD 5 million and managing international teams of five or more is also necessary. Experience in data analytics or managing large scientific datasets is desirable, showcasing the candidate's ability to handle complex data-driven projects effectively.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in the same areas. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the United Nations Secretariat, which operates in a bilingual environment.

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 a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA-limited), and external candidates selected will be granted this type of appointment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Staff members are expected to fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy, and individual contractors or consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months are ineligible to apply for this position. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.