Programme/Project 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 was established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices globally.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme/Project Management Officer is crucial for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) within the Administration Division in Montreal, Canada. The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of programme and project management tasks, including research, analysis, and the presentation of data to inform decision-making. The role requires ensuring compliance with guidelines and objectives for substantive programmes/projects, monitoring budgetary commitments, and drafting various documents and reports. The officer will also supervise office support staff and assist in the collection and analysis of data for effective knowledge management and decision-making. Collaboration with colleagues across different departments is essential to cost recommendations and decisions, update the Results-based management framework, and facilitate the inclusion of final costing data into the management information system. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while ensuring that all work aligns with established plans and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme/Project Management Officer include:

• Independently providing a full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance, including researching, compiling, analyzing, and summarizing data for consideration by relevant parties.
• Reviewing and appraising submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines, identifying issues, and preparing summaries with recommendations for further action.
• Establishing monitoring systems through scheduled reporting and meetings, and monitoring budgetary commitments while making necessary recommendations to the line manager.
• Drafting inputs for a variety of documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Monitoring project implementation at all stages, analyzing difficulties, and initiating remedial actions as necessary.
• Supervising office support staff, including distributing work assignments and providing training.
• Assisting with data collection and analysis, preparing presentations and reports, and updating information materials.
• Collaborating with colleagues to cost recommendations and decisions, reviewing costing templates, and preparing summary costing tables for major meetings.
• Updating the Results-based management framework and contributing to the formulation of sub-outputs and higher levels. 1
• Performing other tasks as required to support the overall objectives of the SCBD.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high level of professionalism and knowledge in project management, including monitoring, budget analysis, and biodiversity-related issues. Candidates must demonstrate proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of the complex dimensions of the environment and sustainable development. Strong research skills and the ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues are essential. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data to support decision-making, as well as a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Relevant training in project management, project management systems, financial management, results-based management, and budgeting is desirable. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have a reduced minimum experience requirement.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in sustainable development or environment-related programmes. This requirement is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Additionally, a minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience with an Enterprise Resources Planning system, such as Umoja, is also desirable, along with at least one year of experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified in the UN Language Framework. Candidates should demonstrate their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English at UN Level II. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory for this position.

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 subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Montreal. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.