Technical Support 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. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates globally, with regional offices representing UNEP in various regions, acting as principal interlocutors with regional platforms, national governments, and regional ministerial forums. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to advocate for the global environment, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into the broader development agenda.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Support Officer is critical in supporting UNEP's engagement with the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system and member states to accelerate the environmental dimension of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation. The incumbent will work within the Regional Development Coordination Unit at UNEP's Regional Office for Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role involves providing technical support for the development of Common Country Analyses (CCAs) and the elaboration of UN Cooperation Frameworks (UN-CFs), ensuring that the six transition pathways for UN-CFs are mainstreamed effectively. The officer will coordinate the implementation of outcomes from UNRC dialogues, provide technical and advisory support to various stakeholders, and assist in capacity building initiatives. The position also entails supporting resource mobilization efforts and environmental financing to integrate innovative financing for SDG implementation, while developing bankable pipelines of national projects. The role is pivotal in enhancing UNEP's visibility and support to UN Country Teams (UNCTs) across Africa, ensuring that environmental sustainability is prioritized in national development agendas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Support Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: 1) Providing technical support in the development of CCAs and UN-CF frameworks, ensuring the integration of transition pathways for SDG implementation. 2) Coordinating and supporting the implementation of outcomes from UNRC dialogues to enhance UNEP's support to UNCTs. 3) Offering technical and advisory support between the Regional Development Coordination Unit and Results Groups, UN Resident Coordinators, and National Institutions. 4) Providing technical backstopping to the UNCT FP system in Africa to strengthen country engagements and UNEP's visibility. 5) Conducting technical capacity building on the UNCT FP mechanism in response to requests from UN RCOs and sub-regional heads. 6) Supporting CCA and UN-CF end cycle quality assessments to finalize the UN-CF development process at the country level. 7) Assisting the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director in high-level political representation across the region. 8) Providing technical guidance for UNCT reporting, including UN INFO reporting of UNEP initiatives in Africa. 9) Supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Africa Office Management Project. 10) Assisting in resource mobilization and environmental financing to support the integration of innovative financing for SDG implementation. 11) Supporting projects related to food systems within the Regional Development Coordination team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, engineering, project management, economics, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Experience working with an international organization is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have a background in global environmental governance and sustainable development practices.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, engineering, project management, or economics. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating the importance of both formal education and practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience, particularly in working with international organizations. This experience should ideally encompass roles that involve environmental policy development, project management, and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the context of sustainable development and environmental governance.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNEP and the UN system. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, reflecting the bilingual nature of many countries in Africa and the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months, indicating a temporary or project-based role. The job is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is part of a full-time commitment within the UNEP framework. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.