Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of global consensus on environmental matters, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the effective implementation, management, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the GEF Circular Cities Beyond Plastics project. This role is critical in ensuring the successful delivery of project activities aimed at supporting participating cities in their transition to a circular economy and in reducing marine plastic pollution. The Project Manager will work closely with city-level governments and businesses to facilitate the adoption of circular economy approaches, thereby contributing to national, regional, and global efforts to combat marine litter and plastic pollution. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to drive project success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager include:

• Participating in the implementation and evaluation of project activities, monitoring and analyzing project implementation, reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying problems and proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties.
• Drafting, validating, and managing agreements with project partners.
• Preparing various written outputs, including background papers, analyses, sections of reports, and inputs to publications.
• Providing technical support to participating cities in their efforts to reduce plastics through circular economy approaches.
• Developing city-level monitoring methodologies and indicators and supporting their application in cities.
• Organizing consultations and meetings, including the Project Steering Committee Meeting, and preparing documents and presentations.
• Representing the project at regional and international meetings and conferences.
• Capturing information on project progress, challenges, opportunities, and learnings.
• Leading coordination of activities related to budget and funding, monitoring, and reporting. 1
• Participating in or leading field missions and drafting mission summaries. 1
• Managing the flow of information from the field and preparing related documents and reports. 1
• Reporting to the Executing Agency and Steering Committee(s) on project progress. 1
• Supporting procurement processes at city and regional levels, including drafting Terms of Reference and managing contracts. 1
• Organizing regular status update calls with project partners. 1
• Collaborating with colleagues and consultants supporting the Project Management Unit. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental or natural resource management, conservation, management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree in environmental management or a related field (Bachelor’s) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resources management at regional and national levels is required. Demonstrated experience in project management and stakeholder coordination is essential, along with experience in plastic pollution projects focusing on the circular economy. Experience working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, or UN agencies in the Wider Caribbean Region is desirable. Strong project coordination, organizational, and interpersonal skills are also required, along with a good understanding of region-specific challenges related to waste and plastics management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental/natural resource management, conservation, management, or a related field. A first-level degree in environmental management or a related field (Bachelor’s) may be accepted if combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating flexibility in educational requirements based on experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resources management, or a related area at both regional and national levels. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in project management and stakeholder coordination, particularly in projects addressing plastic pollution and promoting circular economy practices. Experience working with governmental and intergovernmental organizations, especially within the Wider Caribbean Region, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable, given the regional focus of the project and the need for effective communication with stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language of the UN Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be in-office and has a duration of 27 months. The consultant will report directly to the AMEP Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat. The onboarding process will be managed by UNOPS, and payments will be contingent upon the approval of deliverables by UNEP's Cartagena Convention Secretariat. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.