Senior Programme 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 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 the circular economy. UNEP's Industry and Economy Division specifically addresses 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 has a significant presence in various countries around the world.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer position is located within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, specifically in the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit. This role involves leading the formulation and implementation of UNEP’s work programme, which aims to integrate data, science, and knowledge networks in sustainable materials management, circular economy, and life cycle thinking. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Industry Innovation Branch and will be responsible for preparing and reviewing scientific studies, assessments, and knowledge products related to the sustainable use and management of natural resources. The position requires providing methodological advice on life cycle approaches and ensuring that research integrates competing priorities across stakeholders. The officer will also strengthen the science-policy interface on resource and material production and consumption, leveraging opportunities to inform policy and business discourse on sustainable consumption and production. This role is crucial for enhancing the usability and access of scientific data and knowledge products related to sustainable materials management and engaging in UNEP-wide efforts to promote gender mainstreaming in all initiatives supported by the Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Management Officer include supporting the preparation and review of scientific studies and assessments, providing methodological advice on life cycle approaches, ensuring integration of competing priorities in research, strengthening the science-policy interface, leveraging opportunities for policy discourse, providing secretariat support to various science bodies and partnerships, increasing usability and access to scientific data, enhancing knowledge management capacities, implementing gender mainstreaming guidelines, overseeing budget and funding activities, ensuring effective utilization and development of staff, leading data collection and analysis efforts, and performing other duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for guiding and mentoring staff, ensuring that everyone can access and share necessary data, and maintaining productive partnerships with clients.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of strategic issues related to sustainable materials management, sustainable consumption and production, and circular economy. They should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, provide innovative technical leadership, negotiate, analyze data, and maintain a commitment to gender balance in staffing. The role requires a professional approach, with a focus on client orientation, continuous learning, vision, and building trust within the organization and with external partners.

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. 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:
A minimum of ten years of proven experience in providing science-based and policy-relevant advice at the country level on sustainable consumption and production and circular economy is required. At least five years of this experience should be in an international role. Candidates must have experience in mobilizing resources for projects with budgets exceeding USD 5 million and managing international teams of five or more. Experience in data analytics or managing large scientific datasets is desirable, along with a demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals on scientific analysis related to natural resource use and management.

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. This bilingual requirement reflects the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in both languages for the role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme and is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension. Applicants from underrepresented or unrepresented Member States in the UN Secretariat are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Staff members are expected to fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.