UNEP Ghost Gear Project Manager

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 works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy. The organization aims to strengthen the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff dedicated to environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Ghost Gear Project Manager will provide day-to-day technical and operational direction for the project delivery, ensuring that the project aligns with UNEP's mission and objectives. The consultant will lead the Project Management Team and oversee various components of the project, including technical, operational, partnership, monitoring, and reporting aspects. The project focuses on advancing sustainable management and recycling of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear in Indonesia and Vietnam, with the goal of reducing marine plastic pollution, enhancing fisheries productivity, and supporting sustainable coastal livelihoods. The consultant will be responsible for planning, managing, and providing technical direction across all project outcomes, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with project documentation and work plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: planning and managing project outcomes; coordinating and overseeing the Project Management Team, consultants, implementing partners, contractors, and project deliverables; managing partnerships and coordinating with donors, Korean technical partners, participating governments, and other stakeholders; monitoring project progress, budget, results, risks, and compliance with the approved project document and workplan; and preparing technical, financial, and donor reports, including required documentation in Korean. The consultant will also be expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and regional learning exchanges, while ensuring that the project meets its objectives and adheres to UNEP's standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in environmental management, development studies, environmental sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project coordination or management, international cooperation, environmental affairs, or a related field, including at least three years working on marine and/or coastal environmental issues. Experience managing donor-funded projects, particularly those funded by the Republic of Korea, is required, as is experience in marine litter and plastic pollution, including pollution from sea-based sources. Desirable qualifications include experience facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, working in a multicultural environment, and previous involvement in COBSEA's work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in environmental management, development studies, environmental sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental management and the specific challenges related to marine litter and fishing gear management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project coordination or management, international cooperation, environmental affairs, or a related field. This experience should include at least three years focused on marine and/or coastal environmental issues. Additionally, experience managing donor-funded projects, particularly those related to the Republic of Korea's Official Development Assistance, is essential. Familiarity with marine litter and plastic pollution, as well as experience in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. Knowledge of other languages from the East Asian Seas region is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the COBSEA Coordinator. The role involves formal supervision of UNEP staff, with delegated authority for financial, administrative, procurement, and contractual approvals remaining with the COBSEA Coordinator. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.