Senior Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1974, UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The UNEP Regional Seas Programme, which was established in 1974, is the umbrella framework that brings together 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, covering 146 countries. The Cartagena Convention, adopted in 1983, is the first and only legally binding framework of its kind for the Wider Caribbean Region, providing the intergovernmental platform for its Member States and Territories to cooperate on the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment. The Regional Coordinating Unit (UNEP-CAR/RCU) was established in 1986 in Kingston, Jamaica and serves as the Secretariat to the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols.

Job Overview:
The Senior Coordination Officer will be responsible for acting as UNEP's focal point for coordinating the activities of UNEP's Caribbean Environment Programme, Regional Coordinating Unit (CAR/RCU), and the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention. This role involves ensuring that the activities align with the provisions of the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols, as well as the decisions made by the Conference of the Parties. The incumbent will coordinate and supervise the preparation of meetings for the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention, analyze COP decisions, and translate them into actionable plans. The position requires liaising with various stakeholders including governments, international organizations, and the donor community, ensuring cohesive and high-quality deliverables from the CAR/RCU and the Regional Activity Centres (RACs). The officer will also manage host country relations with the Government of Jamaica and participate in UN Country Team meetings as necessary. Additionally, the role supports UNEP's Regional Seas Programme and coordinates the work of the CEP and the Cartagena Convention with other multilateral environmental agreements. The officer will oversee the administration of CAR/RCU, manage financial contributions, and guide Parties in their financial obligations. Furthermore, the position involves developing fundraising strategies, managing GEF projects, implementing gender mainstreaming guidelines, and leading data collection and analysis efforts to inform decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as UNEP's focal point for the Caribbean Environment Programme and coordinate activities of the CAR/RCU and the Cartagena Convention Secretariat.
• Supervise the preparation of meetings for the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention and analyze COP decisions to create action plans.
• Liaise with Parties to the Cartagena Convention, governments, stakeholders, and the donor community.
• Ensure cohesive activities between CAR/RCU and Regional Activity Centres (RACs).
• Manage host country relations with the Government of Jamaica and participate in UN Country Team meetings.
• Support UNEP's Regional Seas Programme and coordinate with other multilateral environmental agreements.
• Oversee the administration of CAR/RCU, manage financial contributions, and guide Parties in their financial obligations.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for additional support.
• Manage GEF projects and ensure effective delivery of results. 1
• Implement gender mainstreaming guidelines in all planned actions. 1
• Lead efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making and reporting. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, environmental management, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy, development, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of 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.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, environmental management, environmental law and policy, or development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered desirable.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, implementation, and management of marine and coastal programs, policies, and initiatives at various levels (national, regional, or international). At least five years of experience in intergovernmental processes, including supporting negotiations and conferences, is necessary. Furthermore, candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience managing large marine environment-related programs and projects, along with at least three years' experience in resource mobilization. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Spanish. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages. According to the UN Language Framework, the required level for English is UN Level III and for Spanish is UN Level II.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The selected external candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, candidates who have worked as Individual Contractors or Consultants within the UN Secretariat in the last six months are ineligible to apply for this position.