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. Established to address environmental issues on a global scale, UNEP works with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to foster sustainable practices and policies. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on critical areas such as biodiversity, climate change, and pollution. UNEP's Ecosystem Division specifically drives conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems to achieve benefits for nature and people, both today and for future generations. The division collaborates with Member States and partners to strengthen resilience and catalyze sustainable social and economic transformation for biodiversity, people, and peace.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is located within the Nature Frameworks Support Unit (NFSU) of the Biodiversity & Land Branch in UNEP's Ecosystems Division, based in Nairobi. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of NFSU and will be responsible for coordinating various biodiversity-related projects and activities. This role involves ensuring that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Biodiversity Enabling Activities, such as updates to National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and reporting processes to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), align with UNEP-wide priorities. The officer will facilitate the coordination of UNEP projects funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, ensuring compliance with UNEP rules and contributing to the delivery of the Medium-Term Strategy. The position requires technical and analytical support for the implementation of relevant United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and involves monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, identifying operational issues, and proposing solutions. The officer will also manage and supervise staff involved in these activities and engage with Member States and partners through technical workshops and consultations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer include:

• Supporting the coordination of GEF Biodiversity Enabling Activities, ensuring alignment with UNEP priorities and guidance from senior management.
• Facilitating the coordination of UNEP projects funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, ensuring compliance with UNEP rules and contributing to the Medium-Term Strategy.
• Providing technical and analytical support for the implementation of UNEA resolutions under the NFSU.
• Monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, identifying operational issues, and proposing solutions related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
• Managing and supervising staff involved in these activities.
• Engaging with Member States and partners through the preparation and facilitation of technical workshops and consultations on MEAs.
• Contributing to inter-agency coordination processes and working groups, providing inputs and follow-up support as required.
• Participating in field missions and providing technical and logistical support, including coordination with consultants and preparation of mission outputs.
• Supporting budget and project management processes, including preparation of work programmes, progress reports, and financial documentation. 1
• Preparing briefings, speeches, and technical inputs for senior management on MEAs and related processes. 1
• Supporting knowledge management and information sharing across projects and partners. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Management Officer position include:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in biodiversity conservation, including international contexts.
• Experience managing or coordinating diverse teams to deliver results in biodiversity.
• Familiarity with Regional or Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is desirable.
• Experience collaborating across multiple international organizations and/or UN agencies is also desirable.
• Demonstrable knowledge of GEF processes is considered an asset.
• Two years or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation, environmental science, sustainable development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management specifically related to biodiversity conservation. This experience should include working in international contexts and managing or coordinating diverse teams to achieve results in biodiversity. Experience with Regional or Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is considered desirable, as is experience collaborating with multiple international organizations and/or UN agencies. Additionally, having demonstrable knowledge of GEF processes and at least two years of experience in data analytics or a related area is also desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme and is for an initial period of one year, which may be subject to extension. The selected external candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA limited) in accordance with the relevant administrative instructions. Internal candidates who meet the definition of 'internal candidate' in staff rule 4.10 will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve field missions and requires a commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.