Associate Programme Management 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. UNEP was established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a mission to drive conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems to achieve benefits for nature and people, both for current and future generations. The Ecosystem Division of UNEP works with Member States and partners to strengthen resilience by providing policy and technical support to catalyze sustainable social and economic transformation for biodiversity, people, and peace.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Management Officer position is located in the Nature and Food Systems Unit (NFSU) of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division, at the Nairobi duty station. The NFSU leads UNEP’s work on sustainable food systems and supports the integration of biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development objectives through policy development, partnerships, knowledge generation, capacity-building, and programme implementation. The incumbent will support the implementation of the Unit’s programme of work, which includes activities related to sustainable food systems, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), ecosystem restoration, and related biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development processes. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, UN entities, multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders. The incumbent will report to the Head of the Nature Framework Support Unit and will be involved in various aspects of programme management, including monitoring, reporting, and supporting the development of methodologies and indicators for integrated planning and knowledge management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Programme Management Officer include supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of programmes and projects related to sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental sustainability. The incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and related biodiversity commitments by promoting integrated approaches that link food systems, biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable development. Responsibilities also include conducting policy analysis and technical assessments to identify opportunities for strengthening coherence and alignment across various policies and programmes. The incumbent will assist in the development and dissemination of technical guidance, policy briefs, analytical reports, knowledge products, and case studies to support evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, the role involves preparing technical inputs for intergovernmental processes, engaging with various stakeholders, implementing capacity-building initiatives, and supporting communication and outreach activities aimed at promoting sustainable food systems within broader environmental agendas. The incumbent will also be responsible for data collection and analysis, providing insights through data visualization methods, and performing other duties as required in support of the Unit's mandate.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, agricultural sciences, economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with an additional two 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. Candidates should possess knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to sustainable food systems and the integration of biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development objectives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, agricultural sciences, economics, public policy, or international relations. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is also desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, sustainable development, or a related discipline is required. Experience in supporting multilateral environmental processes, policy development, partnerships, capacity-building, or knowledge management is desirable. Experience related to the implementation of biodiversity, climate, or sustainable development frameworks is also advantageous, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension, contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA-limited). The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.