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 has a mission to drive conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems to achieve benefits for nature and people, both today and for 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. UNEP operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to support countries in conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing their terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, as well as the biodiversity they contain and the products and services they provide for human well-being and prosperity. The Ecosystems Division’s Marine and Freshwater Branch specifically focuses on providing science, governance, and strategic communications expertise to drive action across marine, coastal, and freshwater ecosystems, addressing the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer will be located in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, Marine and Freshwater Branch, at the Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will be responsible for the direct implementation of the work plan, monitoring and evaluation, and other activities in the Source to Sea Pollution Unit. This role requires a strategic leader who can develop, implement, and evaluate assigned programmes and projects, directing subordinates in relevant programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment. The officer will ensure that gender mainstreaming guidelines are implemented effectively, assess the implications of planned actions for both men and women, and coordinate policy development while reviewing assessments of issues and trends. The position demands a proactive approach to managing outreach activities, conducting training workshops, and leading field missions. The incumbent will also oversee budget and funding activities, ensuring the preparation of related documents and reports, and will serve as a spokesperson, establishing collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Management Officer include leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; directing subordinates in source-to-sea relevant programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment; ensuring the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines; directing research and programme evaluation; coordinating policy development; undertaking survey initiatives; supervising the preparation of various written outputs; directing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences; managing outreach activities; leading field missions; coordinating activities related to budget and funding; ensuring effective utilization, supervision, and development of staff; and leading team efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making. The officer may also perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctoral degree, or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or a related field. A first-level degree in the specified fields of study combined with two additional years of 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. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the substantive field of Source-to-Sea Pollution work, the ability to identify strategic issues, and the capacity to communicate effectively. The role demands innovative technical leadership, negotiation skills, and the ability to analyze complex data for sound policy recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctoral degree, or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree in the specified fields of study, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Additionally, successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental programme and project management is required. At least five years of experience developing and implementing Source-to-Sea approaches across multiple countries is essential. Candidates must have demonstrated experience managing teams in international contexts, with direct supervision responsibilities. Experience with the coordination of global multi-stakeholder partnerships and convening intergovernmental expert groups on source-to-sea relevant topics is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also advantageous.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, 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, although 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, subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as fixed-term appointment limited (FTA limited), and external candidates selected will be granted this type of appointment. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued funding and mandate existence. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per organizational needs.