Senior Programme Officer

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Position Title: Senior Programme Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 been instrumental in addressing various environmental challenges. The organization was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission includes promoting sustainable practices, facilitating international environmental agreements, and providing guidance and support to countries in their efforts to address environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer position is a critical role within UNEP, focusing on the coordination and substantive support for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. This role requires a deep understanding of environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and international organizations. The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for preparing documentation, providing technical and scientific support, and ensuring that gender mainstreaming guidelines are implemented in all actions. The position demands strong leadership skills, as the officer will lead teams, manage outreach activities, and represent UNEP at various meetings and conferences. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping international policies and strategies to combat plastic pollution, ensuring that the work aligns with UNEP's mission and the broader goals of sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Officer will lead the coordination of technical and substantive support to the INC process, including the preparation of documentation for meetings. Responsibilities include coordinating a cross-organizational task team, providing technical and scientific support, ensuring gender mainstreaming in all actions, directing research and program evaluations, and supervising the preparation of various written outputs. The officer will also manage outreach activities, conduct training workshops, lead field missions, coordinate budget and funding activities, and serve as a spokesperson for UNEP. Additionally, the officer will guide and mentor staff, analyze data to identify trends, and ensure effective collaboration with key officials both inside and outside the organization. The role may also involve performing other duties as required, contributing to the overall success of UNEP's initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in environmental science, business administration, management, economics, or related fields. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s) with two additional years of relevant work 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 demonstrate a strong understanding of environmental theories, concepts, and approaches, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in environmental science, business administration, management, economics, or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. 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 and analysis.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in supporting multilateral environmental agreement negotiations and working with developing countries. Experience in providing policy advice or technical cooperation services to government authorities at regional or international levels is also desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in implementing projects addressing plastic pollution are advantageous. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, highlighting the importance of data in environmental decision-making.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French is desirable. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is also desirable, which can enhance communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.