Project Manager for Dugong Conservation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP provides administrative functions for various secretariats, including the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), which is a global intergovernmental treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat also supports several intergovernmental instruments related to migratory species conservation. The CMS Office in Abu Dhabi specifically coordinates the CMS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats. This office is involved in a four-year project funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) aimed at improving the conservation of seagrass meadows and the biodiversity they support across five target countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The project aims to integrate seagrass ecosystem services into policy frameworks and business models in selected sites within these countries.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for Dugong Conservation will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a project aimed at conserving dugongs and their habitats. This role involves engaging with implementing partners and subcontractors, ensuring efficient project execution, and maintaining timely and consistent technical and financial reporting. The Project Manager will establish systems for project monitoring and evaluation, manage day-to-day operations, and oversee financial management, including budget cycles and expenditure tracking. The position requires effective communication strategies to promote the project and support project partners in a multicultural environment. The incumbent will also collect and analyze data to provide insights for decision-making and reporting. This position is critical for the success of the project, which is set to continue for one year, subject to performance evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will manage the project by engaging with implementing partners and subcontractors through UNEP legal instruments. Responsibilities include ensuring efficient project implementation, timely technical and financial reporting from partners, and establishing systems for monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent will oversee financial management, including budget cycles, disbursing funds, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining accurate financial records. Communication activities will also be overseen, including developing outreach strategies and materials, liaising with the CMS Secretariat, and identifying opportunities to showcase the project. The Project Manager will support project partners in a multicultural setting, providing advice on reporting requirements and ensuring positive working relationships. Data collection and analysis will be performed to identify trends and provide insights for planning and reporting. Additional duties relevant to the assignment may also be required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of conservation biology, environmental management, project management, or related fields. The ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also required. Strong planning and organizational skills are necessary, along with effective communication abilities to convey information clearly and engage in two-way communication with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in conservation biology, environmental management, project management, economics, international relations, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in conservation biology, environmental management, project management, or related areas is required. Experience managing projects within the UN common system or similar international organizations is essential. Candidates should have experience working on projects related to seagrass and dugong conservation, as well as managing large-scale multi-country conservation projects in the project region. Familiarity with enterprise management systems such as SAP and experience with International Climate Initiative (IKI) projects are desirable. Additionally, at least two years of experience in data analytics or a related area is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited to the duration of the project. Candidates selected for this position will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request to support participation in the recruitment process.