Senior Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as 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. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), established in April 2012, has a membership of about 150 Governments and aims to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The IPBES secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, and operates under the auspices of UNEP, focusing on critical environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer will play a pivotal role in leading the conceptualization, implementation, and review of the IPBES work programme as approved by the IPBES Plenary. This position requires ensuring that decisions are implemented within the specific timeline and budget approved by the Plenary. The officer will conduct sensitive political liaison work with members of the Platform and other stakeholders, including the Bureau and Multidisciplinary Expert Panel. The role also involves serving as the lead spokesperson for the IPBES work programme, representing the organization in significant meetings, conferences, and events. The officer will lead and direct a team of programme officers, consultants, and secondees, planning and allocating work assignments, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff. Additionally, the officer will support the Executive Secretary in delivering on the mandate of IPBES, providing strategic advice on complex programmatic matters, and preparing documents and other inputs for Plenary sessions and meetings of subsidiary bodies. The position also entails exploring opportunities for collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, overseeing the preparation of legal instruments, and ensuring data-driven planning and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the conceptualization, implementation, and review of the IPBES work programme as approved by the IPBES Plenary, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Serve as the lead spokesperson for the IPBES work programme, representing the organization in key meetings and events.
• Direct a team of programme officers, consultants, and secondees; plan and allocate work assignments; coach, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Prepare and implement the work programme’s budget.
• Support the Executive Secretary in delivering on IPBES mandates and provide strategic advice on complex programmatic matters.
• Prepare documents and inputs for Plenary sessions and meetings of subsidiary bodies, ensuring adequate representation and support from the IPBES secretariat.
• Explore collaboration opportunities with related agencies and stakeholders, providing briefs on emerging issues.
• Oversee the preparation and processing of legal instruments and financial reporting.
• Lead efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making and reporting. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to programme management and environmental sciences. They should have the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct data collection, and apply judgment in various contexts. The role requires excellent analytical and evaluative skills, as well as the ability to manage conflicting priorities effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, accountability, leadership, and performance management skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, management, law, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, planning, economics, and/or environmental sciences is required. Experience at the intergovernmental level is essential, along with experience working with key IPBES stakeholders in an international setting. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations 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 rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with administrative instructions. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information in their application, and the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.