Programme Coordinator

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 was established following the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues, sustainability, and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for leading the implementation and coordination of the Programme of Work on Article 8J of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This role involves ensuring effective delivery of projects and activities related to traditional knowledge, human rights, biodiversity, and area-based conservation. The incumbent will coordinate the preparation and servicing of various meetings, including the Conference of the Parties (COP) and intersessional meetings, while facilitating the engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities. The position requires the development of technical advice and knowledge products, as well as the strengthening of partnerships with UN organizations and indigenous networks. The Programme Coordinator will also manage resources for the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, monitor programme performance, and support the formulation of policy recommendations on integrating traditional knowledge into biodiversity conservation policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will lead the implementation of the Programme of Work on Article 8J, ensuring effective project delivery. Responsibilities include coordinating the preparation of COP and SB8J meetings, providing technical advice on traditional knowledge, and developing knowledge products. The role also involves strengthening partnerships with UN organizations and indigenous networks, managing resources for the Voluntary Fund, monitoring programme performance, and evaluating programme impact. The Programme Coordinator will support inclusive decision-making processes, formulate policy recommendations, develop communication strategies, identify emerging threats to biodiversity, and analyze data to provide insights for decision-making. Additional duties may be assigned as required to support the broader work of the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of natural resources management, environmental management/sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and policy, and project management. The ability to apply United Nations administrative rules and regulations is essential, along with conceptual analytical skills for independent research and analysis. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify issues, and formulate recommendations. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and teamwork are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, education, law, sociology, anthropology, international affairs, or related disciplines is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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 desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or policy development in related natural resources fields is required. Experience in biodiversity related to the engagement of indigenous peoples or local communities is desirable, as is work experience in the field of human rights. Experience at the international level or within the United Nations Systems is also desirable, along with two or more years of experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable, and knowledge of another United Nations language is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. The position is a fixed-term appointment limited to the duration of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.