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. Established as one of the three original implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNEP works alongside the World Bank and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The organization partners with 15 other agencies to assist developing countries and those with economies in transition in achieving global environmental benefits across six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change, international waters, chemicals and waste management, and land degradation. The UNEP GEF Coordination Office plays a crucial role in UNEP's GEF-related activities, including policy formulation, project guidance, and corporate activity administration. UNEP is also an accredited entity for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which provides specialized technical services for program/project formulation, due diligence, mobilization of co-financing, project implementation oversight, evaluation, results-based payments, and knowledge management. The GCF Coordination Office manages UNEP's partnership with the GCF and ensures compliance with various policies and regulations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Management Officer position is located in the Policy and Programmes Division (PPD) at the Nairobi Duty Station. The incumbent will report directly to the Director of PPD and will be responsible for providing high-level strategic direction and oversight of UNEP’s GEF portfolio. This includes ensuring coherence with UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), Programme of Work (PoW), and UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions. The role involves leading UNEP’s engagement with the GEF and GCF Secretariats, establishing a corporate vision for UNEP’s role as a GEF/GCF implementing agency, and strengthening UNEP’s thought leadership in GEF/GCF-funded initiatives. The incumbent will also oversee the management of UNEP’s GEF/GCF project pipeline, ensuring compliance with operational policies and strategic priorities, and will represent UNEP at high-level policy dialogues and interagency coordination mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Management Officer include:

• Providing strategic leadership and overseeing the implementation of UNEP’s GEF portfolio.
• Leading UNEP’s engagement with the GEF and GCF Secretariats.
• Establishing a corporate vision for UNEP’s role as a GEF/GCF implementing agency.
• Strengthening UNEP’s thought leadership in GEF/GCF-funded initiatives.
• Overseeing and managing UNEP’s GEF/GCF project pipeline in coordination with relevant technical divisions and regional offices.
• Establishing quality control mechanisms for UNEP’s GEF/GCF project portfolio.
• Cultivating and managing strategic partnerships with donors, governments, and civil society organizations.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of performance monitoring systems for UNEP’s GEF/GCF portfolio.
• Leading and managing a multidisciplinary team of GEF/GCF professionals. 1
• Promoting gender equality and inclusivity across UNEP’s GEF/GCF portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, natural resources, social sciences, economics, or environmental management. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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 in-depth knowledge of international development and environmental policies, particularly in areas such as biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. Strong negotiating skills and the ability to influence others are essential, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, natural resources, social sciences, economics, or environmental management. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is also desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in the design and implementation of environmental projects and programs is required. Candidates should have experience in leading complex international programs with a focus on policy development, resource mobilization, and results-based management. Experience in financial management of environmental projects, including budgeting and donor reporting, is also required. Prior experience with the GEF Secretariat and managing high-level stakeholder relations is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension, contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA-limited). Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.