Associate Programme Management Officer

Nairobi

  • Organization: UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Legal - Broad
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: 2026-01-27

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Through the resolution “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” (UNEP/EA5/L23/REV.1), the United Nations Environment Assembly requested to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), commencing its work during second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. The resolution established that the INC should develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, taking into account among other things, the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, as well as national circumstances and capabilities, including provisions. The position is based at the Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will report to the Programme Management Officer, INC Secretariat and will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Supports the planning, organisation and delivery of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) sessions and other related meetings, including meeting coordination and planning, logistical arrangements, session preparation, and support to high-level intergovernmental processes. • Provides demonstrable expertise in supporting intergovernmental environmental negotiations, including drafting precise scripts and speaking notes for governing bodies, Presiding Officers and Bureaux across diverse environmental processes. • Supports outreach activities and liaison with Member States, including responding to inquiries, assisting with engagement activities, and engaging effectively with regional groups and Member States, including problem-solving. • Supports the allocation and coordination of services provided to calendar and non-calendar meetings, interacting with a wide range of clients, such as Permanent Missions to the UN and INC focal points. • Assists with logistics and technical arrangements for meetings, including interactive and slide presentations, management of virtual platforms and other associated activities. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, including draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports, meeting agendas, talking points, and other substantive and administrative materials. • Supports resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement for the INC Secretariat. • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects; monitors and analyzes aspects of programme/project development; reviews documents and reports; identifies issues and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and information from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation, including reviewing and analyzing emerging issues and trends, and contributing to evaluations and analytical work. • Assists in performing consulting assignments in collaboration with clients by planning and facilitating workshops and other interactive sessions and assisting in developing action plans for change management. • Participates in survey and assessment initiatives, assisting with design of data collection tools, issuing tools, reviewing and analyzing responses, identifying issues, and preparing preliminary conclusions. • Participates in field missions, providing substantive and administrative support, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. • Supports the coordination of budget and funding activities, including programme and project preparation, submissions, progress reports and financial statements, as well as the preparation of pledging materials, work programme updates and programme budget reports. • Contributes to data collection and analysis, identifies trends or patterns, and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data-visualization methods for evidence-based planning, decision-making, presentations and reporting. • Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the elimination of pollution or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law (public international law and/or international law), political sciences, economics, public administration or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in environment and sustainable development, project/programme management or environmental governance is required. Experience with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) or other multilateral scientific and technical bodies is required. Experience in intergovernmental environmental processes and international negotiations is required. Experience in supporting intergovernmental environmental negotiations, including experience in drafting precise scripts and speaking notes for governing bodies, Presiding Officers, and Bureaux across diverse environmental processes is required. Experience liaising with and conducting outreach with Member States, Permanent Missions, donors, and other stakeholders is required. Experience engaging effectively with regional groups and Member States, including problem-solving is required. Experience in meeting coordination and planning, including logistical arrangements, session preparation, and support to high-level intergovernmental processes is required. Experience within the UN system or similar international institution working on the governance of plastic pollution is desirable. Experience in environmental programme and project planning, analysis, and governance issues is desirable. A minimum of one (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

.headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; }

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Pursuant to section 7 .11 of ST/ Al/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last SIX months are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link. received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

You need an Impactpool account to apply for this job

It's free and takes only a moment to sign up

Sign up and apply

Already a member of Impactpool?

Sign in to your account Linkedin logo | Sign in with LinkedIn
Fellow badge

This feature is included in the Impactpool Fellowship.

Become a Fellow and get a summary of the job description to quickly understand the role and the requirements