Associate Programme Management Officer

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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystem Division drives conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems to achieve benefits for nature and people: today and future generations. The division works with Member States and partners to strengthen resilience by providing policy and technical support to catalyze sustainable social and economic transformation for biodiversity, people and peace. This position is located in the Nature and Food Systems Unit (NFSU) of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division, at the Nairobi duty station. The Unit leads UNEP’s work on sustainable food systems and supports the integration of biodiversity, climate and sustainable development objectives through policy development, partnerships, knowledge generation, capacity-building and programme implementation. The incumbent will support the implementation of the Unit’s programme of work, including activities related to sustainable Food Systems, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), ecosystem restoration, and related biodiversity, climate and sustainable development processes. The incumbent reports to the Head, Nature Framework Support Unit and works closely with colleagues across UNEP and with external partners, including governments, United Nations entities, multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations and private sector stakeholders. Under the direct supervision of the Head, Nature Framework Support Food Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of programmes and projects related to sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability. • Contribute to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and related biodiversity commitments through the promotion of integrated approaches linking food systems, biodiversity, climate action and sustainable development. • Support policy analysis and technical assessments to identify opportunities for strengthening coherence, alignment and synergies across biodiversity, food systems, climate and sustainable development policies and programmes. • Contribute to the development and dissemination of technical guidance, policy briefs, analytical reports, knowledge products, case studies and other tools to support evidence-based decision-making and implementation of environmental and sustainable food systems objectives. • Support the development and application of methodologies, indicators and monitoring frameworks that facilitate integrated planning, data collection, reporting and knowledge management across food systems, biodiversity and climate agendas. • Assist in the preparation of technical inputs, background documents, briefing notes, reports and substantive contributions to intergovernmental processes, meetings, consultations and international environmental forums. • Contribute to engagement and collaboration with governments, United Nations entities, Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) secretariats, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and private sector stakeholders. • Assist in the implementation of capacity-building initiatives, technical workshops, webinars, peer learning activities and regional knowledge exchange platforms to strengthen implementation of biodiversity and sustainable food systems commitments. • Assist in the preparation of project concepts and funding proposals in support of the Unit's programme priorities. • Support communication, outreach and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at promoting the integration of sustainable food systems approaches within biodiversity, climate and sustainable development agendas. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other duties as required in support of the mandate and work programme of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable food systems and supports the integration of biodiversity, climate and sustainable development objectives through policy development, partnerships, knowledge generation, capacity-building and programme implementation. Ability to assist in data collection, analysis and interpretation in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Possess 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings 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.

An advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, agricultural sciences, economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying 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.

Not available.

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems, sustainable development or related discipline is required. Experience supporting multilateral environmental processes, policy development, partnerships, capacity-building, or knowledge management is desirable Experience related to the implementation of biodiversity, climate, or sustainable development frameworks is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview

Appointment against this post 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/AI/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. 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. 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. 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 based on qualifications and organizational needs. 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. 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. 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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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