PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

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.

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the general guidance of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit (BSPG), the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Provides neutral scientific, technical and information documents and expert advice on the conservation and sustainable use of marine, coastal and island biodiversity including in relation to post-2020 global biodiversity framework and Sustainable Development Goals, to the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies as well as other scientific and technical preparatory processes.
(a) Develops evidence-based documents from scientific and technical data and information to facilitate decision making by the COP and its subsidiary bodies e.g. the meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the meetings of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI).
(b) Prepares draft decisions and recommendations in an integrated manner to support Parties in reaching a coherent set of outcomes on marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(c) Provides substantive input to the COP and SBSTTA bureaux and their chairs regarding marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(d) Leads and coordinates the preparation of relevant scientific and technical reports, documents and publications on marine, coastal and island biodiversity
(e) Leads, designs, planning organization and servicing expert workshops/meetings, regional workshops, side events/meetings that provide inputs to the subsidiary bodies (e.g. SBSTTA, SBI) and the COP, regarding marine, coastal and island biodiversity as well as the development and dissemination of the workshop reports.
(f) Leads identification and implementation of any further steps related to ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSA) and the impacts of the various pressures/threats on marine, coastal and island biodiversity, such as ocean acidification, unsustainable fishing, marine debris, anthropogenic underwater noise, climate change, pollution, including plastic pollution and etc., in collaboration with Parties, scientific community, individual experts, and relevant organizations
(g) Leads the identification of new and emerging issues of particular significance for the work of the Convention on marine, coastal and island biodiversity.

2. Leads, coordinates, manages, and provides expert advice in the execution of the various components of the Convention’s work on marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(a) Ensures quality outputs as well as effective and efficient functioning of the Secretariat’s work on marine, coastal and island biodiversity, including the ecologically or biologically significant marine areas, monitoring the status and trends of different marine habitats and ecosystem features (e.g. coral reefs and associated ecosystems, cold-water biodiversity, open ocean and deep-sea habitats, other coastal and marine habitats and ecosystem features, living resources), addressing anthropogenic impacts (e.g. ocean acidification, climate change, marine debris, marine pollution, unsustainable fishing, coastal development, habitat loss and degradation) on marine biodiversity through the development of scientific synthesis, tools and guidelines (e.g. ecosystem and precautionary approaches, integrated marine and coastal area management, marine and coastal protected areas, impact assessments, marine spatial planning), capacity development, technical cooperation and information sharing, in line with the requests by COP and its subsidiary bodies.
(b) Provides guidance to and maintain strategic-level as well as operational-level communication, coordination and collaboration with CBD national focal points, secretariats for various inter-governmental instruments and processes, various partner organizations and scientific communities, on issues of marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(c) Manages, provides guidance, coaching, and supervision, and evaluates the performance of the work of members of the marine team, including interns and/or consultants on marine, coastal and island biodiversity, and coordinates and liaises with other units and divisions as well as senior management within the Secretariat to ensure that the implementation of the above-mentioned tasks is harmonized with other work programmes/initiatives within the Secretariat.
(d) Undertakes necessary missions and participates in inter-governmental and other substantive meetings relating to implementation of the above-mentioned tasks.
(e) Coordinates and provides substantive inputs to the preparation of statements/messages by the Executive Secretary regarding marine, coastal and island biodiversity as well as responding correspondence and requests from any interested individuals/general public on the work of the Convention on marine and coastal biodiversity.

3. Provides policy and scientific support to Parties and other stakeholders in the integration of marine, coastal and island biodiversity into the ocean development agenda and relevant international/regional processes
(a) Engages and provides substantive inputs to the preparation of the UN Secretary General’s report on ocean affairs and the law of the seas, UN General Assembly’s process on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and other relevant processes, UN-Ocean coordination mechanism and other UN and inter-governmental processes on policy development agendas to ensure the integration of marine and coastal biodiversity
(b) Promotes and coordinates the integration of marine biodiversity into fisheries, tourism, marine mining, shipping and other relevant sectors.
(c) Promotes the integration of marine biodiversity into the policies and activities of regional bodies and inter-governmental processes, including regional seas conventions and action plans as well as regional fisheries bodies/regional fisheries management organizations.
(d) Engages indigenous peoples and local communities, international NGOs, representatives of business and other civil society stakeholders to strengthen integration of marine biodiversity in relevant international initiatives.

4. Provides capacity development opportunities to and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation among Parties and other stakeholders on marine and coastal biodiversity, including through the Sustainable Ocean Initiative;
(a) Provides leadership and substantive inputs to the capacity development activities within the framework of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative, including through global training of trainers workshop and regional/national workshops, in support of Parties in their development and implementation of their NBSAPs or other coastal and ocean policies relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(b) Coordinates and provides leadership and substantive inputs to the engagement of partnerships as well as technical and scientific cooperation in support of Parties in their development and implementation of their NBSAPs or other coastal and ocean policies relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(c) Coordinates and provides leadership and substantive inputs to the development of on-line platform of delivering capacity development opportunities, partnerships and technical and scientific cooperation, including through the SOI website (www.cbd.int/soi);
(d) Leads and coordinates the provision of scientific and technical information, tools and technical guidelines on various management approaches, such as the ecosystem and precautionary approaches, integrated marine and coastal management, marine protected areas, marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, sustainable management of living marine resources, marine pollution and other conservation and management measures in support of national implementation of the Convention on marine, coastal and island biodiversity, post-2020 global biodiversity framework and Sustainable Development Goals relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.

5. Designs, coordinates, and executes the preparation and dissemination of communication products and awareness-building information and provide leadership to raising public and political awareness on marine and coastal biodiversity.
(a) Coordinates and provides leadership and substantive inputs into the development and dissemination of communication products to raise awareness among various target audiences on issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity.
(b) Engages and establishes networks with partners, including high-level policy makers, and mobilizes them to further disseminate communication products and awareness-raising information on marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(c) Organizes high-level meetings/events at COP or other international fora, involving Heads of State, Ministers, parliamentarians, or other senior officials to raise political awareness on the issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity.
(d) Coordinates and provides leadership and expert advice to designing and operationalization of the structures, main contents and functionalities of the CBD websites and information-sharing mechanism on marine and coastal biodiversity, website and global repository on ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) (www.cbd.int/ebsa), website on Sustainable Ocean Initiative (www.cbd.int/soi), global coral portal website, and an information sharing mechanism on marine spatial planning.
(e) Engages partners to promote linkages between the above-mentioned websites with the relevant websites and information-sharing mechanisms of respective partner organizations.
(f) Plans, coordinates and provides leadership and expert advice to the development of on-line fora or webinar as information-sharing platforms to support Parties in their implementation of the Convention on marine and coastal biodiversity.

6. Coordinates and provides leadership and expert advice on the monitoring of the status and trends of marine, coastal and island biodiversity, review and evaluation of the implementation of the Convention as well as post-2020 global biodiversity framework and Sustainable Development Goals relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity: (a) Coordinates, promotes and engages participation of Parties and relevant organizations in the compilation, monitoring and collection of research data/information on the status and trends of marine, coastal and island biodiversity and ecosystem services
(b) Coordinates and provides leadership and expert advice on the development and application of indicators to measure the progress in implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and Sustainable Development Goals relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(c) Liaises with Parties and relevant UN/international organizations as well as regional bodies/initiatives, such as regional seas conventions and action plans and regional fisheries bodies/regional fisheries management organizations on accessing data/information relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity and applying the indicators for post-2020 global biodiversity framework and Sustainable Development Goals relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.
(d) Provides expert advice, substantive inputs and review comments on the preparation of Global Biodiversity Outlook and other global assessment reports relating to marine, coastal and island biodiversity.

7. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

8. Performs any other duties as assigned by the management of the unit, division, and the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and 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 calms in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in marine biology, marine environmental sciences, coastal management, oceanography or maritime and environmental law is required.

A first level university degree in combination with two additional 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible work experience in marine environmental management, marine policy, sustainable ocean and coastal development is required.

Five (5) years at the international level with exposure and knowledge of the working of an international organization is required.

Experience with the UN system or similar organization is desirable.

Experience in global/regional intergovernmental processes on marine environmental issues is desirable.

Two (2) years or more experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN language(s) is desirable.

NOTE: ''Fluency'' equals a rating of ''fluent'' in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ''Knowledge of'' equals a rating of ''confident'' in two of the four areas.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

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.

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.

Internal Applicants – 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, irrespective of the administering entity, 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.

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.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.