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.

UNEP's Regional Office for Europe helps to implement UNEP's global programmes in the European region by initiating, coordinating and catalysing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies.

This position is located in the Regional Office for Europe based in Geneva. The incumbent will be working under the supervision of and reporting to the Deputy Regional Director and, will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Policy:
• Serves as a senior policy officer, advising UNEP, and particularly the Subprogramme Coordinators for Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, on overall policy direction and country needs in the region related to those two thematic areas.
• Serves as the primary UNEP focal point in the pan European region on capacity building on resource efficiency and climate change adaptation and mitigation; keeps abreast of, analyses and reports on latest developments related to resource efficiency and climate change; liaises with other UN specialized agencies, representatives and officials in national governments and international organizations.
• Prepares national and sub-regional strategies pertaining to resource efficiency and climate change
• Contributes to outreach and awareness raising on resource efficiency and climate change in the region, including through policy dialogue at national and sub-regional level, as well as relevant multistakholders platforms.

Coordination:
• Coordinates the regional input into UNEP’s programming related to capacity building support on resource efficiency and climate change, including those to implement the various corporate wide strategies and initiatives; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies etc.); prepares situation reports to the international community
• Coordinates UNEP’s work in the region, in collaboration with the relevant UNEP division(s) and the global Subprogramme Coordinators for Resource Efficiency and Climate Change, to help countries build capacity in those thematic areas,
• Facilitates a coordinated approach in the pan European region in the area of capacity building in resource efficiency and climate change, and assists in the integration of resource efficiency and climate change considerations in the development and implementation of national and regional development and humanitarian strategies within the UN system for international assistance; advises on opportunities for mobilizing resources and on the proper use and spending of related donor contributions, channeled when relevant through UN system-wide efforts.
• Ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting on UNEP’s role in resource efficiency and climate change capacity building within the region.

Partnerships:
• Establishes and maintains contacts with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant MEAs Secretariats, other UN specialized agencies, representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations etc.; ensures appropriate mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside of the UN system, as it relates to resource efficiency and climate change matters.
• Organizes and participates in relevant work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on issues related to the development and implementation of resource efficiency and climate change.
• Establishes strong partnerships with civil society and private sector actors in the region, to leverage capacity building support on resource efficiency and climate change related issues, particularly with and in support of the climate-related MEAs.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as may be required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of Finance and Economic Transformation and Climate Change sub-programmes in the pan-European region; Provision of relevant countries and sub regional intelligence on resource efficiency and climate change developments is required Ability to cope with comprehensive work programmes, multiple activities, from strategic planning to implementation, in an organized and timely manner; Self-directed and motivated, with a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently is required. 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.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

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.

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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, social sciences, environmental management or a related field. A first-level university degree in the same fields in combination with two additional years of relevant 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 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in the fields of climate change and resource efficiency is required.

Experience with climate change policy investment and finance is desirable.

Experience with governmental bodies, NGOs, business and finance in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Balkans is desirable.

Experience in programme/project management and coordination is desirable.

Experience in resource efficiency and circular economy are desirable.

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

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian Language is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language 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 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.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.