Programme Management Assistant

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 in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity, Science, Policy and Governance Unit (BSPG) and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer responsible, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

1. Programme and project management: a) Provides programme/project management support and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle for supporting effective delivery of CBD processes, seeking guidance as necessary. b) Tracks COP (Conference of the Parties) decisions that affect programme/project content and intergovernmental processes, and provides support to implementation of relevant decisions, in particular on matters that support the objectives of the Unit. c) Assists in coordinating with donor organisations on financing modalities in support of programme/project implementation; Assists in drafting budgets and forecasts, prepares monitoring checklists, and ensures proper reporting and follow-up. d) Serves as focal point for coordination and monitoring of assigned activities in the implementation activities, liaising with diverse organizational units, preparing standard terms of reference, and follows up on and assists in resolving administrative issues related to recruitment, procurement, and payments. 2. Research, analysis and documentation: a) Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents information/data on a wide range of programmes/projects and related topics highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties, after internal approval. b) Reviews, supports and revises submissions and responses to notifications, ensuring compliance with guidelines and the objectives of the Unit. c) Identifies problems/issues, seeks clarification from colleagues, and propose possible follow-up action. Drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, including executive documents. 3. Stakeholder engagement and cooperation: a) Coordinates communications with Parties, governments, and partner organizations, ensuring timely dissemination of information and follow-up on cooperation initiatives. b) Assists in development of project proposals to be submitted to donors and partner organizations. c) Coordinates submission, processing, and publication of stakeholder documentation. d) Provides information and guidance to external stakeholders regarding CBD processes and cooperation arrangements. 4. Secretariat and logistical support: a) Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc task forces, and intergovernmental meetings. b) Drafts and circulates agendas, assembles background documentation, and drafts minutes of meetings. c) Monitors follow-up actions from intergovernmental processes. d) Supports organization of meetings, workshops, and field activities, including logistical arrangements, preparation of materials, and liaison with service providers. e) May undertake missions/field work in support of programme/project activities. 5. Supervision, information and knowledge management: a) Provides guidance and work direction to office support staff, including distribution and review of assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluations. b) Maintains and manages internal databases and filing systems, ensuring effective data and information management. c) Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. d) Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. e) Updates and maintains information materials such as websites, newsletters, and brochures. 6. Performs any other duties as may be assigned.

PROFESSIONALISM: Proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of the various complex dimensions of the environment and sustainable development; good research skills and ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit documents. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commits to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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 efficiently. 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.

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Computer skills including use of standard office software and data base are required. Supplementary training in programme/project administration, public administration, or related areas, is desirable.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of sustainable development or environment related programmes, environmental law, public administration and environmental conventions is required. The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. Work experience with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is desirable. Work experience with international environmental policies, activities, and programmes such as those under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is desirable. Work experience with UN rules and regulations or of similar international organization is desirable. A minimum of one (1) year or more experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

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

The 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 appointments 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 will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. 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. 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 online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online 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. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" 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.