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. The position will lead UNEP’s strategic work to deliver ambitious and tangible results to support whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to biodiversity conservation, in support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and other relevant global, regional, and national policies. The coordinator will work across UNEP, UN Agencies and other key stakeholders to mobilize new biodiversity action and partnerships. In particular, the coordinator will work to help UNEP and UN agencies deliver on the Common Approach to Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions while focusing on country-led, demand-driven support. The coordinator will inform and apply integrated, practical systems approaches to linking biodiversity, climate, pollution, and sustainable development. The position is located in the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Branch, incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities
- Takes the lead, to develop, implement, and evaluate assigned programs and projects to implement UNEP’s strategic approach to delivering on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, etc.; directs subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; and identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
- Coordinates UNEP-wide processes for mobilizing the delivery of biodiversity outcomes in support of the KMGBF, including the shaping of programme of work and mid-term strategies and catalyzing learning, integration, and teamwork.
- Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines for biodiversity programs by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
- Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies,
- Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
- Supports sound analysis and documenting lessons learned and best practice for delivering biodiversity action.
- Provide multi-disciplinary analytical support to UNEP staff, regional offices and other UN agencies, as appropriate, to assist in the development and implementation of an integrated information and knowledge management strategy
- Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
- Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
- Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
- Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and ensures preparation of related documents and reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).
- Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
- Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels, inside and outside the organization.
- Ensures effective utilization, supervision, and development of staff; guides, evaluates, and mentors staff.
- May perform other duties as required.
Education, Skills and Other Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation, ecosystems management, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Successful completion of both degree and non-degrees in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in biodiversity programme management at international levels is required.
- At least five (5) years’ experience in managing intergovernmental processes and/or international policy development and implementation for biodiversity-related topics is required.
- At least five (5) years’ experience leading diverse and/or interdisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environment and sustainable development outcomes is desirable.
- Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
The evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Other Notes
Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) 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 or 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.