Associate Programme Management Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThe 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. Through the resolution “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” (UNEP/EA5/L23/REV.1), the United Nations Environment Assembly requested to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), commencing its work during second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. The resolution established that the INC should develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, taking into account among other things, the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, as well as national circumstances and capabilities, including provisions. The position is based at the Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will report to the Programme Management Officer, INC Secretariat and will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities• Supports the planning, organisation and delivery of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) sessions and other related meetings, including meeting coordination and planning, logistical arrangements, session preparation, and support to high-level intergovernmental processes. • Provides demonstrable expertise in supporting intergovernmental environmental negotiations, including drafting precise scripts and speaking notes for governing bodies, Presiding Officers and Bureaux across diverse environmental processes. • Supports outreach activities and liaison with Member States, including responding to inquiries, assisting with engagement activities, and engaging effectively with regional groups and Member States, including problem-solving. • Supports the allocation and coordination of services provided to calendar and non-calendar meetings, interacting with a wide range of clients, such as Permanent Missions to the UN and INC focal points. • Assists with logistics and technical arrangements for meetings, including interactive and slide presentations, management of virtual platforms and other associated activities. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, including draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports, meeting agendas, talking points, and other substantive and administrative materials. • Supports resource mobilization efforts and donor engagement for the INC Secretariat. • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects; monitors and analyzes aspects of programme/project development; reviews documents and reports; identifies issues and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and information from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation, including reviewing and analyzing emerging issues and trends, and contributing to evaluations and analytical work. • Assists in performing consulting assignments in collaboration with clients by planning and facilitating workshops and other interactive sessions and assisting in developing action plans for change management. • Participates in survey and assessment initiatives, assisting with design of data collection tools, issuing tools, reviewing and analyzing responses, identifying issues, and preparing preliminary conclusions. • Participates in field missions, providing substantive and administrative support, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. • Supports the coordination of budget and funding activities, including programme and project preparation, submissions, progress reports and financial statements, as well as the preparation of pledging materials, work programme updates and programme budget reports. • Contributes to data collection and analysis, identifies trends or patterns, and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data-visualization methods for evidence-based planning, decision-making, presentations and reporting. • Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the elimination of pollution or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law (public international law and/or international law), political sciences, economics, public administration or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in environment and sustainable development, project/programme management or environmental governance is required. Experience with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) or other multilateral scientific and technical bodies is required. Experience in intergovernmental environmental processes and international negotiations is required. Experience in supporting intergovernmental environmental negotiations, including experience in drafting precise scripts and speaking notes for governing bodies, Presiding Officers, and Bureaux across diverse environmental processes is required. Experience liaising with and conducting outreach with Member States, Permanent Missions, donors, and other stakeholders is required. Experience engaging effectively with regional groups and Member States, including problem-solving is required. Experience in meeting coordination and planning, including logistical arrangements, session preparation, and support to high-level intergovernmental processes is required. Experience within the UN system or similar international institution working on the governance of plastic pollution is desirable. Experience in environmental programme and project planning, analysis, and governance issues is desirable. A minimum of one (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree). LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. 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).