PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P4

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 incumbent will lead the work of the Convention related to biodiversity and health (including human, wildlife, crop, livestock, and ecosystem health), the prevention of the introduction of, control and eradication of those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species, and wildlife trade. Promotes integrated approaches (such as the One Health approach and the ecosystem approach) on interlinkages between biodiversity and health to address the common drivers of biodiversity loss, in the context of the strategic plans/frameworks of the Convention and the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, the 2050 Vision for biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 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, Monitoring and Capacity Division. Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Division, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Drivers and Cross-sectoral Work Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

A) Provides objective scientific, technical and policy analysis and expert advice to facilitate decision making by the Conference of the Parties (COP), the meetings of the Parties of the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, the Subsidiary Body on Scientific Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI), and other subsidiary bodies, including through the preparation of relevant technical reports, draft decisions and recommendations and other documents and publications. B) Facilitates the engagement of relevant experts and stakeholders, ensuring multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, including through relevant technical expert groups. C) Promotes cooperation with other relevant organizations and agreements, especially at the international level, including the World Health Organization and other UN specialized agencies and relevant conventions, with a view to supporting coherent and synergistic implementation of the Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals, coordinating relevant interagency liaison groups and joint programmes of work. D) Supports and contributes to efforts to promote the implementation of relevant COP decisions and the application of guidance developed under the Convention, including through the identification of needs and priorities of Parties, the preparation of relevant implementation support tools, the design and organization of capacity building workshops and on-line materials, developing partnerships, and by enabling technical and scientific cooperation among Parties and other stakeholders. E) Supports and participates in relevant education, communication and outreach activities to increase awareness, understanding and action by Parties and stakeholders, in particular to promote cross-sectoral cooperation. F) 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. G) Performs any other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONALISM: Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Good knowledge of international processes in conservation and sustainable use. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 calm 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in sustainable development, biological or environmental sciences, economics, public policy, natural resources management, social sciences or related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Not available.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in issues relevant to biodiversity, health and/or environmental change is required Five years of working experience at the international level is required. Demonstrated experience in supporting intergovernmental processes, including coordination, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of technical or policy outputs, is required. Demonstrated experience with Convention processes, including a sound understanding of the functioning of its governing and subsidiary bodies, is required. Experience in issues relevant to invasive species and/or wildlife trade is desirable. Experience in facilitating partnerships and/or working across organizational boundaries and in facilitating cross-sectoral and/or transdisciplinary work is desirable. Experience in health-related policy, programmes, research, or technical issues is desirable. Two years or more of 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.

This position is temporary and available for 6 months and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. 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 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. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. 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 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. 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.