Programme Management at United Nations

Programme Management Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the implementation of the Global Adaptation Network (GAN):
• Implement the UNEP project “Mobilizing Climate Change Adaptation Knowledge through Global and Regional Networks”, including programmatic and financial planning and fund raising, donor coordination, and reporting.
• Organize GAN Steering Committee meetings and other meetings under the project, and represent the secretariat on the areas of expertise, and ensure the follow-up of outcomes of the Steering Committee meetings.
• Organize adaptation knowledge-sharing events, training workshops and seminars, in coordination and partnership with other organizations, and represent the secretariat on the areas of expertise.
• Develop a GAN communication and outreach strategy, and develop, update and disseminate GAN and Regional Network communication and outreach materials, including preparation of GAN publications, technical reports and policy briefs, as well as maintaining the GAN website.
• Coordinate the implementation of other activities included in annual GAN Work Plans and facilitate regional network knowledge sharing and collaboration:
• Coordinate activities for resource mobilization and partnership development of the Global Adaptation Network (GAN) Project:
• Liaise, strengthen collaboration and consolidate relationships with existing and potential GAN donors.
• Undertake donor coordination, as appropriate, with a view to developing a stable financial basis of the Global Adaptation Network.
• Enhance support by Member States on the goals and vision of the global adaptation network and related programmes, by supporting deliberations on adaptation knowledge management by the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and other intergovernmental processes, as appropriate.
• Strengthen GAN’s linkages and contributions to UNFCCC processes and continue collaboration with the UNFCCC secretariat (including the Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative).
• Strengthen linkages with and represent GAN in other adaptation knowledge management initiatives;
• Contribute to the implementation of knowledge-sharing and communications components of selected UNEP adaptation projects.
• Coordinate and support Regional Networks linked with the Global Adaptation Network (GAN):
• Coordinate the further development and implementation of the GAN Regional Adaptation Networks in Asia-Pacific (APAN), Latin America and the Caribbean (REGATTA), Africa (AAKNet), and West Asia (WARN-CC).
• Undertake donor coordination, as appropriate, with a view to facilitating the development of a stable financial basis for regional adaptation networks.
• Provide major support to the development of further regional and thematic networks
• Strengthen exchange of information and lessons learnt, knowledge-sharing and collaboration among the GAN Regional Networks.

Qualifications for the Programme Management Job

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change adaptation.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative sills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, internet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to other, 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information keeping people informed.
• 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 action as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, political sciences, economics or related field is required. A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in environmental policy including four years working on climate change adaptation is required. Experience in communications, adaptation knowledge exchange and international adaptation actors is desirable.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.