Senior Programme Management Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities
Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, to support transformational approaches and mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation, including in food systems, health and other key sectors; 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; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
Directs research and programme evaluation and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies.
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/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).
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 related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, related to integration of biodiversity and climate considerations into policies development and assistance. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction to mobilize alliances and action. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• MANAGING PERFOMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biodiversity, environmental policy or management, ecosystem science, ecosystem health, food systems or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area for biodiversity or ecosystem related activities, of which at least five years at the international level is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience leading and supervising professional teams and resource mobilization for biodiversity, climate or related area is required.
• Relevant experience addressing environmental issues through multi-disciplinary approaches and partnerships, particularly related to health and food systems is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.