Active Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

• Studies, explores, and evaluates new and existing data sources to determine their effectiveness and accuracy for use in decision making, and assess their suitability for actionable output. Provide data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes, monitors and analyzes their development and implementation, and drafts and reviews relevant documents and reports.
• Designs and builds predictive data science products, such as visualizations, models or AI/ML algorithms for initial simulations or prototypes and subsequent ingestion into mainstream software applications.
• Liaises with technology stakeholders to access infrastructure, software and services needed to develop and deploy data science products.
• Promotes use of data science solutions by showcasing the products to stakeholders; disseminating of data products, and raising awareness of available data products.
• Develops products, tools and processes to periodically validate the effectiveness of data science products and their expected and observed benefits. Assesses impact on business defined key performance indicators; Iteratively improves products based on findings.
• Engages in complex research and analyses to develop data products; uses internal and publicly available data and information.
• Oversees and allocates resources to the building of analysis, reporting and quality control capabilities, contributes to short- and long-term planning of UNEP and assists in identifying threats and opportunities to the successful implementation of its mandate.
• Coordinates with different functional teams to implement models and monitor outcomes and translate organizational needs into analytics and reporting requirements to support decisions, strategies and workflows with data and information.
• Develops processes and tools to monitor and analyze model performance and data accuracy and conduct full data analytics lifecycle analysis, including data requirements, activities and design.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of (7) seven years of progressively responsible experience in data science is required. Experience in using data to advance decisions, strategies and execution is required. Experience managing small teams is required.
• Experience of working with international multi-agency projects, ideally in an environmental context is desirable.
• Experience of data science tools such as Jupyter, Matlab, Knime, SPSS, SAS, or similar Statistical Programming Languages such as R, Python, Javascript or related is desirable.
• Experience contributing to technical publications (peer- reviewed or on established technical fora) in AI or data science is desirable Experience building AI/data models for the environment is desirable.

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Specific responsibilities for the Principal Evaluator: In close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, the Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for the overall management of the Evaluation and timely provision of its outputs.

More specifically:

• Inception phase of the Evaluation, including:
• preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
• draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project;
• prepare the evaluation framework;
• develop the desk review and interview protocols;
• draft the survey protocols (if relevant);
• develop and present criteria for country and/or site selection for the evaluation mission;
• plan the evaluation schedule;
• prepare the Inception Report, incorporating comments until approved by the Evaluation Manager.
• Data collection and analysis phase of the Evaluation, including: conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners, and project stakeholders, (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission(s) to Georgia, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities. Ensure independence of the Evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
• regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and; keep the Project/Task Manager informed of the evaluation progress.
• Reporting phase, including: draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
• liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager;
• prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the Evaluation Consultant and indicating the reason for the rejection; and; (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons).
• Managing relations, including: maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
• communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Manager on any issues requiring attention and intervention. The Principal Evaluator shall have had no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project and will be independent from the participating institutions.
• The consultant will sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form. The Principal Evaluator will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through a consultancy contract. Comprehensive terms of reference will be shared with the consultant separately.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the same areas in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience of technical / evaluation experience preferably including evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach is required. A good/broad understanding of environmental governance (especially in relation to biodiversity or chemicals or pollution or ocean governance) is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is desirable.

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The consultant will support UNEP’s digital presence and impact by effective audience engagement, and data-driven performance optimization across digital platforms. The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Digital Strategy Section. The incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Plan, execute, and manage paid digital marketing strategies to support UNEP’s communication objectives and enhance the reach and impact of its work, applying data-driven approaches to improve performance, audience targeting, and cost effectiveness.
• Track and analyze the performance of digital marketing and communication activities, prepare analytical reports, and provide recommendations to strengthen future initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal UNEP teams and external service providers to support the effective delivery of digital marketing and communication activities. Coordinate the planning and implementation of communication activities for assigned programmes or initiatives, including Young Champions of the Earth, by liaising with internal teams and external partners to ensure strategic alignment, consistency of messaging, and effective delivery across digital and multimedia platforms.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, marketing or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in digital marketing and digital communications, including management of paid digital campaigns and multi-channel communication initiatives, is required.
• Proven experience in coordinating communication activities for programmes or initiatives, working with multiple stakeholders is required Strong analytical skills, with experience using digital analytics tools to monitor performance and inform strategy is required. Excellent written and visual communication skills, with strong attention to detail is required.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and manage multiple priorities is required. Previous experience with the United Nations or an international organization is desirable.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Output 1. Inception report. Report outlining the assignment’s methodology, stakeholder engagement strategy, activity timeline, and expected deliverables.
• Output 2. Legal and Policy Review. A review of relevant Acts of Parliament and national legal frameworks supporting Indigenous Peoples’ involvement in biodiversity conservation and NBSAP implementation.
• Output 3. Analytical Report on NBSAP Targets and IPLC Participation A report analysing Kenya’s NBSAP targets to identify alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ biodiversity and ecosystem goals and assessing Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ participation and contributions in NBSAP implementation, including key challenges and opportunities. Output
• Gap Analysis A report identifying gaps in monitoring and socio-economic data on biodiversity action by Indigenous Peoples, with proposed mechanisms to address these gaps for effective NBSAP implementation and reporting.
• Output 5. Stakeholder engagement A synthesis report of consultations with NGOs, CSOs, IPLC organizations, and the National NBSAP Coordination Committee, capturing insights, challenges, successes, policy needs and recommendations for strengthening IPLC engagement.
• Output 6. Draft Strategy for IPLC Engagement A proposed strategy for engaging IPLCs in the NBSAP process through the National NBSAP Implementation Coordination Mechanism, with actionable steps for institutional integration
• Output 7. Tools and Plans for Strengthening IPLC Engagement A document including:
• proposed indicators to measure IPLC contributions to NBSAP targets;
• a capacity-building plan to enhance IPLC participation in monitoring and reporting; and a communication plan to raise IPLC awareness of their role in NBSAP implementation.
• Output 8. Final Report and Presentation A consolidated final report and presentation outlining the full framework for IPLC engagement in NBSAP implementation, including actionable steps, timelines, responsible entities, and annexes with the strategy, communication plan, and capacity-building plan.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree in biodiversity conservation, international development, environmental science, management or behavioural sciences or closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation and demonstrable experience working with indigenous group is required.
• Experience in facilitating local community groups’ meeting and partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments is required Experience with the NBSAP implementation process in Kenya is required
• Demonstrable experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities is required
• Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and participatory processes with Indigenous communities, with a strong understanding of FPIC and ethical engagement practices is required Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of international frameworks (CBD, UNDRIP, KMGBF) and national Kenyan policies related to Indigenous Peoples, land, and environment is desirable.

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• Specifically, this consultancy will assess and quantify (model) the impacts of NBS and EBA intervention scenarios so that the economic value of those scenarios can be estimated.
• Assess flood drivers and hazards (impact indicators) Using as a starting point the report “Hydrological and climate risk assessment and development of hydrological /hydraulic models to inform EBA solutions for flood reduction in Vientiane, Paksan, Savannakhet and Pakse”, the consultant shall identify the main drivers of flooding and the flood hazards in Vientiane, Paksan, Pakse, and Kaysone.
• Hazards will include aspects such as direct risk to human life; damage to properties including their contents and infrastructure; disruption of traffic; health risk; disruption of business activities; environmental impact and other matters such as political considerations. This shall include hazards related to erosion and sedimentation.
• The Consultant is expected to assess the level of dependence between the flood mechanisms based on available data and the knowledge of the hydrologic/hydraulic system in general. The flood driver and hazards assessment should consider the interaction of large-scale river flooding from the Mekong River, local fluvial flooding from tributaries, pluvial flooding, and flash floods. The hazard assessment shall include mapping exposure of public and private assets, including residential buildings, industrial establishments, government buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture to flood impacts. Secondary impacts, such as loss of ecosystem services, must also be considered.
• The Consultant shall prepare a flood drivers and hazards report, providing a summary of results (maps) and findings, providing a narrative around flooding and its causes. The report will be succinct and aimed at a mainly technical but non-expert audience. A dissemination/verification meeting will be held following submission of the draft report, and any necessary adaptation or amendments will be incorporated into the final draft. Collaborate on development of EBA scenarios
• The EBA scenarios will be determined for each city by UNEP staff and consultants in consultation with the project management unit (PMU) and provincial authorities, and and will be based on, as a starting point, the World Bank NBS Opportunity Scan1 as well as recommendations for EBA measures from provincial ecosystem management plans2, spatial hydrological assessments3, and integrated climate-resilient flood management strategies4 (ICRFMS).
• The EBA Impact Modeling consultant is expected to review the draft scenarios and participate in the consultation process in so much as is possible under the budget constraints of the consultancy. Based on the consultant’s expert opinion and experience modelling river and drainage systems, the consultant shall propose adaptations or supplemental NBS and EBA measures.
• Model flood mitigation impacts of EBA scenarios The consultant shall model the potential flood mitigation impacts of proposed EBA implementation scenarios relative to a business-as-usual scenario. The modelling must be applied to realistically represent variations in rainfall, topography, soil type, land use, and adequately simulate floods' genesis.
• The modelling may need to be extended to locations outside the urban areas to capture all relevant run-off. The model design should allow a straightforward representation of land-use changes and human interventions.
• The model schematization must be set-up such that the model can evaluate a range of different types of measures including but not limited to additional storage areas, widening/deepening of tributaries, changes to land use, urban water management measures to reduce runoff, improvement of maintenance, pump capacity, canal widening/deepening, improvement of canal maintenance, green infrastructure or other nature-based interventions. etc.
• Particular attention should be given to the impact of planned and unplanned urban development (e.g. changes in both density and extent of urbanization, that will result in an increase in paved areas, increase in informal settlements near waterways, increase in populations vulnerable to flooding), and how these will affect the flood impacts.
• The Consultant shall prepare a draft and final flood impact assessment report, that includes an executive summary of results and findings, with maps, and include a narrative around flood risk and its main contributing factors (from the drivers and hazards assessment).
• The report shall consider risk indicators such as depth flooding, duration of flood, number of people affected, damage to assets, impacts to key sectors (e.g. agriculture, transport, commerce, supply chains, etc.), social impacts, and environmental and cultural damage. Risk mitigation measures shall be partly prioritized based on their robustness, i.e., their ability to deliver reduced flood losses under a range of future conditions. The report shall be aimed at a mainly technical but non-expert audience, and shall include an assessment of the robustness of solutions for a range of (uncertain) future scenarios due to climate and socio-economic changes, etc. Estimate implementation costs of EBA scenarios
• The Consultant shall enable the cost-benefit analysis with an estimate of costs of EBA and NBS implementation, considering capital costs, operations & maintenance costs over their functional lifespan, and other long-term budget needs.
• Detail any other implementation needs and constraints. Sketches or conceptual drawings of the proposed shortlist options will be prepared, and where possible, with outline dimensions and materials. Quantify secondary ecosystem service impacts The Consultant shall quantify expected secondary and indirect impacts of EBA scenarios (“Co-benefits”).
• Apart from direct benefits from flood risk reduction, assess indirect benefits associated with EBA scenarios, for instance erosion control, waste management, sedimentation, recreation, and improving the overall quality of life (heat mitigation, air quality, attractive landscape, spiritual wellness, etc.) Additionally, the Consultant shall conduct a high-level assessment of potential environment and social risks of the proposed investments for the highest ranked options for four cities as agreed with the responsible agencies.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree in Applied Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required. A first university degree in related fields with a combination of two (2) years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional working experience in the field of hydrological modeling, ecosystem services modeling, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment in developing countries is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of professional working experience on flood impact assessment is required. Experience in and understanding of the political economy of development planning in South East Asia is desired.

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Responsibilities

BUDGET PREPARATION:

• Reviews and analyses data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals. Provides support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Reviews, analyses and provides input into finalization of programme budget/financial implications.
• Provides substantive support to Divisional Director and Deputy Director in their budget review under the guidance of the Chief of Finance, CSD.

BUDGET ADMINISTRATION:

• Issues allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures. Monitors budget implementation and determines/recommends reallocation of funds when necessary. Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels.
• Authorizes payments for the various office expenditures. Reviews all requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged, ensuring availability of funds. Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Prepares relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions. Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.

REVIEWS, ANALYSES AND FINALIZES THE COST RECOVERY PROCESS OF DIVISION:

• Oversees the Communication Division cost recovery system in line with UN cost recovery policies, including standard cost recovery rates, program support costs (PSC), and direct vs. indirect costs. Works closely with programmatic colleagues from UNEP Divisions/Offices in guiding and setting cost allocations to activities for services, overheads and administrative support. Identifies and explains deviations in cost recovery performance and recommends strategies to improve cost recovery efficiency.
• Liaises with procurement, HR and operational functions of the Division providing input and guiding on risk management, cost recovery, efficiency and financial policy implementation.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 6. Performs other duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in the specified fields 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration or related area is required.
• A minimum of two years relevant experience in implementing, applying, and contributing to development of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience with cost recovery policies, including standard cost recovery rates, program support costs (PSC), and direct vs. indirect costs is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in performing analysis, reviewing, and designing tailored donor reports is required. Experience with use of finance modules in an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system including analysis of accounting data and creation of management reports using Business Intelligence tools, is desirable.
• Prior work experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. 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).