Current Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities
Supervision of Project Implementation of the Enabling Activity Portfolio of Projects:

• Prepares project supervision plans under his/her portfolio for their entire duration and applies adaptive management principles to the supervision of the projects.
• Organizes and manages the project inception meeting.
• Provides oversight to project execution and prepares reports in accordance with UNEP and Global Environment Facility criteria, rules and regulations.
• Participates or delegates participation when needed, in relevant Project Steering Committees and ensures that Project Steering Committee fulfills its function.
• Regularly monitors project progress and performance and rates progress towards meeting project objectives, project execution progress, quality of project monitoring and evaluation, and risk. Monitors reporting by project executing partners.
• Promptly informs management of any significant risks or project problems and takes action and follows up on decisions made.
• Prepares reports in accordance with Global Environment Facility and UNEP requirements.
• Maintains adequate project-related documentation.
• Applies adaptive management principles to the supervision of the project.
•  Assists with the preparation of project revisions.
• Reviews project outputs, provides technical input and ensures quality standards are met. Manages any mandatory project(s) reviews.
• Supports the project terminal evaluation when relevant or project final reports.
• Takes responsibility to ensure that project is financially closed in a prompt manner after completion of project activities.
• 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.
• Supervises and mentors junior professionals, consultants and general service staff.

Enabling Activity Project Identification and Development:

• Liaises with internal and external partners to identify relevant and eligible project concepts.
• Discusses and clears such concepts with the Senior Programme Officer.
• Consults with UNEP’s Divisions and regional offices as necessary.
• Advises project proponents on how to revise concepts to respond to issues raised by the peer reviewer and other reviews.
• Monitors Global Environment Facility project milestones to avoid delays and potential project cancellation.
• Addresses Global Environment Facility Secretariat and Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel reviews and ensures that Project Review Committee recommendations are considered in further project development by the executing agency.
• Works with the Fund Management Officer to internalize the Project Preparation Grant upon approval.
• Supervises Project Preparation Grant execution in accordance with UNEP and Global Environment Facility policies and procedures.
• Supports Project Preparation Grant execution in accordance with UNEP and Global Environment Facility policies and procedures. 
• Verifies that the project proposals meet Global Environment Facility quality-at-entry standards before submission to Senior Programme Officer and Global Environment Facility Coordination Office for Project Review Committee review.
• Supports the executing partners in mobilizing Co-financing for the project. Upon Global Environment Facility Chief Executive Officer approval, works with the Fund Management Officer to internalize the project document.

Economy Division Knowledge Management and Data Management:  

• Identifies and codifies lessons emerging from project implementation; 
• Ensures accuracy and completeness of project data in the project information system and the risk management system for all projects under his/her supervision;
• Contributes to project data reconciliation exercises within the Division and with the Global Environment Facility Secretariat;
• Identifies media and other outreach opportunities and materials and provides project information and materials;
• Participates in events organized by Global Environment Facility and UN Environment to disseminate information on project results and lessons.

UNEP and Global Environment Facility Corporate Tasks:  

• Contributes to the Global Environment Facility Council document reviews as needed. 
• Provides input to UNEP and Global Environment Facility policy and information documents as necessary;
• Identifies opportunities to complement the UNEP Programme of Work with GEF-financed initiatives;
• Represents Economy Division in UNEP and Global Environment Facility –related meetings;
• Participates in the UNEP Project Review Committees;
• Provides regular substantive backstopping to UNEP senior colleagues and partners, including the regional and liaison offices;
• Provides input to Global Environment Facility corporate evaluations, country portfolio evaluations, thematic evaluations and impact evaluations and to the preparation of the Management Action Record.
• Maintains the enabling portfolio of projects and risk management records and contributing to UNEP and Global Environment Facility information and knowledge management;
• Keeps abreast of developments in his/her technical field and further develops competencies and skills; and undertakes at least one relevant learning activity each year; 
• Prepares his/her annual work plan for result based management with clear goals and indicators.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM:  Knowledge and understanding of concepts, templates, processes and approaches relevant to the Global Environment Facility projects on climate change mitigation reporting to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. Knowledge and understanding of all cycles of project management.  Ability to source, design and develop large climate change mitigation convention reporting projects. Ability to work with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and (Least Developed Countries) LDCs in developing climate change mitigation convention reporting projects. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allow for contingencies when planning; Monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

EMPOWERING OTHERS:

• Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Environment, Economics, Energy or Climate Change related field. 
• A first-level university degree in the relevant field in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying 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 seven (7) years of relevant experience in the area of climate change mitigation reporting to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (National Communications and Biennial Update Reports) is required
• At least two (2) years’ hands-on experience in engaging and negotiating project development and implementation with a wide range of Government institutions in Least Developed Countries and Small Islands Developing States is required.
• International experience in developing and implementing Global Environment Facility climate change mitigation (non-land use) project is required.
• Experience in managing and providing technical advice to at least fifty multi-country, global and complex UNFCCC reporting programmes on climate change mitigation is required
• Experience in managing geographically dispersed teams and overseeing a large global portfolio of climate change projects is required.
• Experience working with the United Nations system is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
• NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas

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• This position is  homebased  under the direct supervision of the UNEP - UN-REDD Africa Region Coordinator. The position holder will specifically support the delivery of UNEP UN-REDD implementation plan for Africa: this involves working closely with other UN agencies, governments, and other relevant key stakeholders to ensure countries accelerate financing for forests, via upfront financing and REDD+ Results-Based Finance (RBF). 

The consultant will perform the following tasks:

Programme implementation quality assurance, for delivery of results (Output 1, 50%)

• Ensure proper follow-up of UN-REDD implementation based on legal agreement and agreed workplan, UN-REDD Results Framework 2021-2025, flag issues in a timely way and suggest eventual adaptive management measures as necessary. 
• Provide technical guidance and support to countries in terms of day-to-day REDD+ implementation as necessary, as well as in the formulation of country workplan, targeted support, and other outputs, 
• Provide technical support and capacity development to countries on topics such as REDD+ nesting, carbon market and other REDD+ related issues.
• Source technical expertise to support countries, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification of experts, selection process. 
• Provide technical backstopping on reviewing deliverables of consultants hired by the Programme, writing UNEP and UN-REDD quarterly, semestrial and annual reporting.
• Conduct national consultation meetings at national and regional levels to collect stakeholders’ input and/or to ensure stakeholders’ buy-in and actions on findings, policy options, and recommendations.
• Capture lessons learnt and package them to stimulate the uptake of best practices and knowledge. 
• Organize and participate in in-country missions to liaise with national counterparts and other key stakeholders, including but not limited to international partners involved in REDD+.
• Provide technical expertise/input to UNEP policy position papers and internal briefing notes.

Access to REDD+ financing and private sector engagement (Output 2, 35%)

• Jointly with the UNEP UN-REDD Africa Regional Coordinator and the Global UN-REDD Finance Specialist, leads the agenda on REDD+ and carbon finance, as well as private sector engagement initiatives and activities in in the Africa region. 
• Provides policy advisory support to African priority countries in scaling up sustainable financing for REDD+ activities (upfront and results-based financing).
• Liaise with other REDD+ initiatives and potential co-financing agencies and institutions to ensure REDD+ implementation consists of one nationally owned REDD+ process.
• Establishes good working relationships with partners (public and private) working towards the REDD+ and carbon finance field in Africa. 
• Contributes to advance global UNEP UN-REDD led initiatives agenda on upfront financing and results-based financing by generating and disseminating knowledge, including but not limited to forest carbon markets.    

Support the resources mobilization process (Output 3, 15%):

• Identify strategic opportunities, needs and gaps to contribute to the planning process in line with the UN-REDD Results Framework for the 2021-2025 period.
• Transform these opportunities into project ideas with theory of change to be implemented on the ground.
• Initiate drafts project concept notes, documents/proposals according to donors’ procedures and support the submission process. 
• Consult with partners, country focal points and related stakeholders to collect feedback and update the documents as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree: Master's degree or equivalent in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Engineering, Economics, Public/Environmental Policy, Environmental impact assessment of projects, public management, or forest management, economics, finance, sustainable development, business administration, Biology or Agronomy, economics, finance, sustainable development, business administration or related field  is required.

Experience/knowledge:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in project management is required. 
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience including international work experience in sustainable finance, or REDD+ finance or climate finance is required. 
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in public or private sector entities, especially in the African region is desirable. 
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the provision of technical assistance in sustainable forest management or conservation is desirable.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in coordination and planning with national and regional actors related to forest management and/or forest management and climate change is desirable.
• Strong knowledge about REDD+ mechanism, not limited to the financing aspects, as well as understanding of financial institutions and sustainable finance with practical experience in African countries are desired.
• Excellent knowledge of Africa’s portfolio of REDD+ work would be an asset. 
• Experience working with international organizations is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong and proven project management skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to convene partners and facilitate consensus.
• Ability to coordinate a wide range of different outputs and partners. 
• Ability to analyze materials from various sources and expertise and recommend alternative options if needed.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required, French is desirable. Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset.

Deadline : Dec 5, 2023

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Responsibilities

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives; monitors status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.
• Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics or issues.
• Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.
• Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system.  
• Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organizational unit to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services.
• Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, and brings to the attention of management.
• Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets.
• Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing.
• Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM:  Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.  Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.
• 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& 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.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplementary training in business administration, human resources, finance, accounts, or project management is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation human resources, finance and budget or related area is required. The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
• Two (2) years’ experience working in a multicultural office environment is required.
• Experience working with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, preferably Systems Applications and Products (SAP), is desirable.
• Experience with contract administration/support operations with the UN or other international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the United Nations system or other comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience in processes and procedures related to travel, procurement, logistics, finance, and/or human resources is desirable.
• Experience in conducting research and preparing statistical or analytical reports from various databases is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required. 
• NOTE: ''Fluency'' equals a rating of ''fluent'' in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ''Knowledge of'' equals a rating of ''confident'' in two of the four area.

Deadline : Dec 20, 2023

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Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to work closely with UNEP, the PMU Chief Technical Advisor and national project teams and focal points to develop the following ultimate outputs:

• Develop work plan.
• National meteorological strategy in TimorLeste
• National meteorological act in TimorLeste
• Development of Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP).
• Development of Sector Specific Climate Training Program (SSCTP)
• Lessons learned report.

These tasks have been described in further detail below:

• Develop Work Plan and Timeline for the whole assignment in three phases.
• Prepare a workplan for the expected outputs including a detailed timeline for a maximum period of 24 months.

National Meteorological Strategy in TimorLeste

• Develop a National Meteorological Strategy for TimorLeste DNMG. The objective is to document the process by which the DNMG will put the TimorLeste Meteorological Strategy and the Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services into operation. TimorLeste will document the process by which the DNMG will put its proposed Meteorology Act into operation.
• Conduct incountry stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to inform the development of the National Meteorological Strategies for TimorLeste.
• Conduct incountry stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to review the National Meteorological Strategy for TimorLeste
• Ensure Gender Responsive actions are included in the National Meteorological Strategy for TimorLeste

National Meteorological Act in TimorLeste

• Develop a national Meteorology Act for presentation to TimorLeste Parliament with the help of DNMG, to support its NFCS.
• Conduct incountry stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to inform the development of the TimorLeste National Meteorological Strategy
• Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP), Planning for the Sector Specific Training and Organization of Training (SSCTP): The Project will support a systematic fiveyear process of integrating climate considerations into the decision making and planning of government, private and community sectors by supporting them to understand and appropriately utilize climate information services supplied by DNMG. Hence, the Consultant need to develop A National Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP) which should be codeveloped with key stakeholders in each of the five Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) priority sectors – health, agriculture and food security, disaster risk reduction, water, and energy. The recommendations from the CSACP and sectorspecific data and information products will be used to conduct sector specific training by DNMG for the five GFCS priority.
• sector agencies on climate basics and the logistics of integrating climate information and climate change knowledge into the functions of their agencies.
• Lessons learned report.
• Compile lessons learnt.
• Prepare a comprehensive final report with lessons learnt.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s or Higher) in environmental science, climate change, meteorology or a similar related field is required.
• minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience in climate information services, demonstrated experience in developing climate information frameworks, policies, sector action plans, communication plans and demonstrated successful experience in formulation and delivery of climate information training programme materials is required.
• Experience in the policy development process associated with climate information and early warning is an asset.
• Experience in working and collaborating with governments and Hydromet Services in the Pacific region is desirable.
• Previous work experience undertaking similar activities in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable. Knowledge on Local Language “Tetun” or other Language like “Bahasa” (Indonesian)or Portuguese would be an added advantage.

Deadline : Nov 25, 2023

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• This position is located in the Strategic Planning Unit of the Policy and Programme Division at the Nairobi Duty Station and reports to the Programme Officer, Strategic Planning Unit. The Strategic Planning Unit leads the development of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s strategic plans – the medium-term strategy and, programme of work and its overall project portfolio. The unit also leads and supports organizational transformation and improvement efforts.
• Provides administrative and programmatic support on overall strategic planning, working under minimal supervision. Appropriately applies and analyses relevant policies, guidelines, procedures and processes. Effectively tracks, monitors and provides quality control of key deliverables. Effectively organizes and manages records and data. Discretely handles confidential material/matters. Establishes effective working relationships with internal and external contacts at all levels.

Within limits of delegated authority, the Individual Contract will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Provides support in planning and implementation activities/processes in the development of strategic plans including the medium-term strategy, programme of work and the delivery model.
• Research, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents information/data on specific strategic planning related topics.
• Assists in the coordination of programme planning preparation.
• Assists in the preparation and analysis of programme/project/budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of programme/project/budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme/project proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of alignment with the strategic plans; propose adjustments as necessary; and initiates requisite follow-up actions.  
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects/budget proposals; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects/budget proposals,; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses arrange of data; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget systems.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the organization on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB? and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted.
• Drafts sections of UNEP’s strategic plans, coordinates review and clearance process with all colleagues involved, and coordinates with editor, translation services, etc. on finalization and publication of report multiple languages. 
• Prepares, maintains and updates files and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistic tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of strategic planning, activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to implementation.
• Serves as a focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of strategic planning activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project/budget proposal objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to implementation. 
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of the work of the team, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• The Individual Contractor will report to the Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, Policy and Programme Division.

Qualifications/special skills

• A minimum of Seven (7) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area.
• Experience working with computer applications, mainly spreadsheets is desirable.
• Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) such as Oracle or SAP and UMOJA is desirable.
• Experience with data analysis, reconciliations and reporting is desirable.
• Experience in an international organization such as the United Nations is desirable.

Languages

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

Deadline : Nov 22, 2023