Current Vacancies at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities   

• Project management of projects under development  
• Provide technical input to projects under development; Revise project implementation plans and ensure development steps are followed;  
• Revise the project development timeline and provide inputs to ensure project development occurs on time;  Provide inputs to stakeholder consultation processes in the development of the projects;  Prepare the UNEP safeguards identification form;  
• Prepare the checklist for UNEP’s quality evaluation committee;  
• Upload GEF-8 endorsement document packages to the GEF portal.  
• Project management of projects under execution  
• Prepare reports to the Task Manager on the progress and risk situation of projects in the global portfolio, and submit to the Task Manager strategy documents to effectively mitigate identified project risks;  
• Prepare and send half-yearly report templates to Executing Agencies for projects in the global portfolio, hold meetings with these agencies and send guidance emails to ensure correct and timely completion of the reports, and review such reports to ensure their timely completion; Prepare and send project implementation review report templates to Executing Agencies for projects in the global portfolio, hold meetings with these agencies and send guidance emails to ensure correct and timely completion of the reports, and review such reports to ensure their timely completion; Prepare mid-term review (MTR) terms of reference and review mid-term review reports for projects, sending a summary of the MTR to the Task Manager when the review is completed. Prepare an MTR implementation plan to facilitate Executing Agency implementation of MTR recommendations;
•  Provide inputs for facilitating the technical and financial closure of projects; Travel to undertake the previous tasks in country, as required and decided by the Task Manager.  
• Project documentation: Develop draft legal agreements for new projects and project extensions; Prepare documents for UNEP project internalization and revision processes, and provide inputs to ensure completed UNEP clearance and approval processes;  
• Prepare project supervision plans and risk logs for projects and periodically update them.
• Request the Executing Agencies to update their procurement plans and review such plans, providing inputs to finalize them;  
• Prepare project revision documents for technical and financial revisions for projects, ensuring that project revision documentation is complete for UNEP approval; Review expenditure reports together with the finance team to ensure correct amounts have been charged; expenditures are aligned with project deliverables and thus acceptable; expenditure is not exceeding the budget line allocations and overall budget.
• Send feedback emails to Executing Agencies in order for the agency to complete the document correctly.  Review cash advance requests in collaboration with the finance team.
• Provide guidance to Executing Agencies in order for them to complete the document correctly.  
• Portfolio management: Prepare a report identifying measures to enhance the effectiveness of portfolio management tools;  
• Develop and implement measures to visualize and graphically represent portfolio data for facilitating decision-making;  
• Develop and implement measures to enhance the effectiveness of the portfolio filing system; Prepare databases for the uploading of information to the Integrated Planning, Management and Reporting (IPMR) solution system and upload information to the system; 
• Undertake research to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of portfolio management and operations;  Develop flowcharts for the development, review and approval of technical and financial documents.

Qualifications/Special Skills

• Master’s degree in environmental policy, international affairs, engineering, environmental sciences, economic or a related field is required.   
• A first level degree with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.  
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in working on international projects on climate change mitigation is required. Experience working with GEF projects is desirable. Knowledge of UNEP, GEF or GCF project cycle and policies is desirable. Experience in working with national governments in developing countries is an asset.

Languages

• Excellent proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish or Portuguese is an asset.

Deadline : Apr 26, 2024

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Responsibilities

•  In collaboration with the GEF Secretariat and the UNEP Communication Division, coordinate and provide strategic input on UNEP-GEF communication at the corporate and portfolio level, including strategy, branding and communication outputs.   
• Produce and ensure maximum dissemination and impact of stories, press releases and multimedia content on UNEP-GEF intiatives and priorities.   
• Manage and work to improve the UNEP-GEF online presence, including the UNEP corporate website and project and programme sites.    
• Provide advice, guidance and training on communication best practice to UNEP-GEF portfolio and project staff, ensuring compliance with UNEP and GEF policies.    
• Provide substantive support in the coordination and organization of communication activities for key events, such as the GEF Assembly, The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), Multilateral Environmental Agreement Conferences of Parties (COPs) and other targeted regional and international events.    
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.  
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.  
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.     
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.  
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.  Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.  
• Participates in or lead 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 prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).  
• 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. 
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM:  Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to communications in environmental and sustainable development issues.  Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including  familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.  
• 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.  
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication 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. 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communication or journalism is required. Working experience in strategic communication for environmental or development projects in a global context is required. Experience in producing and managing the production of written and multimedia content on environmental or development projects is required. Experience working with the Global Environment Facility policy and/or other multilateral environmental or development funds is desirable. Experience in communication training is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The contractor's main role will be to support Co-Chairs with their participation in the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership and enable them to succeed in their role with a focus on the Steering Committee and broader membership.   

Priority Tasks Include: 

• Provide day to day support for Co-Chairs, coordinating, building and maintaining effective relationships, providing updates on the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.  
• Provide Steering Committee and governance support including developing agendas and other key documents to ensure effective communication and decision-making, meeting coordination, collate and circulate papers and prepare and circulate minutes.  
• Support Co-Chairs in coordinating outreach efforts and projects with members and non-members, and prepare membership outreach and communications (regular correspondence, manage mailouts, records, including establishing and maintaining document management systems) together with other i-GCU members. 
• Support outreach and knowledge events and activities, assisting impact assessment and Co-Chairs in their participation at key events, writing presentations, securing speaking slots, seeking input from members and partners on key issues and topics. 
• Provide administrative support to Co-Chairs, handling correspondence, scheduling, and other logistical tasks. 6. Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, NBSAP Accelerator Partnership strategic documents, guidelines and policy recommendations etc.;  Secondary tasks include: 
• Follow CBD negotiations and other related processes to support country commitments related to GBF/NBSAP implementation with a view to assist in tailoring responsive support to be provided through the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.  
• Work with Co-Chairs, Members and key partners to implement assigned projects related to the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership.

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 7 years of relevant post graduate experience is required in biodiversity and national biodiversity policy, planning and implementation.
• Experience with meeting organization and developing projects and programmes is required Experience with the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans is desirable A track record of international experience in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity or related activities is desirable.

Deadline 

• Apr 29, 2024