Jobs at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

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, data collection and analysis and report-writing. 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 virtual in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders; 
• regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;
• keep the Project 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 its attention and intervention.
• The Evaluation Consultant 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 Evaluation Consultant will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through an individual consultancy contract.
• Comprehensive terms of reference will be shared with the consultant separately.

Qualifications/special skills

• A university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required and an advanced degree in the same areas is desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of technical / evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach;
• A good/broad understanding of sustainable land management is required and a focus on rangelands and drylands would be an advantage.
• Country experience of Jordan and Egypt is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement and working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Deadline : Dec 31, 2023

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Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of corporate strategy and policy related to the organization's strategic objectives and programmes, including Medium Term Strategy and Programme of Work, liaising with Member States, partners and other stakeholders as appropriate, ensuring that relevant programme strategies and related instruments are developed in a coherent and cohesive fashion, are of the highest quality and in line with priorities approved by Member States. Coordinate the integration of UNEP’s activities across Divisions, Regional Offices and environmental conventions, as appropriate; coordinate the periodic review and reporting of corporate performance against the strategic objectives, as well as the formulation of strategic performance indicators and targets and their measurement. 
• Lead UNEP’s efforts to promote a culture of results including by enhancing UNEP's reporting and communication on results as well as by increasing the use of data; lead’s UNEP’s efforts to strengthen results-based management. Develop capacity in the various operational units of the organization: establishing and communicating quality standards, and providing advisory services related to project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Provide guidance to the Project Review Committee secretariat that reviews project concepts and documents and provides guidance on how they can align to corporate goals. 
• Contribute to UNEP’s corporate decision making and the Senior Management Team's policy and strategic discussions; coordinate and supervise the preparation of policy analyses, formulation, contributions, in collaboration with the Executive Office, the relevant Divisions, Chief Scientist and UN entities as appropriate. Oversee the formulation of overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting as required in an advisory capacity to the Executive Director. 
• Lead UNEP’s positioning vis-à-vis the UN Development System reforms, including by providing overall guidance on optimal modes of service delivery in support of the new generation of UN Country Team and reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system; coordinate UNEP’s position setting vis-à-vis the inter-agency and inter-government activities carried out through the New York Office; lead the integration of UNEP’s programme and policies on the 2030 sustainable development agenda; contribute to the preparations of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the UN Environment Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly, and other inter-agency coordination and policy making organs as required; support and provide guidance to the organization's corporate policy advocacy work. 
• Coordinate and identify the strategic engagement opportunities for UNEP with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as well as with the with key financial institutions and global funds. Provide leadership and act as an incubator and "docking station" for strategic initiatives on key global and cross-cutting issues, in coordination with relevant divisions and regional offices; and support negotiations with donors, partners and supporters, as appropriate. 
• Lead UNEP’s engagement in South-South and Triangular Cooperation and provide strategic support to Regional Offices and Divisions in engaging with relevant partners, including diverse development banks. 
• Oversee ongoing efforts to incorporate and mainstream cross-cutting issues, inter alia, gender, environmental and social safeguards, and poverty; facilitate the collaboration and interactive process of programme formulation and implementation between Divisions and Regional Offices. 
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Executive Director.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of the global and national environment, corporate strategy and policy related to the organization's strategic objectives and programmes and engagement with UN system entities and related system–wide strategies, including the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development; Excellent knowledge of the institutional mandates, policies and procedures of the United Nations; Ability to provide policy advice on a range of managerial and political issues. Strong analytical skills and proven ability to develop policy options and strategies; ability to establish and maintain contacts at all levels. Sound political judgment and diplomatic skills. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments.  Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.  Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• 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 improvement; 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 PERFORMANCE: 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Development, Economics, Environmental Management, or other relevant fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of political affairs, international relations, policy analysis and formulation on global political, development or environmental issues, environmental management, development, programme management or related area is required.
• Ten (10) years' experience at a senior management leadership position in an international and/or multicultural organizations is required.
• Experience in managing programmes with global partners and stakeholders is required.
• Experience within the international environment governance system is required.
• Experience in public and governmental institutions is desirable.
• Experience in politically complex environment is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of any other 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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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 units 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.
• Manages, updates and further develops the UN Environment intranet web site, to include drafting and editing content; assists in design, development and maintenance of Internet applications; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. 
• 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 online based meetings using online platforms such as Teams, Zoom, and Webex, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing.
• Provides guidance/training to UN Environment staff members on how to use the different features available on the UN Environment intranet. 
• 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 related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research information from a variety of sources. 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. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, 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 and keeping people informed. 
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplementary training in administration, Human Resources, Budget, Information Technology, or related fields is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is  required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
• Working experience in IT including website development and maintenance as well as proven working experience with project management tools, content management systems and collaborative software is required.
• Experience in using online platforms such as Webex and GoToMeetings 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 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

Deadline : Jan 3, 2024

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Responsibilities 
Under the direct supervision of the Head of AMCEN Secretariat and Head of the UNEP Addis Ababa Liaison Office, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:
In support of AMCEN Secretariat: 

• Provide support in the coordination of AMCEN related meetings with the AU and AMCEN Presidency, including preparation of background documents.
• Provide support in the development of the AMCEN inter-sessional work plan for approval by the Bureau.
• Provide support for inter-sessional AMCEN Bureau meetings.
• Provide support for AMCEN Secretariat engagement with other divisions and regions in UNEP office.  
• Provide support for AMCEN Secretariat engagement with other UN Agencies in the implementation of the AMCEN work plan.
• Provide support in reporting the implementation of AMCEN decisions and support implementation of AMCEN programmes with other activities and programmes undertaken by other partners in Africa. 
• Prepare written outputs including briefing notes, concept notes, notes by the AMCEN secretariat, review past decisions for pending implementation action, prepare presentations to AU and AMCEN presidency and prepare concepts for proposed partnerships to implement the AMCEN workplan.
• Perform any other tasks required by the Head of AMCEN Secretariat.

In support of the UNEP Addis Office

• Provide support for UNEP technical engagement with the Africa Union Commission and UNECA on regional environmental priorities and sustainable development.
• Provide support in the preparation of political and policy briefs/papers, concept notes, project documents, and progress and review reports to facilitate implementation of the Addis Office Work Plan and propose technical solutions to resolve implementation issues.
• Provide support in the implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects in the Addis Ababa Liaison Office, Nigeria, Eritrea Country Teams, and monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation in support of the Cooperation Framework.  
• Support the preparation of technical, financial and implementation reports and support internal UNEP reporting requirements.
• Perform any other tasks required by the Head of Addis Ababa Liaison Office.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree in development economics, environmental law, sustainable development, natural sciences, engineering or related discipline is required. A first university degree in combination with 2 years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental projects or
• programme management or related area is required.
• Experience with projects funded by European Commission is an added asset.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills on technical and policy aspects of green businesses and eco-entrepreneurship and use of Sustainable Consumption and Production practices is desirable.
• Ability to deliver outputs against tight timelines is highly desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Deadline : Dec 30, 2023

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 Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Chief, Youth, Education & Advocacy Unit, the consultant's duties will include the following work:
Green Game Jam 2024: Develop and deliver the Green Game Jam for 2024, including:

• Secure at least 40 studios to join;
• Develop a research plan to support this initiative;
• Host an Awards ceremony for 2024.

Research: With Alliance members, oversee the research agenda for 2024 which would include:

• Host a working group of Universities keen to support this;
• Secure a research partner for the Green Game Jam

Comms and Community: Work with the Alliance members to strengthen their commitment and engagement with the initiative to ensure the following:

• Clear benchmarks on quality of commitments;
• Regular check-ins on progress;
• Ensure that the website is representing the needs of the initiative;
• Events: Deliver 4 events a year in support of Playing for the Planet.

Qualifications/special skills

• Master’s degree in communications, international relations, political science, commerce or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in the field of decarbonisation / entertainment industry is required.
• Entertainment industry: Experience of working in the entertainment and communications sector in the area of gaming for at least 7 years and with insight as to how to work with such entities around the tasks described in the job is required.
• Project management: Able to deliver highly complex projects of a global nature efficiently and effectively is required.
• Innovation: Ability to think creatively about how to evolve pre-existing programmes to have maximum impact essential.
• Communications: Able to bring a diverse group of individuals and partners together act on a common agenda, web design capability as well as able to write high quality texts and proposals is required.
• Project design: A strong track record of designing projects that secure buy-in and generate results. Desirable.
• Writing: Strong writer of stories and proposals that support the work desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required

Deadline : Dec 30, 2023