Associate Programme Management Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The post is to support the execution, management, monitoring, and evaluation of the EU funded project “Marine Litter MED PLUS» (ML MED PLUS).” The overall objective of the Project is to further support and expand the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean, the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Marine Litter including its upgrade, as well as enhance interregional cooperation for enhanced and effective marine litter management across the seas. This position is located in the Ecosystem Division at the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - Barcelona Convention Secretariat (MAP) in Athens, Greece. The Associate Programme Officer reports to the Mediterranean Pollution Assessment and Control Programme (MED POL) Programme Management Officer, UNEP/MAP, under the overall guidance of the UNEP/MAP Deputy Coordinator. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities• Supports the execution, management, monitoring and evaluation of the EU funded ML MED PLUS Project. • Works with Contracting Parties, Partners and UNEP/MAP Components to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging development issues and trends, participates in impact evaluation or equivalent studies. • Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions, and assists in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Participates in survey/pilot initiatives; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, handling logistics. • Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, regional and best practices meetings; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, training, data collection. • Supports activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget). • 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. • Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme/project management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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 & 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, engineering, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years of qualifying 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, or related field on issues related to marine and coastal environment management, including on marine litter is required. Experience with the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean, Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) and Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for the Mediterranean Sea and Coast (IMAP) 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) LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. NOTE: 'Fluency' equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand) and 'Knowledge of' equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeAppointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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