Programme Assistant

Result of ServicePerformance indicators will be the following: i) The effectiveness and management of the work; ii) Quality, reliability and pertinence of gathered information; iii) Usefulness and quality of the information and recommendations provided to UNEP staff; iv) Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff and project partners. Work LocationParis, France Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe consultant will provide coordination support to UNEP’s Finance Unit, drawing on their expertise in environmental finance, project management, and sustainable development. The consultant will support three strategic projects advancing sustainable energy, cooling, and nature-based solutions. First, the 3DEN initiative, led by UNEP, the IEA, and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, focuses on accelerating the digitalisation of electricity networks to enhance efficiency and resilience. Second, the EPIC Brazil Project aims to help Brazilian cities implement sustainable cooling solutions in response to extreme heat, offering technical support and catalytic finance under UNEP’s EPIC Facility. Lastly, the consultant will contribute to the development of green strategies and integration of nature-based solutions within port infrastructure and logistics systems in Mattei Plan countries, supporting climate mitigation, economic growth, and international cooperation. Under the supervision of head of the Unit, the individual contractor will support the activities of the Finance Unit. Part of the Mitigation Branch, the Finance Unit engages with countries and private sector financial institutions to enhance clean energy and climate change mitigation investments. The individual contractor will participate in the work of the Unit team. Their duties will include but not limited to: 1. Development of project proposals for different Donors - Contribute in the development of proposals aiming at raising funds targeting several donors and addressing opportunities; - Explore new partnerships with different United Nations entities, new approaches to develop innovative project ideas and new sectors not yet targeted; - Coordinating the contributions of project partners to ensure a proper project development; - Contribute to the negotiations with the different local stakeholders and project’s partners (local government, national agencies, financial institutions). - Attend project’s Steering Committees with relevant team members and prepare minutes of the call and/or meetings. - Help in preparing the biannual and annual report to the donors. 2. Follow up on contracts with project’s partner institutions by: - Help drafting Terms of References for local project partners; - Coordinating and refining the contributions of project partners to ensure a proper implementation of projects; - Contribute to the negotiations with the different local stakeholders and project’s partners (local government, national agencies, financial institutions); - Monitor activities of all the participating stakeholders (communication and awareness raising campaign, capacity building and training activities) according to their contracts - Help to monitor the activities of the different partners and ensure smooth flow of communication and responsiveness among them to have coherent and complete deliverables. 3. Administrative and other tasks for the Finance Unit - Monitor the progress of the different phases of the work, updating time schedule of activities, following up preparing progress reports; - Support the Program Manager in the development of new initiatives; - Prepare all the necessary information for any international, regional, and/or national workshops where the Finance Unit is represented - Arrange for meetings and appointments between UNEP staff and relevant project stakeholders (different market actors, government authorities, State Utility, etc.). - Provide logistical and administrative support to missions from UNEP-Paris and their contracted advisors/consultants; - Assist the Finance Unit team with any requested task. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree (M.A. or equivalent) in Environmental Policy, Political Science, Development, or a related field. Prior experience working in project management and coordination support for climate finance mitigation related activities would be considered an asset. Prior experience working with UN agencies preferably with a focus on climate change and finance are desirable. Communication: Demonstrates proactivity and keeps colleagues informed. Good written and oral communication skills. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organizational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Planning & Organizing: Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks effectively and on time. LanguagesFluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.