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 focus of this job is on the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects that make the economic case for food systems transformation, and other operations. This post is located in the Economics of Nature Unit, Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division at the Nairobi Duty Station. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Economics of Nature Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the project “True Value Accounting: Making the Economic Case for Food Systems Transformation in India and Kenya”, and other operations and activities in in the Economics of Nature Unit; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions. • Identify and analyze potential domestic public and private sector opportunities to advance a sustainable food system transformation through the application of the TEEBAgriFood Framework (‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Agriculture and Food’) – a form of True Cost Accounting. • Provide strategic and substantive support and advice to implementing and executing entities in order to promote food systems transformation. Facilitate the collaboration between partners and stakeholders including the TEEBAgriFood Steering Committee members, TEEBAgriFood research institutes, key Ministries and other stakeholders as necessary. • Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the policy mainstreaming of food systems transformation. • Identify linkages between TEEBAgriFood applications across countries and provide advice to other project implementing countries on lessons learned. • Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends related to environment and food systems. Prepare evaluations or other research activities and studies. Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, pertaining to TEEBAgriFood. • Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Review and provide quality feedback and effective comments on deliverables submitted by implementing partners, specifically on reporting against results and including lessons learned. • Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on the TEEB Approach and on mainstreaming results of ecosystem service modeling, including via geospatial platforms. • Participate in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Develop via a participatory and consultative process a roadmap for policy implementation vis-à-vis the scenarios being evaluated by the research institutes through the application of the TEEBAgriFood Evaluation Framework. • Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Coordinate the development of short-, medium- and long-term strategic plans of the project, including timely annual and quarterly work plans, whilst taking into account emerging issues. • 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 • Perform other duties as required. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme management, policy analysis and stakeholder coordination. 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 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. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Ecological Economics, Environmental Economics, Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an 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 five (5)years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management related to the application of environmental economic valuation methodologies is required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) and spatial tools for modelling ecosystem services is required. At least four (4) years of project management experience relating to agri-food issues is required. Experience working with the UN system or similar international organization is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).