SENIOR 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is in the CBD Secretariat, Implementation Support Division (ISD), Stakeholder Engagement and Cooperation Unit. Under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary and the direct supervision and guidance of the Principal Programme Management Officer of the ISD Division, the incumbent will be responsible for the following main functions: ResponsibilitiesA. Leads, manages and coordinates the work programme of the Stakeholder Engagement and Cooperation Unit (SEC) to ensure the successful delivery of its outcomes in a timely and effective manner, including continuously monitoring and reviewing work plans, in conformance with Article 24 of the Convention and relevant decisions of the Parties, through the following actions: a) Provides leadership, manages staff performance and facilitates the deployment of human, technical and financial resources necessary to implement the programme of work of the Unit, building close working relationships with Parties and liaising with relevant agencies with a view to follow up cooperative/collaborative arrangements. b) Leads and facilitates the Secretariat’s engagement, cooperation and coordination with international processes, conventions, organizations and initiatives relevant to the Convention to promote the mainstreaming and integration of biodiversity into their processes and to support implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, including through coordinating Secretariat-wide consultative process among programmatic staff and representing the Secretariat in relevant meetings. c) Facilitates engagement of and strategic partnerships with key entities to support implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, including the areas of sub-national implementation and implementation support provided by the Global Environment Facility, for which the Unit has particular responsibilities. This will include leading on the continuous development, coordination and implementation of Secretariat-wide strategy for cooperation and strategic partnerships, including through facilitating consultative process involving secretariat programme staff. d) Facilitates and enhances political support for implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, including through facilitating the organization of high-level segments of Convention meetings and high-level events in other for a; and the engagement of the Secretariat in relevant meetings of regional bodies and ministerial meetings, and with subnational and local governments. e) Facilitates effective engagement of stakeholders and major groups of stakeholders in the work and processes of the Convention and its Protocols. f) Manages, guides, mentors and trains staff under supervision. g) Fosters teamwork and communication among staff within the unit and across divisions. B. Coordinates and ensures support to the intergovernmental processes of the Convention with respect to the development and review of the policy and direction of the Convention related to the mandate of the CBD Secretariat’s Stakeholder Engagement and Cooperation Unit, including: a) Services the open-ended meetings of the Convention and its Protocols, which includes the meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies, including the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI), as well as the meetings of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meetings of the Parties (COP-MOP) to the Protocols of the Convention. b) Services intersessional processes, including facilitating the work of technical expert groups and advisory groups. c) Undertakes associated intersessional work, including facilitating research and the gathering and compilation of information; develops and prepares pre-session documents and oversees the development and preparation of such documents by responsible staff. d) Ensures the timely preparation of documents for COP, COP-MOPs and subsidiary bodies with regards to stakeholder engagement, cooperation and the financial mechanism; e) Advises senior management on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, cooperation and the financial mechanism; and consults with senior management on sensitive matters and on issues that have policy implications. C. Manages the administrative matters and oversees project activities: Manages the running of the Unit and delegates responsibilities related to associated administrative functions: a) Determines priorities and the allocation of resources for the effective completion of outputs and in ensuring their timely preparation and high-quality standards. b) Manages staff performance to ensure ongoing professional development and continued learning; initiates and recommends approval of personnel actions. c) Oversees and provides required reports and documentation with respect to budgets, projects, program performance, and programmatic /substantive issues. d) Oversees the recruitment of staff, including short-term staff, and consultants. e) Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under supervision; fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit and across divisions. D. Leads the Secretariat’s work related to the financial mechanism of the Convention and its Protocols, and the role thereto of the Global Environment Facility, and provides oversight and guidance to the responsible Programme Management Officer, to ensure the monitoring and evaluation of the operations of the financial mechanism, the periodic review of its effectiveness, the preparation of guidance by the Conference of the Parties to the Global Environment Facility and the development and review of related policy to support Parties in the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, in accordance with requests made by the Conference of the Parties. E. Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. F. Undertakes other functions as assigned by the Executive Secretary. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches applied in the conservation of biological diversity. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter especially strong knowledge of biodiversity, nature finance, and ecosystem services. Expertise to developing and nurturing partnerships, including with funding parnters. Expertise in coordinating with Parties to CBD, stakeholders from public and private sector, and international organizations, including multilateral development banks, on implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Strong capacity to drive implementation of decisions and agreements of the Conference of Parties including through an integrated biodiversity, climate and economic development frameworks. Demonstrates high-level managerial and programmatic competence, including negotiating skills in inter-governmental fora and in the UN system. Shows pride in work and achievements. Familiarity with UN processes and multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Ability to facilitate dialogue and negotiate with Parties to address challenges in implementing and financing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Proven track record of serving intergovernmental bodies, including subsidiary bodies to implement a COP’s decision. 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; adjust priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. 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. 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. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks, including for mobilizing resources. Clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goal. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. EducationAdvanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental sciences, economics and finance, natural resources management, environmental law or other fields related to sustainable development is required. A first level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in environmental diplomacy, finance and business or data science programs, including artificial intelligence is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationTraining in policy development, research and evaluation related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, ecosystem services and related matters, ensuring effective policy advice and implementation support is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience, in biodiversity policy, biodiversity financing and implementation, is required. Seven (7) years’ experience at senior level within a UN agency, international organization, finance institution, or secretariat of an environment-related convention is required. Five (5) years’ experience of strong leadership and team management in servicing partnerships including between governments, financial institutions, donors, and/or technical partners is required. Experience in resource mobilization and biodiversity finance is required. Experience in management, human resources, financial management, programme and project planning and analyses, strategy setting and implementation is required. Experience in international processes is required. Experience with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Protocols and/or other relevant MEAs in terms of effective coordination, stakeholder engagement and policy implementation is desirable. Experience in managing complex intergovernmental negotiations, building consensus among diverse stakeholders, and engaging with high-level officials and international organizations to advance biodiversity mainstreaming is desirable. Experience related to multilateral funds (e.g., Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund) is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN 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. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice• This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • Staff members are subject to the authority of the 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. • When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. • All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Contact Us\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. 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