The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s 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 environment.

Summary

The incumbent will operate under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary of the UNEP/CMS Secretariat and the day-to-day supervision of the Head of Terrestrial Species Unit, based in Bonn, Germany. The incumbent will be supported by an assistant staff based in Nairobi.

Responsibilities

COORDINATION

• Refines and implements an EU-funded project to establish TFCAs in Southern and Eastern Africa as well as the Horn of Africa; monitors and reviews project implementation; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; ensures follow-up actions.
• Coordinates project implementation within CMS Secretariat and with partner organizations, the EU and other stakeholders.

LIAISON WITH STAKEHOLDERS

• Liaises with Governments from the project region, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African.
• Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for the Horn of Africa as well as other politically relevant countries and organizations.
• Liaises with experts and political actors to support the harmonization of regional and national legislation and support the development of TFCAs and associated management plans.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.

ORGANIZATION OF MEETINGS
Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with representatives of the RECs and the Governments of the project region, by planning and organizing meetings and workshops and through other interactive sessions to assist the benefiting Governments in developing the TFCAs.

• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.

PREPARATION OF WRITTEN OUTPUTS

• Prepares relevant documents and reports on project implementation for the donor and lead implementing agency; coordinates activities related to budget funding (progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• 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.

OUTREACH AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Initiates and coordinates outreach and visibility activities; makes presentations on project activities.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. 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. 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in (international) environmental law, international relations or public policy relating to the environment, environmental science or a related field is desirable. A first-level university degree in one of the above disciplines in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience within the context of environmental protection in project or programme management, administration or a related area is required.
• Long-term experience in the development of international agreements and the establishment of protected areas is desirable.
• 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English, French and Spanish are the working languages of the UNEP/CMS Secretariat. For this position fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.