JOB DESCRIPTION

The 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. This post is located in the Vienna Programme Office – Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention part of Europe Office. The Associate Programme Management Officer will operate in the framework of the “Vanishing Treasures” programme, the “Migratory Mammals and Climate Resilience in Central Asia” project, and another mountain- and biodiversity-related projects of the Vienna Office and will contribute in providing assistance in support of UNEP´s delivery on mountains (Mountain Network).

UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022-25 is built on three pillars: action on Climate, on Nature and on Chemicals and Pollution. Its actions on Nature aim to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, to have sustainable management of nature included in development frameworks, and to enhance nature conservation and restoration efforts across the globe. To achieve these aims, UNEP’s work includes working with countries to develop policies and incentives that address the drivers of biodiversity loss and promote sustainable and inclusive economic activities, promoting sustainable approaches to natural resource management, supporting sustainable habitat management, promoting social and behavioural change, and more. Together, the activities should help UNEP and the world articulate a pathway to living in harmony with nature, realizing the necessary impact and strength through extensive partnerships. Some related initiatives by UNEP in the region related to mountain biodiversity include the following: UNEP´s “Migratory Mammals and Climate Resilience in Central Asia” project and UNEP´s “Vanishing Treasures” Programme.

Within delegated authority and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Mountain Team Leader), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Works with key partners and stakeholders and provides technical and administrative support to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects (Vanishing Treasures, Migratory Mammals and Climate Resilience) of the Vienna Programme Office with a thematic focus on wildlife conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation in mountain regions such as Central Asia and Latin America; 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.
•  Assists in defining and establishing synergies and cooperation with other activities in the assigned thematic fields, including major UNEP flagship initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and One Health, closely working with relevant thematic units and wider UNEP network; supporting the development of initiatives and project ideas, including resource mobilization.
•  Carries out basic research on selected thematic aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include 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 issues and trends in wildlife conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation, participation in relevant thematic evaluations or research activities and studies.
•  Assists in consulting assignments, in collaboration with the partners, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
•  Provides support with local, national, regional and international partners including the wider UN system (as part of UN reform) to identify and develop synergies with other activities and initiatives taking place in the assigned programmes/projects’ regions.
•  Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs related to wildlife conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
•  Undertakes outreach activities related to the assigned programme/projects; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including the provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree, equivalent or higher) in biological sciences, nature conservation, wildlife management, environmental sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in wildlife conservation and climate change adaptation (including Ecosystem-based adaptation) is required.
• Previous field experience in wildlife management and conservation is required.
• Previous experience in wildlife conservation and climate adaptation issues especially in Central Asia and Latin America is desirable.
• Previous experience in international biodiversity agreements is desirable.
• Previous project management experience in international organizations is desirable.

LANGUAGES

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Source:https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=167496