DEPUTY SECRETARY (SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. This role is within the UNEP/INC in Nairobi, supporting the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. The position operates under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary.

Job Purpose

This role is crucial for supporting the Executive Secretary in framing strategic priorities and managing the programme of work for the INC Secretariat. The incumbent will ensure the effective and timely implementation of the Secretariat's activities, represent the Executive Secretary at key meetings, and oversee day-to-day operations. This includes managing administrative tasks, staff recruitment, and fostering a results-oriented culture. The position also plays a vital role in coordinating technical and substantive inputs for INC sessions, ensuring comprehensive documentation and support for negotiations, and monitoring the Secretariat's activities to advance the global agenda on plastic pollution.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include assisting in defining strategic priorities and the programme of work for the INC Secretariat, promoting a results-based culture, and coordinating the implementation of the work plan. The role involves representing the Executive Secretary at international meetings, overseeing daily activities, and managing programmatic and administrative tasks such as budgeting and performance evaluation. Additionally, the incumbent will support staff recruitment, guide and develop supervised staff, and lead data analysis for planning and reporting. Servicing INC sessions requires coordinating technical and substantive inputs, managing documentation preparation, and supporting cross-organizational task teams. Monitoring activities involves ensuring gender mainstreaming, directing research and programme evaluation, coordinating policy development, and supervising the preparation of various written outputs. Outreach activities, training, and leading field missions are also key components.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in project or programme management is required. Demonstrated managerial experience in an international, regional, or government organization is essential. Experience in developing/implementing environmental programmes, leading teams, and supporting multilateral environmental agreement negotiations is also required. Experience with developing countries, policy advice, UN systems, or data analytics is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Planning & Organizing, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-Making, Data analysis and interpretation, Negotiation, Team management, Strategic thinking, Results-oriented approach.

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