SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority, setting the agenda for sustainable development. This role is within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, Materials and Systems Innovation Unit in Paris. The Unit leads work on sustainable materials management, circular economy, and life cycle thinking, supporting governments and engaging industry/finance to develop policies and practices. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Industry Innovation Branch.

Job Purpose

The Senior Programme Management Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing UNEP's agenda on sustainable materials management, circular economy, and life cycle thinking. The purpose is to strengthen the science-policy interface by supporting the preparation and review of scientific studies and assessments, providing methodological advice on life cycle approaches, and ensuring research integrates diverse stakeholder priorities. This role aims to leverage UNEP's knowledge networks and partnerships to inform policy and business discourse on sustainable consumption and production. Furthermore, the officer will enhance the usability and access to scientific data, strengthen knowledge management capacities, and provide essential secretariat support to key science bodies and initiatives. The position also involves overseeing programme implementation, budget coordination, staff supervision, and leading data-driven planning to ensure effective contribution to global environmental objectives.

Responsibilities

The incumbent supports the preparation and review of scientific studies and knowledge products for the International Resource Panel, focusing on sustainable natural resource use and environmental impacts. They provide methodological advice on life cycle approaches, including material footprint and circularity metrics, ensuring research integrates diverse stakeholder priorities for policy relevance. A key duty is strengthening the science-policy interface on resource production and consumption in global, regional, and national processes, leveraging UNEP networks to inform discourse on sustainable consumption, circular economy, and materials management. The role involves providing secretariat oversight to science bodies and partnerships like the International Resource Panel and the Life Cycle Initiative, enhancing the usability and access to scientific data and knowledge products. Furthermore, the officer strengthens knowledge management capacities, ensures gender mainstreaming, and oversees programme implementation, budget coordination, and financial documentation. They are also responsible for staff supervision, development, and leading data collection and analysis for informed decision-making and reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years' experience providing science-based, policy-relevant advice on sustainable consumption, production, and circular economy, utilizing life cycle approaches, is required, with at least five years in an international role. A demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals on natural resource use and management is essential. Experience mobilizing resources for projects over USD 5 million and managing international teams of five or more is also required. Experience in data analytics or managing large scientific datasets is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism: Expertise in sustainable materials management, circular economy, life cycle approaches, and sustainable value chains. Strong technical leadership, negotiation, data analysis, and commitment to deadlines and gender mainstreaming. Client Orientation: Ability to build productive partnerships, understand client needs, and deliver services effectively. Commitment to Continuous Learning: Proactive in professional development, learning from others, and seeking feedback. Vision: Strategic thinking, identifying opportunities and risks, and inspiring others towards organizational goals. Building Trust: Fostering an open environment, operating with transparency, and following through on commitments.

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