PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its Industry and Economy Division supports decision-makers in government, industry, and finance to adopt sustainable practices. The Textile Unit specifically focuses on developing policy environments for sustainability in the textile value chain, promoting sector-wide collaboration for a just transition towards a sustainable and circular textile value chain. This role is within the Textile Unit in Paris.

Job Purpose

This Programme Management Officer role is crucial for leading the coordination of UNEP's Textile Initiative across all divisions and regional offices. The purpose is to ensure coherent delivery of the initiative by fostering internal cooperation and establishing strategic partnerships with external agencies, governments, and the private sector. The role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring the initiative's impact, supporting governments in policy development, overseeing private sector engagement, and mobilizing resources. It also includes coordinating communication strategies, outreach activities, and providing substantive support for meetings and events focused on sustainability and circularity in the textile value chain, ultimately driving data-driven planning and reporting.

Responsibilities

Strategically plan and coordinate the UNEP textile portfolio, engaging all UNEP divisions, regional, and country offices to facilitate internal cooperation and manage the Textiles Unit. Oversee and establish partnerships with strategic organizations. Develop, implement, and monitor the UNEP Textile Initiative and related projects, identifying and addressing challenges. Support governments in creating policy environments for textile value chain sustainability and oversee private sector engagement. Lead resource mobilization efforts and prepare related documentation. Coordinate key messages and publications on textile value chain topics, ensuring quality and coherence. Initiate and coordinate outreach activities and communication strategies, promoting collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Provide substantive support for meetings and events related to textile sustainability and circularity. Coordinate preparation of briefings and background information for UNEP's participation in textiles-related dialogues. Lead data collection and analysis efforts for planning, decision-making, and reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in project/programme management, focusing on sustainable consumption, production, and circular economy, with at least four years at the international level. Required experience includes working with governments and the private sector on textile value chain issues, managing sustainability/circularity projects, and mobilizing resources for projects exceeding USD 2 million. Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder groups and managing teams is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Accountability, Vision, knowledge of sustainable consumption and production, circular economy, waste management, environmental impacts of textiles, data collection and analysis, research, independent analysis, planning, prioritization, communication, and presentation skills.

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