Programme Management Officer (Mining, Minerals and Metals)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. The Industry and Economy Division encourages sustainable practices and efficient resource use. This role is situated within the Chemicals and Health Branch, Global Environment Facility Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit in Paris.
Job Purpose
This Programme Management Officer role focuses on developing and supervising Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects related to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and mercury mining. The incumbent will lead the identification, development, and approval of new projects aligned with UNEP's strategic priorities and partner needs. Responsibilities include establishing project delivery structures, managing legal agreements, conducting due diligence on executing agencies, and ensuring projects meet performance and financial targets. The role also involves quality assurance of project outputs, adaptive management, and contributing to technical guidance and communication materials for UNEP's mining-related work.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and supervision of GEF projects focused on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and mercury mining. This includes identifying, developing, and approving high-quality projects aligned with UNEP's strategic priorities and partner requirements. Establish and maintain project legal and operational delivery structures, including agreements with executing agencies and due diligence assessments. Supervise executing agencies to ensure project delivery, adherence to results frameworks, expenditure targets, and compliance with fiduciary standards. Provide quality assurance for technical outputs, manage corrective actions, and coordinate project reviews and evaluations. Support the UNEP High Impact Sector Team and mining/metals work areas by contributing technical guidance, aligning project inputs into publications, and engaging the private sector. Analyze data to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive international experience in the minerals, mining, and metals value chain is required. Experience in developing/implementing international environmental programs in developing countries and managing sustainability or pollution reduction projects is necessary. Experience with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project cycle is also required. Desirable experience includes working with the private sector on sustainable mining solutions and two years in data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Teamwork, Knowledge of environmental governance and sustainable mining practices, Information technology tools (spreadsheets, database management), Data analysis and interpretation, Project management.