Programme Management Contractor

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN's lead entity for global and regional environmental issues. Its mandate involves coordinating environmental policy consensus, reviewing the global environment, and highlighting emerging issues for international action. This role, within the Intergovernmental Affairs and UN Coordination Unit, supports UNEP's strategic objectives and engagement in key regional and global environmental events.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this Programme Management Contractor role is to provide crucial support to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) within its Intergovernmental Affairs and UN Coordination Unit. The contractor will contribute significantly to UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work by facilitating engagement in major regional and global environmental events. This includes leading preparations for key forums like the 7th Session of UNEP’s Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific and UNEA-8, alongside other intergovernmental meetings such as the Asia Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development. The role aims to enhance regional policy intelligence, ensure effective coordination of intergovernmental processes, strengthen monitoring and reporting on UNEA resolutions, integrate environmental priorities into UN development systems, and provide strategic communications support for UNEP leadership. This contribution is vital for advancing UNEP's mandate to address environmental issues and foster policy consensus globally and regionally.

Responsibilities

The contractor will enhance regional policy intelligence, strategic analysis, and knowledge management to bolster UNEP's engagement with Member States and partners across Asia and the Pacific. This involves updating regional calendars, stakeholder lists, and providing analytical summaries of key environmental events and policy developments. They will provide effective coordination and substantive support for major regional and global intergovernmental processes, including the 7th AP Forum, UNEA, and APFSD. This includes preparing agendas, background documents, website content, draft resolutions, and programmatic support for briefing sessions. Responsibilities also include strengthening monitoring, reporting, and accountability for implementing UNEA resolutions and regional programme priorities, by coordinating inputs for quarterly progress reports and work plans. The role will strengthen the integration of environmental priorities within UN development system processes at regional and country levels, offering technical inputs to UN Country Analyses and providing analytical support to UNCT focal points. Finally, the contractor will enhance strategic communications and executive support for UNEP leadership engagement in major environmental events, preparing speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefing packages.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of working experience in the environmental field, with significant exposure to the Asia-Pacific region, is required. Experience within the United Nations system, especially with UNEP or other international organizations, is also required. Expertise in environmental policy analysis, research, and sustainable development practices is essential. Desirable experience includes proven project management, particularly for large-scale intergovernmental events, and demonstrated regional cooperation within Asia-Pacific frameworks.

Skills

Environmental policy analysis, research, and sustainable development practices. Project management (planning, execution, evaluation of intergovernmental events). Regional cooperation, especially within Asia-Pacific frameworks (e.g., ASEAN, ESCAP). Strong stakeholder engagement and management skills (governments, IGOs, civil society, youth). Proficiency with web-based platforms, communication software, and social media. Fluency in oral and written English.

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