Senior Programme Management Officer
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 Ecosystems Division focuses on conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems. The Marine and Freshwater Branch provides expertise to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This role is within the Ecosystems Division, Marine and Freshwater Branch, in Nairobi, specifically in the Source to Sea Pollution Unit.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for the direct implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of work plans and activities within the Source to Sea Pollution Unit. The incumbent will lead program and project development, implementation, and assessment, focusing on ecosystem degradation and habitat alterations. Key functions include directing research, coordinating policy development, and preparing substantive reports and publications. The position involves managing outreach activities, conducting training, leading field missions, and coordinating budget and funding activities. The role also requires serving as a spokesperson, establishing partnerships, and ensuring effective staff supervision and development. A significant aspect involves leading data collection and analysis to inform planning and decision-making, ensuring data accessibility and integration for the team.
Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs and projects, directing subordinates in source-to-sea related activities, including monitoring and assessment of ecosystem degradation and habitat alterations. Review relevant documents, identify priorities, and propose corrective actions. Ensure gender mainstreaming in all planned actions. Direct research and program evaluations, presenting findings from diverse sources. Coordinate policy development, review assessments of issues and trends, and prepare evaluations and studies. Initiate surveys, guide data collection instrument design, analyze responses, and prepare conclusions. Supervise the preparation of written outputs such as background papers, analyses, reports, and publications. Provide substantive support for meetings and conferences, including agenda setting and document preparation. Manage outreach activities, design and conduct training workshops, and deliver presentations. Lead field missions, providing guidance to consultants and government officials, and drafting mission summaries. Coordinate budget and funding activities, including program/project preparation, submissions, and financial reporting. Act as a spokesperson and establish collaborations and partnerships. Ensure effective staff utilization, supervision, and development through guidance, evaluation, and mentoring. Lead team efforts in data collection and analysis to identify trends for planning and decision-making, ensuring data accessibility and integration.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental program and project management is required. This includes at least five years of experience developing and implementing Source-to-Sea approaches across multiple countries. Demonstrated experience managing international teams with direct supervision responsibilities is also required. Experience with global multi-stakeholder partnerships, convening intergovernmental expert groups, and data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, Leadership, Building Trust, Program and Project Management, Source-to-Sea Approaches, Team Management, Data Analysis, Policy Development, Research, Communication, Partnership Building, Budget Coordination, Gender Mainstreaming.