Senior Programme Management Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), administered by UNEP, is located in Montreal. This role is within the SCBD's Economic and Societal Transformation Division, reporting to the Head of the Engagement and Cooperation Unit.
Job Purpose
This role provides comprehensive programme and project management assistance throughout the project lifecycle, focusing on stakeholder engagement and cooperation within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) processes. The incumbent will track and support the implementation of COP decisions, manage financing modalities with donors, draft budgets, and serve as a liaison for coordination and monitoring of activities. Responsibilities include resolving administrative issues related to recruitment and procurement. The position also involves researching, analyzing, and presenting information on environmental and sustainable development topics, drafting various documents, and providing support for intergovernmental meetings and stakeholder communications.
Responsibilities
Manage and implement programmes and projects, assisting at all phases to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and cooperation in CBD processes. Track COP decisions impacting programmes and support their implementation. Arrange financing modalities with donors, draft budgets, prepare monitoring checklists, and ensure proper reporting. Act as a focal point for coordinating and monitoring implementation activities, liaising with organizational units, and resolving administrative issues for recruitment and procurement. Research, compile, analyze, and present information on programmes, projects, and related topics like MEA synergies. Review and revise submissions, identify issues, and prepare suggestions for action. Draft inputs for reports, briefings, and correspondence. Coordinate communications with Parties, governments, and partners, ensuring information dissemination and follow-up on cooperation. Assist in developing project proposals and processing stakeholder documentation. Provide support and guidance to external stakeholders on CBD processes. Offer secretariat services for meetings, draft agendas and minutes, and monitor follow-up actions. Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and field activities. Supervise office support staff, manage databases, and maintain information materials. Perform other duties as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in programme or project administration is required. Experience in drafting/reviewing documentation and coordinating with stakeholders is also required. Desirable experience includes international cooperation, stakeholder engagement in MEAs, UN system experience, biodiversity/environmental issues, communications, organizing intergovernmental meetings, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, project management, monitoring, budget analysis, database design, biodiversity knowledge, analytical capacity, research skills, report production, document editing, data analysis, modeling, interpretation, teamwork, planning, organization, time management.