Programme Management Officer
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 and located in Montreal, focuses on conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity, and equitable benefit sharing. This role sits within the Science, Monitoring and Capacity Division, contributing to the Convention's strategic plans and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Job Purpose
This Programme Management Officer role supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by providing scientific, technical, and policy analysis to facilitate decision-making by its governing bodies. The role involves engaging experts and stakeholders, promoting integrated approaches like 'One Health' and the ecosystem approach, and fostering cooperation with international organizations to align CBD implementation with Sustainable Development Goals. It also contributes to capacity building, education, communication, and data analysis to support informed planning and reporting, ultimately advancing the Convention's objectives and the 2050 Vision for biodiversity.
Responsibilities
Provide objective scientific, technical, and policy analysis and expert advice to facilitate decision-making by the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies. Facilitate engagement of experts and stakeholders, ensuring multidisciplinary approaches through technical expert groups. Promote international cooperation with organizations like WHO and other UN agencies to support coherent implementation of the Convention and Sustainable Development Goals. Support the implementation of COP decisions by identifying Party needs, preparing implementation tools, organizing capacity building, developing partnerships, and enabling technical cooperation. Participate in education, communication, and outreach activities to raise awareness and promote cross-sectoral cooperation. Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for data-driven planning, decision-making, and reporting. Perform other assigned duties.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in biodiversity, health, or environmental change issues, with five years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in supporting intergovernmental processes, stakeholder engagement, and preparing technical/policy outputs is essential. Experience with Convention processes, invasive species, wildlife trade, partnerships, cross-sectoral work, health policy, and data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Conceptual and analytical skills, Data analysis and interpretation, Communication, Stakeholder engagement, Knowledge of international conservation processes, Ability to work under pressure.