Liaison 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. This role is situated within the Governing Bodies Unit of the Governance Affairs Office in Nairobi, reporting to the Director and Deputy Director.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for providing comprehensive secretariat services to various UNEP governing bodies, including the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Key functions include coordinating meeting preparations, managing documentation, facilitating communication with member states, and advising on procedural matters. The incumbent will support the Deputy Director in enhancing relationships with governments, ensuring smooth meeting operations, and following up on decisions. Additionally, the role involves preparing briefings, conducting research on governance issues, and analyzing data to support decision-making and reporting, contributing to effective environmental governance and program implementation.
Responsibilities
The Liaison Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising secretariat services for meetings of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives (CPR) and its subcommittees. This includes preparing documentation, agendas, and procedural scripts, as well as summarizing meeting outcomes and coordinating follow-up actions. The role also ensures effective communication and liaison with Permanent Representatives, supporting the Deputy Director in managing relationships with governments and facilitating preparations for UNEP's policy-making organs like UNEA. Responsibilities extend to developing meeting structures, ensuring timely document submission, preparing technical notes, and coordinating training for negotiation support. The incumbent will also conduct research on procedural and political issues, represent the Deputy Director at diplomatic functions, and utilize data visualization for reporting and decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, law, diplomacy, multilateral affairs, or environmental governance is required. Essential experience includes liaison with governments on sustainable development and environmental issues, and providing secretariat support to intergovernmental processes. Desirable experience includes drafting procedural documentation, advising presiding officers, supporting negotiation processes, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, political awareness, diplomatic skills, knowledge of intergovernmental processes and rules of procedure, communication, client orientation, planning and organizing, data analysis and interpretation, research, and advisory skills.