Programme Management Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its Ecosystem Division focuses on conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems. This role is within the UNEP-led ReLISA consortium, which aims to increase investment in ecosystem restoration in South Africa by making the economic case for such activities. The position is based in Pretoria.
Job Purpose
This Programme Management Officer role supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of the "Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA)" project. The incumbent will monitor project progress, facilitate collaboration among consortium partners and stakeholders, and manage the Project Steering Committee. Key responsibilities include engaging with political stakeholders, identifying opportunities for ecosystem restoration investment and policy uptake, and representing the ReLISA project in national and international forums. The role also involves supporting gender-responsive implementation, stakeholder engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, preparing written outputs, coordinating budgets and reporting, and conducting data analysis for informed decision-making. The position contributes to advancing sustainable social and economic transformation for biodiversity, people, and peace.
Responsibilities
The Programme Management Officer will participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the ReLISA project, monitoring progress and identifying corrective actions. They will facilitate collaboration and coordination among consortium partners and stakeholders, and manage the Project Steering Committee, ensuring effective communication. The role involves engaging with government ministries and agencies, monitoring policy developments, and identifying opportunities for ecosystem restoration investment and policy uptake. The incumbent will represent ReLISA in policy forums, support gender-responsive implementation and stakeholder engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and prepare various written outputs. Responsibilities also include coordinating budgets, work plans, and reporting, supporting UNEP offices, leading field missions, and collecting/analyzing data for reporting and decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in project/programme management and stakeholder engagement on environmental and sustainable development issues is required. Experience working with government, private sector, and public decision-makers at the national level is necessary. Experience in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, or nature-based solutions projects in South Africa is also required. Experience with senior political stakeholders, the UN system, or international organizations, and in data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, conceptual analytical and evaluative skills, data collection and analysis, research, planning and organizing, communication (written and verbal), stakeholder engagement, project management, understanding of environmental management and sustainable development principles.