PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

GloJobs; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) invites applications for a senior biodiversity role in Montreal, Canada. The incumbent will provide scientific, technical and policy advice on forest, dry land and biodiversity issues, and coordinate official documentation for CBD meetings and related intergovernmental processes.

The position requires an advanced degree in environmental science or related fields and substantial international experience in biodiversity policy, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in biology, forests, environmental science and policy.
• A first level university degree combined with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Experience with data analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provides scientific, technical, analytical and policy advice on biodiversity issues to Parties and stakeholders.
• Prepares technical assessments and strategic documents for meetings of the CBD and related intergovernmental processes.
• Manages programme activities on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem restoration with supervision as needed.
• Promotes engagement with stakeholders and coordinates activities with partners.

Education

Advanced university degree in biology, forests, environmental science and policy

Job description

GloJobs analysis estimates · not the employer's figures

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This post is in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Science, Monitoring and Capacity Division. Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Division and the direct supervision of the Head of Ecosystem Science and Policy Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

• A. Provides scientific, technical, analytical and policy advice to the Parties on issues relating to the Convention's work on forest, mountain and dry land ecosystems, ecosystem restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial biological diversity, and to analyze interactions with broader land use issues to effectively advance their mainstreaming: a) Analyzes, interprets and reports on scientific evidences, policy measures and other implementation responses developed by countries and relevant stakeholders, through reviews of scientific literature and academic journals, the development of questionnaires, workshop discussions and other data collection methodologies, to identify priorities requiring further attention, b) Positions and leverages a better understanding of the application of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in the realms of forest, mountain and dryland, ecosystems, ecosystem restoration and their integration into the wider landscape to advice on the development of policies and programmes, addressing complementary and coherent approaches to the implementation of the Convention, through the preparation, coordination, peer-review of technical and scientific reports and guidelines, c) Assesses and reports on the status of implementation and opportunities for mainstreaming biodiversity into related sectors, by formulating initiatives and promoting joint programmatic activities with relevant partner organizations. d) Showcases the benefits of ecosystem-based and landscape-based approaches to habitat conservation, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration and human well‑being, by preparing synthesis reports and outreach events on experiences and lessons learned.
• B. Prepares technical assessments and strategic documents, and position expert policy advice, for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention and to its subsidiary bodies, as well as to other relevant intergovernmental processes: a) Services and prepares official documentation for intergovernmental negotiations, as well as for relevant sessions and special events on forests, dry lands, mountain biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and interactions with land use for meetings of the Convention and its Subsidiary Bodies, to contribute to the implementation of the programmes of work of the Convention, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other relevant international plan, mechanisms and instruments, b) Positions strategic advice, technical, scientific and policy inputs on forest, dry lands, mountain biodiversity and ecosystem restoration and the interactions with land use into other official documentation within the Convention and its Subsidiary Bodies, and in other relevant intergovernmental processes, to promote coordinated outputs, c) Facilitates dissemination of data on assessments pertaining to the above‑mentioned subject areas to government to further support their implementation, monitoring and review of national strategies, plans and programmes, in collaboration with relevant partner organizations.
• C. Manages programme activities relating to the programmes of work on terrestrial biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and related initiatives and partnerships such as, among others, the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration, Mountain Partnership, including supervising and coordinating the work of other staff in preparing reports, presentations and capacity development assignments: a) Leads on the capacity development for the above mentioned areas of work, including undertaking activities for the preparation and facilitation of workshops and training events, ensuring targeted support to post‑workshop projects and knowledge sharing platforms, ensure for assessments on the status and trends of natural ecosystems, the setting of national targets, and the rate of habitat loss, among other criteria, raising attention on areas where further support is most needed, b) Develops activities that leverage scientific and technical cooperation, including south‑south cooperation, on terrestrial ecosystems conservation and restoration, terrestrial biodiversity and other related land‑uses through scoping missions, facilitation of direct exchanges between national institutions, and support to regional organizations to disseminate relevant data to pilot technical capacity development tools. c) Participates and supports the processes of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) and the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR), as a member of these partnerships, by positioning strategic approaches to incorporating biodiversity considerations into activities of these processes, d) Manages activities and strengthens partnership work under cooperation with partners including among others the Food and Agriculture Organizations of the UN, the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, UNCCD, Mountain Partnership, IUCN, CGIAR, ITTO, and the Korea Forest Service, and develops new collaborative initiatives and partnerships with key officials, at all levels, inside and outside the Organization relevant to ecosystem restoration agenda, aligned to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, to ensure that tools and guidance developed support the planning, implementation and reporting on ecosystem restoration related global goals and targets and commitments in a coherent and consistent manner, e) Represents the Secretariat at meetings, conferences and other fora and deliver presentations on assigned topics and activities related to the terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem restoration agenda.
• D. Promotes engagement with other stakeholders and relevant processes, performs management duties and undertakes any other duties as may be assigned or required by CBD: a) Maintains and expands networks with relevant technical, intergovernmental and financing partners and engages in relevant advisory committees to enable integration of priorities of above‑mentioned areas into broader sustainable development goals context including interlinkages with climate change, agriculture, tourism, b) Manages general service staff, contractors and consultants, as needed, to ensure effective performance and development of staff, and delivery on work programmes and the objectives of the organization, c) Supervises assignments prepared by staff, including draft reports, analyses, and inputs to publications, and guides and mentors newly on‑boarded staff, d) Provides strategic and technical input into other areas of work relating to the core programme activities of the Unit and Division, or as requested by the Executive Secretary. e) Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data‑driven planning, decision‑making, presentation and reporting.

Professionalism. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to natural resources management, environmental management/sciences, environmental law and policy, project management or international relations. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision‑making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree in biology, forests, environmental science and policy, climate science, sustainable development with a specialization in ecosystem conservation and restoration, forestry management, environmental management or related areas is required. A first level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of both degree and non‑degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial biodiversity, particularly in forest management, environmental management, land‑use planning and ecosystem restoration at the national level, is required. Five years of work experience at the international level in a position dealing with wider environmental issues or dealing with multicountry projects in relevant fields is required. Five years of programme management, policy analysis, planning, and supervision experience is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience within the United Nations or a comparable international organization, as well as knowledge of forest‑related work undertaken across the UN system, including by the CBD, FAO, UNFF, UNEP and UNDP, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org [link removed] for details).

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency‑based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme. Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed‑term appointment limited ("FTA‑limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed‑term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary–General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed‑term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme – such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS – which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other