Programme Management Officer

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

Job summary

The United Nations Secretariat in Montreal seeks a Programme Management Officer to provide scientific, technical, and policy guidance on forest, mountain, and dryland ecosystems, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity use. You will analyze evidence, prepare assessments for intergovernmental meetings, and drive partnerships to advance conservation goals.

Responsibilities include coordinating technical analyses, supporting the Conference of the Parties, and overseeing programme activities with

Qualifications

• This role requires an advanced university degree with substantial international experience in biodiversity/forestry or related field.
• Experience in policy analysis, programme management, and liaison with intergovernmental bodies is expected.
• Desirable experience with data analytics and working in international organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific, technical, analytical, and policy advice on forest, mountain, and dryland ecosystems.
• Analyze data and policy responses, assess implementation status, and identify mainstreaming opportunities.
• Prepare technical assessments and strategic documents for intergovernmental meetings, including COPs.
• Manage programme activities related to terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
• Lead capacity development, foster scientific cooperation, and represent the Secretariat at forums.

Skills

Professionalism

Analytical skills

Research

Data analysis

Problem solving

Teamwork

Planning & organizing

Communication

Gender mainstreaming

Education

Advanced university degree in biology/environmental science/related field

First-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience

Desirable: data analytics / data science degree or coursework

Job description

Organizational context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) administers the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) in Montreal. This role is within the Science, Monitoring and Capacity Division of the SCBD. The SCBD is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system.

Job purpose

This Programme Management Officer role supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by providing scientific, technical, and policy advice on forest, mountain, and dryland ecosystems, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable terrestrial biodiversity use. The incumbent will analyze scientific evidence and policy measures, advise on conservation strategies, and assess implementation status. The role involves preparing technical assessments and strategic documents for intergovernmental meetings, including the Conference of the Parties, and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, the position manages programme activities, fosters partnerships, and promotes engagement with stakeholders to advance ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation goals.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific, technical, analytical, and policy advice on forest, mountain, and dryland ecosystems, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable terrestrial biodiversity use. Analyze scientific evidence and policy responses, assess implementation status, and identify areas for mainstreaming biodiversity. Prepare technical assessments, strategic documents, and policy advice for intergovernmental meetings, including the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies. Manage programme activities related to terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, including initiatives and partnerships. Lead capacity development efforts, facilitate scientific and technical cooperation, and represent the Secretariat at international forums. Promote engagement with stakeholders, manage staff and consultants, supervise assignments, and provide strategic input to the Unit and Division's work. Analyze data to support planning, decision-making, and reporting.

Education

An advanced university degree in biology, environmental science, sustainable development, forestry, or a related field is required. A first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience is acceptable. A degree or program completion in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Work experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in terrestrial biodiversity conservation, forest management, environmental management, land‑use planning, and ecosystem restoration is required. Five years of international experience in environmental issues or multicountry projects is necessary. Programme management, policy analysis, planning, and supervision experience are desirable, as is experience in data analytics and within international organizations like the UN.

Skills

Professionalism, conceptual and analytical skills, research and analysis, data analysis and interpretation, problem‑solving, teamwork, planning and organizing, communication, and gender mainstreaming.

Required languages

English, French