SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER | UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme Montreal International P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level Speaks English, French

Application deadline: April 11, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Senior Programme Management Officer to lead and evaluate programmes related to nature-based sustainability pathways. The role involves guiding project development, coordinating strategic engagement with government and private sector leaders, and supervising the preparation of high-level documents. The incumbent will also direct support for meetings and workshops, establish partnerships, and ensure effective staff management. This position requires a strong background in environmental management and biodiversity policy.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced university degree in relevant field

Minimum 10 years of experience in environment management or biodiversity policy

Experience advising senior government officials

Experience drafting high-level intergovernmental documents

Supervisory experience in an international organization

Fluency in English

Org. Setting and Reporting 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. 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 in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). Under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will perform the following duties: Responsibilities A. Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects related to nature-based sustainability pathways; guides subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment. oversees review of relevant documents and reports; identifies emerging issues, priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant Parties and private sector actors; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. B. Proposes, develops and coordinates plans for the strategic engagement of government and private sector leaders in the work of the Convention with particular focus on meetings of the Convention governing bodies. C. Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. intergovernmental reports, background papers, analyses substantial sections of strategic reports and studies, inputs to publications. D. Coordinates policy development on nature-based sustainability pathways and institutional engagements to enhance implementation of the biodiversity agenda; contributes to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; reviews assessments of issues and trends, research activities and studies. E. Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars on priority issues concerning biodiversity conservation and sustainable use; develops meeting structures, format and agenda topics; identifies participants, preparation of documents and other requirements; positions outreach activities and knowledge products and tools; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. F. Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. G. Establishes and expands collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization and serves as an effective spokesperson. H. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff. Guides, evaluates and mentors staff. I. Leads team members' efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate, and share the data they need. J. Performs other duties as required. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Good knowledge of international processes in conservation and sustainable use. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and 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. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality. Operates in compliance with rules. Supports subordinates, provides s\oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes responsibility for shortcomings. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates inks between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Education Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following disciplines: international development, environmental affairs, law, social sciences or a related field is required. A first level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of ten 10 of progressively responsible experience in environment management, biodiversity policy, environmental governance or programme management is required. Experience in advising and engaging senior government officials and private sector leaders in intergovernmental or multilateral settings is required. Experience in drafting and supervising the preparation of high-level intergovernmental documents, strategic policy papers or official documentation for governing bodies is required. Experience in supervising professional staff within an international organization, including oversight of programme delivery, performance management and team development, is required. Experience with the Convention process and the functioning of the Convention’s bodies is desirable. Experience within the United Nations System or any similar organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area 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

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