Associate Programme Management Officer

Associate Programme Management Officer | UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

Associate Programme Management Officer

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme Montreal International P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level Speaks English, French

Application deadline: March 27, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking an Associate Programme Management Officer to support the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal. The role involves preparing scientific documents, facilitating expert workshops, and providing technical support on marine and coastal biodiversity. The incumbent will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Convention's objectives. This position requires strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced university degree in sustainable development, environmental science, marine biology, or related fields

Minimum two years of professional experience in marine environmental management or policy

Experience with international organizations like CBD Secretariat or UNEP

Desirable experience in data analytics or related areas

Fluency in English; French is desirable

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 located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit (BSPG) and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity, the incumbent will carry out the following functions: Responsibilities A. Facilitates the preparation of neutral scientific technical documents and the provision of expert advice on the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity: (a) Prepares evidence-based documents based on scientific and technical data and information to facilitate decision making by the COP and its subsidiary bodies (i.e., SBSTTA, SBI). (b) Facilitates preparation of draft decisions and recommendations of COP and SBSTTA, respectively, in an integrated manner to support Parties in reaching a coherent set of outcomes on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity.Organizes and services expert workshops/meetings, side events/meetings to provide inputs to the subsidiary bodies (i.e., SBSTTA, SBI) and the COP, regarding marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity, and finalizes and disseminates the workshop reports. (d) Manages scientific information on the description of EBSAs, in collaboration with Parties, the scientific community, individual experts, and relevant organizations. (e) Provides organizational and technical support to the Informal Advisory Group (IAG) on EBSAs, in line with the mandate of the IAG as outlined in decisions of the COP. (f) Provides scientific and technical support to the identification of new and emerging issues of particular significance for the work of the Convention on marine and coastal biodiversity and on island biodiversity. B. Facilitates execution of various components of the Convention’s work on marine and coastal biodiversity and on island biodiversity. (a) Produces quality outputs of the Secretariat’s work, in line with the requests by COP and its subsidiary bodies, on marine and coastal biodiversity and on island biodiversity, including work on the description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas, addressing anthropogenic pressures on marine biodiversity, tools and approaches for conservation and sustainable use (e.g., integrated marine and coastal area management, marine and coastal protected areas, marine spatial planning) and capacity development. (b) Supports the process under the CBD to facilitate the description of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), in line with COP decisions.Facilitates operational-level communication, coordination and collaboration with CBD national focal points, secretariats of various intergovernmental processes and various partner organizations and scientific communities, on issues related to marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. (d) Liaises with other units and divisions within the Secretariat to support the harmonized implementation of the above-noted tasks with other work programmes/initiatives within the Secretariat. (e) Undertakes necessary missions and participate in inter-governmental and other substantive meetings relating to the implementation of the above-noted tasks. (f) Prepares statements/messages by the Executive Secretary regarding marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity as well as respond to correspondence and requests from any interested individuals/general public on the work of the Convention on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. C. Provides scientific and technical support to Parties and other stakeholders in the integration of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity into relevant international processes: (a) Prepares scientific and technical inputs to UN and inter-governmental processes, as well as to the UN-Oceans coordination mechanism, with a focus on facilitating the integration of work under the CBD into relevant processes in order to support robust and effective implementation. (b) Provides scientific and technical input to the mainstreaming of marine biodiversity into fisheries, as well as other relevant sectors, including through regional bodies and other inter-governmental processes, in line with the requests by COP and its subsidiary bodies.Supports synergies and alignments with work at the global and regional levels related to the implementation and monitoring of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). (d) Supports work related to the nexus of climate change and marine biodiversity, including through engagement with the UNFCCC as well as in the advancement of technical work under the CBD on this issue. (e) Supports engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities, international NGOs and other civil society stakeholders to strengthen the integration of biodiversity considerations in relevant international initiatives. D. Supports the implementation of capacity development activities among Parties and other stakeholders on marine and coastal biodiversity, including through the Sustainable Ocean Initiative: (a) Implements, and supports the designing of, capacity development activities within the framework of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative, including, as appropriate, training of trainers and regional/national workshops, or other partnership meetings, in support of Parties in the implementation of their NBSAPs or other coastal and ocean policies relating to marine and coastal biodiversity. (b) Maintains the SOI website ( as an online platform to support the delivery of capacity development opportunities, partnerships and technical and scientific cooperation. E. Provides scientific and technical support to the monitoring of the status and trends of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity, and review and evaluation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. (a) Supports the engagement and voluntary participation of Parties and relevant organizations in the compilation and collection of data/information on the status and trends of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. (b) Supports communication and coordination with Parties and relevant UN/international organizations as well as regional bodies/initiatives, such as regional seas conventions and action plans and regional fisheries bodies/regional fisheries management organizations on accessing data/information relating to marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity and applying the indicators for Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework relating to marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity.Provides scientific and technical input and reviews the preparation of relevant global assessment reports relating to marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. F. Oversees the preparation and dissemination of communication products and awareness-building information on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity: (a) Provides scientific and technical inputs into the development and dissemination of communication products to raise awareness on issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. (b) Supports the establishment of networks with partners and facilitates, through these partners, the dissemination of communication products and awareness-raising information on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity.Provides scientific, technical and organizational support to relevant CBD high-level meetings/events at COP or other international fora, to raise political awareness on issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity. (d) Facilitates the design and operationalization, in coordination with the information technology officers, of the structures, content and functionalities of the CBD webpage on marine and coastal biodiversity and island biodiversity, the website (repository and information-sharing mechanism) on ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) ( and the website on Sustainable Ocean Initiative ( (e) Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. G. Performs any other tasks as required by the supervisor. Competencies 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. 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. Teamwork: Works cooperatively 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. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields focused on or related to sustainable development, environmental science, marine biology, coastal management, oceanography or other related subjects is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years

• of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an 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 two years of professional and progressively responsible experience in marine environmental management, marine policy, sustainable ocean arid coastal development is required. Experience at the international level with exposure and knowledge of the working of an international organization e.g CBD Secretariat, other MEAs or UNEP or other similar organizations is required. Demonstrated experience in the management and/or development of environment, coastal and marine related projects is desirable. A minimum of 1 year or more years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree). Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. 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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