Current Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

• Independently provides full range of programme/project management, data/database management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme cycle and GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit.    
• Researches, tracks project implementation, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on wide range of programmes/projects and related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties.  
• Tracks Task Managers Global Environment Facility (GEF) Central and West Africa regions projects and other related Unit initiatives that affect programme/project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant database(s) to ensure the incorporation of programmatic and other changes to the GEF Portfolio on Biodiversity and Land Degradation.  
• Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from UN Environment Task Manager and Unit Chief, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action.  
• Works with funding agencies through the Portfolio Manager in arranging financing modalities; obtains requisite clearances; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review meetings and missions.   Drafts budget in collaboration with the Finance team and forecast based on submissions; prepares monitoring checklists/tracking tools, identifying stages of programme/project development, funding source, inputs by reviewing internal and external bodies, and follow-up actions required.    
• Monitors in collaboration with the Finance team budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in UMOJA and ANUBIS  for all financial transactions; supports periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to  the task manager.  
• Prepares database report summaries on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.  
• Serves as focal point for West and Central Africa portfolios database coordination, monitoring and expedition of implementation activities across the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Portfolio and participates in programme/project evaluation; monitor implementation at all stages to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans, including analysing implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action; liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.  
• Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.  
• Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc tasks forces, etc.; drafts and circulates agenda notes to members/participants; assembles background documentation; drafts minutes of the meeting; monitors follow-up actions, etc.   
• May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities, e.g. Training on database use and management of websites, specific administrative, operational/control tasks for programme/project activities.  
• Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities.    
• Supervises office support staff, including project financial transactions, distribution and review of work assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluation.  
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.  
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular, those related to programme/project administration, data and database management, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the GEF unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.  
• Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.
• Ability to identify, independently assess, formulate recommendations and/or resolve a wide range of issues/problems, undertake research and gather information from standard sources and to work well with figures including ability to analyze and understand financial data. Ability to design information data bases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system.  
• Ability to direct, supervise and train office support staff and external partners.  
• Demonstrated ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given and discretion, resourcefulness and ability to deal proactively and tactfully with offices throughout the organization. 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.
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.  
• PLANNING & 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.  
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Additional training and certification in project and Programme management is required    

Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in programme management/ project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.    
• Experience in Database Management is desirable.    
• Experience with Global funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is desirable    
• Experience working with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is desirable    
• One (1) or more years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Deadline : Jun 5, 2024

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Responsibilities
Financial Management:  

• Provide support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of Division costed work plans and its revisions;
• Prepare supporting documents; Assist project managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions;
• Check payment requests; Monitor expenditures; Review requisitions for goods and services;  Assist in preparation of budget performance reports and status of reports, analyzing variances;  Monitor integrity of various financial databases;  
• Co-ordinate with other finance/budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports;  Assist in closure of year-end accounts;
• Review the final project accounts' runs;  Liaise and follow up with United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for processing of requested payments;  
• Prepare sub-allotment advices; Contribute in responding to audit queries by the internal and external auditors;  
• Maintain financial data relevant to the Funds projects;  Assist in preparing donor reports and drafting responses to donor queries.  
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.  
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.    

Project Management:  

• Facilitate the development and preparation of accurate project documents and revisions;  
• Research for information and report on the projects;  Prepare responses to project related queries;  
• Assist in the closure of projects; Assist in the finalization of project approval;  Assist in the follow up of receipt of cash advance statements, progress and final reports;  
• Keep track of management and financial reports;  
• Provide administrative and financial support in the management of projects;  
• Maintain a database of legal instruments;  
• Follow up with project managers on receipt of progress reports and financial reports;  Review reports received;  Assist in preparing documents;  
• Assist in drafting and reviewing legal agreements.    

General:  

• Keep up-to-date documents, reports and guidelines;  
• Draft/prepare correspondence to respond to inquiries;  
• Maintain and keep up-to-date files;  
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to staff;  
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making;
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures;
• Performs other related duties assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment; Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyze and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions;
• Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems;
• Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making;
• 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.  
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Relevant training in programme/project administration/management, finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.    

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.    
• Experience working with various offices of the United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Non-Governmental Organizations or Permanent Missions is desirable.    
• Experience working on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja is desirable.    
• Experience organizing meetings and workshops is desirable.    
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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Specific Roles and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the SDG and Environment Statistics Unit (UNEP/Early Warning and Assessment Division), the consultant will;

Country activities:

Prior to country mission, the consultant will:

• Prepare an inception report outlining a comprehensive desk review of the national context for indicators, including data availability and requirements, list and contacts of key stakeholders to engage with.
• Develop a step-by-step document and calculation/working sheets for specific indicators, including necessary information on the source of data, responsible entity and embedded formulae to calculate the indicators.
• Develop appropriate technical material to be presented in countries, in English, in collaboration with UNEP, by using existing technical resource materials.

In-country mission, the consultant will:

• Convene relevant stakeholders and conduct a hands-on training using the prepared technical material in collaboration with UNEP and relevant national entities.
• Assist government officials in identifying appropriate data and calculating relevant indicators.

Upon completion of the country mission, the consultant will:

Prepare mission report, in English, with the following criteria, among others:

• Activities undertaken in each country, including list of government officials and entities engaged with
• Obtained results
• Follow-up actions needed
• Annexes: country inception report, all prepared material relevant to the mission, list of participants, etc.
• Online follow-up with countries on questions or clarifications required from countries.

Reporting activities:

• Guidelines report for Measuring Circular Economy
• Final report on countries activities, including lessons learnt, best practices and annexes including all prepared material relevant to the countries missions.

Qualifications/special skills

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Science is required. A doctoral degree is desirable.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible training experience on environmental and sustainable development issues is required.
• Proven expertise and experience in working with countries to enhance their technical and statistical capacities is required.
• Experience in the UN system and in a government/intergovernmental setting is desirable.
• Proven expertise and experience in working on circular economy, sustainable consumption and production, and waste for sustainable development is desired.

Deadline : Jun 7, 2024

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Responsibilities

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: 

• Coordinates various actions related to the administration of the unit’s human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, promotion, relocation, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures.
• Liaises with central administration /executive services as required.   Oversees the maintenance of vacancy announcement files and keeps track of status of vacancy announcements.    
• Advises staff on visa matters.  
• Provides advice and answers general queries on classification procedures and processes.  
• Provides information and advice to staff/consultants with respect to conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations.  
• Monitors Umoja staffing tables for a variety of human resource activities, e.g., appointments, retirement, expiration of appointments, reassignments, transfer and movement of staff.  

BUDGET AND FINANCE  

• Collects data from relevant databases and prepares customized financial reports.  
• Provides assistance in the review, and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.  
• Reviews, analyses and assists in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements from departments/offices at headquarters and in the field, including programmatic aspects; ensures compliance with the medium-term plan and other legislative mandates.  
• Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.  
• Monitors budget implementation/expenditures and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary.  
• Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.  
• Monitors extrabudgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.  
• Assists in the preparation of budget performance submissions.  
• Assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.  

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  

• Provides guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.  
• Provides assistance in drafting of host country agreements, budget agreements, or contributions for grants or other activities as appropriate.  
• Identifies and resolves diverse issues/problems as they arise, and determines appropriate actions.  
• Coordinates extensively with service units and liaises frequently with internal team members both at Headquarters and in the field.  
• Performs other related administrative duties, as required (e.g., operational travel programme, monitoring accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for services, physical space planning and the identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems, organize and coordinate seminars, conferences and translations).  
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.  Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.  

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION  

• Prepares and processes all UN forms and permissions for contractual and work unit, section or service staff, including UN grounds passes, property passes, UN parking permits, swipe-card access and door keys.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., travel management, budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• 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.  
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplemental training in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required.    

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required.
• The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree.    
• Working experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required.    
• Experience supporting a senior official in in administrative servicing of conferences or high-level meetings, including scheduling and travel arrangements is required.    
• Working experience in computer applications, mainly spreadsheets is desirable.  
•  Experience working in a Front Office and supporting senior level managers in an international organization is desirable.    
• Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.    
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Deadline : Jun 5, 2024