Current Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

UNEP's Communication Division is looking for a dynamic self-starter as science editor.

Under the supervision of the Head Writer, and working closely with the Head of Publishing, Lead Publications Editor, publication managers/authors, the science editor will be responsible for the effective and efficient performance of the following duties: 

• Provide science editing services for UNEP publications as assigned, including structural edits
• Provide copy-editing services to publication from UNEP divisions and offices, including from Executive Office and Office of the Chief Scientist on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, including structural edits. 
• Support updates of the key message guide and produce launch assets including key messages for policymakers, copy for social media assets, video scripts and press releases.

Qualifications/special skills

• First level University degree in journalism, communication, social sciences or other related field is required.
• Minimum of five years of working experience in scientific editing, technical writing, proofreading, and publishing is required.
• Experience with editorial practices and documentation procedures of UNEP or comparable international organizations is desired.
• Experience in a field related to the environment, sustainable development, and science is an added advantage.

go to method of application »

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the UNEP Task Manager and the E Co Team Leader, the CTA will undertake the following tasks over the contract period:

• Coordinate the communication and interaction between the different stakeholders involved in the project development process including UNEP, E Co.,
• The Ministry of Finance (NDA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy (Executing Entity), Conservation International (Executing Entity), DHI, etc.
• Support the process of project stakeholder mapping: Support the local stakeholder engagement expert in the identification of key stakeholders at local and national levels, specify if relevant for: the consultations/ development phase,  for the project implementation phase (how would be involved in each component), or/and the governance of the project.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement and consultations to collect information needed for the project development process, as needed.
• Collect and review documents and data to feed into the project development process, as needed.
• Represent the project design team in meetings in Dominica, as needed.
• Provide technical inputs/contributions to technical sections of the project Feasibility Study, Funding Proposal and annexes, as needed.
• Revise, enhance and ensure the quality of technical sections of the project Feasibility Study, Funding proposal and annexes, as needed.
• Ensure coordination between different deliverables from E Co, DHI, CI and other consultants, so that the project is developed and finalized in a timely fashion.
• Support the organization of the project Validation Workshop and other consultation meetings in Dominica, as needed. •Support responding to key comments and queries from the E Co, UNEP and government teams, as needed.
• Support responding to GCF review comments, as needed. Reporting Lines
• The consultant will work for the Climate Change Adaptation Unit (CCAU) in the UNEP Climate Change Division to undertake this assessment, under the supervision of the Task Manager and Portfolio Manager. Day-to-day interactions, guidance and oversight will be provided by the E Co Team Leader.

Qualifications/special skills

• At least a Master’s degree in Development, Environment, Ecology, Green and Blue Economy, Coastal Zone Management, or Climate Change Adaptation is required
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience on the development or implementation of climate change adaptation projects, coastal zone management, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient agriculture or related field in developing countries is required
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation is required;
• Solid technical knowledge on adaptation planning processes, ecosystem-based adaptation measures and approaches, or climate risk management is required.

go to method of application »

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 12, 2024

go to method of application »

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Development Coordination Officer, and the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Director, the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Providing technical support in the development of CCAs and the elaboration of UN-CF framework including mainstreaming the 6 transition pathways for UN-CFs developed in 2024-2025 to accelerate SDG implementation in Africa in collaboration Sub-programmes heads and Divisions.
• Technical and advisory support between RDC Unit and the Results Groups on the ground, UN Resident Coordinators and National Institutions.
• Providing technical backstopping on the reinvigorated UNCT FP system for Africa Office in alignment with the agency’s delivery model to strengthen country engagements and UNEP’s visibility.
• Facilitate the smooth continuation of RDCO work and activities before and following the recruitment of the new RDCO.
• Technical capacity building on UNCT mechanism in response to calls from UN RCOs and Sub-Regional Heads based on requests received from UNCTs and member states within their jurisdiction.
• Provide technical support for CCA and UN-CF end cycle quality assessments (Peer Support Group-PSG) to authorize the finalization of the UN-CF development process at country level.
• Support the Regional Director (RD) and Deputy Regional Director (DRD) in their roles of high-level political representation across the region (elaboration of briefing notes, country briefs, strategic readouts).
• Support the RD and DRD in high-level political engagements including daily support to the UNEP UN Reform Group supported by Policy and Programme Division (PPD).
• Provide technical guidance to UN Volunteers and Junior Professional Officer (JPO) on UN INFO and UNCT reporting as a strategic work area that requires prompt and continuous support in collaboration with the Sub-Regional Heads.  
• Technical support to the RD and DRD in liaison with the sub-regional heads regarding UNCT work.
• Backstop resource mobilization and environmental financing to support the UN-RC system to integrate innovative financing for SDG implementation while simultaneously developing bankable pipeline of national projects.
• Support the Africa Office in the implementation of the key priorities as identified by the prioritization process underdevelopment.
• REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS The UNEP Africa Office will contract the Consultant to undertake the assignment as described in this Terms of Reference. The IC will report to the Africa Office Regional Development Coordinator Divya Datt. Monthly payment will be subject to submission of progress reports approved by the RDCO for all the duties and responsibilities articulated in the Terms of Reference (ToR).

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications:

• A first University Degree in a field related to the environment science, conservation, natural resource management, project management, economics or related field is required.

Experience:

• At least 2 years at the international level in sustainable development and implementation of environmental related programmes, projects and activities is required.
• Experience in Development Coordination in Africa. The incumbent should possess a good understanding of the achievements so far, challenges and key opportunities in the region.

Deadline : Jun 17, 2024