Programme Management Assistant G5 Jobs at UNEP, Nairobi Kenya

United Nations Jobs, UN Jobs, UNEP Jobs,

• Job Opening ID: 274673
• Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
• Job Family : Programme Management
• Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-5
• Duty Station : NAIROBI
• Department/Office : United Nations Environment Programme
• Date Posted : Apr 9, 2026
• Deadline : May 8, 2026

UN Jobs Relevance CV review >> Submit your CV here

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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and to strengthen the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

This position is located in the UNEP/Ecosystems Division/Marine and Freshwater Branch/ GEF International Waters Unit at the Nairobi duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Unit and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties

Responsibilities

• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation work at all levels of the GEF project cycle for the GEF IW portfolio; monitors status of programme/project proposals, legal instruments and receipt of relevant documentation for review, approval and reporting.
• Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/projects and related topics or issues and feeds relevant information into IPMR regularly.
• Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets in close guidance by the FMO, for completeness and compliance with GEF policy and relevant UNEP rules and procedures before submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval. This includes support to GEF project design, and to back up the Programme Management Assistant in conceptualisation and clearance in collaboration with GEF Coordination, QAG secretariat and PRC.
• Supports the FMO and Task Managers by reviewing budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in the computerized budget system, including UMOJA.
• Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of GEF IW portfolio implementation action along the GEF project cycle and enabling activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of Task managers for action, and to the Unit Head and Portfolio manager as appropriate.
• Supports drafting legal instruments with Executing Agencies and correspondence on budget-related issues.
• Prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes for clearance by the TMs and Head of Unit, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.
• Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings and workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc.
• Provides guidance/training to new/junior 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 in consultations with Coms colleagues and feeding into divisional and GEF IW dashboards.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures under guidance by Coms colleagues, TMs and Head of Unit.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. The ability to perform analysis, modelling, 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 & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Keeps abreast of new developments in and around GEF, GEF 9 and policy and project cycle as well as in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

• Relevant training in business administration, project management or related field is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) of years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation 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.
• A minimum of three (3) years or more experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years or more experience with Global funds such as Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), including design, approval and internalization stages of international projects funded by vertical funding facilities/mechanisms incl. covering the full project cycle and reporting is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years or more of experience with an international organization is required. Work experience with legal instruments formalizing execution and implementation arrangements with multiple diverse partners is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Work experience with executing and implementing partners in all global regions is desirable

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no specific desirable languages.
• The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

A Programme Management Assistant (G5) at UNEP in Nairobi typically earns a minimum starting salary of approximately 220,213 KES per month (approx. $1,700 USD). This General Service (local) position is often for Kenyan nationals, with compensation potentially exceeding $ 2,100 USD monthly depending on experience.

Click here to apply

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”—George Eliot