Current Vacancies at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Project Management  , Safety and Environment / HSE, Administration, Secretarial  , Finance, Accounting, Audit  , Human Resources,

Midterm Review Consultant

Specific duties and responsibilities: 

• All the activities related to the MTR are to be carried out as per UNEP Evaluation Policy and the UNEP Programme Manual. The Mid-Term Review will use a participatory approach whereby key stakeholders are kept informed and consulted throughout the review process. Both quantitative and qualitative review methods will be used as appropriate to determine project achievements against the expected outputs, outcomes and impacts. It is highly recommended that the Review Consultant maintains close communication with the project team and promotes information exchange throughout the review implementation phase in order to increase their (and other stakeholder) ownership of the review findings. 
• The Review Consultant should provide a geo-referenced map that demarcates the area covered by the project and provide geo-reference photographs of key intervention sites (e.g. sites of habitat rehabilitation and protection, pollution treatment infrastructure, etc.)

The findings of the Review will be based on the following:
A desk review of:

• Relevant background documentation, inter alia: 
• Project Document and Appendices
• Project design documents (including minutes of the project design review meeting at approval); Annual Work Plans and Budgets or equivalent, revisions to the project (Project Document Supplement), the logical framework and its budget;
• Project reports such as six-monthly progress and financial reports, progress reports from collaborating partners, meeting minutes, relevant correspondence and including the Project Implementation Reviews and Tracking Tool etc.;
• Evaluations/Reviews of similar projects.

Interviews (individual or in group) with:

• UNEP Task Manager (TM) and team members; 
• Representatives of Executing Agencies and national governments; 
• UNEP Fund Management Officer (FMO);
• Representatives from civil society and specialist groups (such as women’s, farmers and trade associations etc).
• Field visits: A minimum of two country visits, one to a South Mediterranean and one to an Eastern Mediterranean country, to be proposed by the Reviewer in their Inception Report; plus visits to the Executing Agency in Athens and MedWaves in Barcelona.
• Other data collection tools: to be determined by the Review Consultant at the inception phase

Qualifications/special skills

• A university degree in environmental sciences/engineering, marine or ecosystem science, international development or other relevant area is required. An advanced degree in the same areas is desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of technical / evaluation experience in projects and programmatic approaches is required.
• Experience evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach is desirable.
• Good/broad understanding of POPs, mercury and hazardous waste is desirable.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English and knowledge of French languages is required. 

Senior Administrative Assistant

Responsibilities
HUMAN RESOURCE 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, 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.
• Reviews and processes personnel actions through UMOJA.
• 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

• Provides expert assistance in the preparation and development of the unit’s work programme and budget.
• Assists in monitoring budget/work programme with respect to various budgets, trust funds, grant and other funds on a regular basis, and suggests reallocations of resources and implements the reallocations as necessary.
• 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 extra-budgetary 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, analysing 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).

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

• Assists with day-to-day administration of contracts between the UN and external contractors for outsourced services.
• Audits the contractors’ invoices against the goods and services provided by the contractor and approved by the UN.
• Processes the payment of contractors’ invoices and monitor payments.
• Prepares and processes all UN forms and permissions for contractual and work Unit, Section or Service UN staff, including UN grounds passes, property passes, UN parking permits, swipe-card access and door keys.

DATA

• 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.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM

• Knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management. Ability to interpret and apply administrative and financial policies. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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.

TEAMWORK

• Works collaboratively 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. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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 administration, finance/accounts, audit, human resources management or related area is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required.
• Experience in computer applications, mainly spreadsheets is desirable.
• Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) e.g., UMOJA is desirable.
• Working experience within a large international organization similar to the United Nations is desirable
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
• NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.

Deadline : Dec 26, 2023

Information Management / Knowledge Intern

Duties may include, but are not limited to: 

• Under supervision, assist in the specification, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of new information management platforms in UNEP.
• Assist in improving the functionality and content of existing information management platforms / digital workflow projects., 
• Assist in on-going and planned green information technology (IT) projects.
• Undertake various research as directed by the Supervisor by collecting, analysing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Provide support with ESS outreach and internal communication activities.
• Under supervision, assist in streamlining of the electronic central file system by structuring applicable information and folders in an efficient way.
• Participate in achieving the UNEP digital transformation deliverables the Section has been tasked.
• Will be involved in real ongoing projects that the ESS is currently working on.
• Depending on the phase of the project, intern’s interest and background, the selected intern may be assigned research, analysis, design, development, testing, training, user support, or outreaching work.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher);
• be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation;
• preferred area of study: Information Management, Information Science, Environmental Science, Engineering, Communications, Design, Art, or related field.

Preferred skills:
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, however applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Skilled in using various IT tools and good knowledge of databases. ESS uses these IT tools for Information Management projects: Microsoft Teams / SharePoint, PowerApps, JIRA, Confluence and Moodle.
• Have demonstrated good communication skills in a complex multicultural environment.
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter. 
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• Experience in extracurricular activities is advantageous.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Intern – Intergovernmental Affairs and Meetings Support

This position is located in Governance Affairs Office in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the Nairobi duty Station. Under the direct supervision of the Liaison Officer, Governing Bodies Unit, Governance Affairs Office, the intern will support the Office which serves as the technical secretariat for the United Nations Environment Assembly and its subsidiary organs. In this context, the Office seeks energetic and motivated interns to support its work in the following areas, as assigned:

• Assist in the drafting of procedural documents (agendas, scripts, transmittal notes, invites, reminders, summary notes, minutes, talking points, cover notes, briefing notes, and others) in preparation for meetings with Member States and undertake other preparatory tasks. 
• Attend and summarize discussions held in meetings through high-level skill of notetaking. 
• Assist with logistics during meetings, ensuring that conference services are fully in place, interactive presentations are well conducted, and meeting platforms are fully functional. 
• Conduct research on intergovernmental procedures and practices of the Environment Assembly and its subsidiary organs.
• Support the day-to-day management of internal databases.
• Support the review of accreditation requests by non-governmental organizations, as applicable.
• Perform other duties, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

• Have knowledge or at least one official UN language beyond required English (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
• Have knowledge and/or skills in data management, modeling, mining, or statistical analysis. 
• Have knowledge of note-taking skills. 
• Have knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Deadline : Dec 27, 2023

Strategic Design and Development of Project Document

• This position is located in the Environmental Policy Unit of the Law Division, UNEP based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Reporting to the Head of the Environmental Policy Unit, a consultant is being contracted to develop a full project document for the environmental policy unit in accordance with UNEP’s updated guidelines for project development that delivers on UNEP’s MTS with a focus on addressing the issues of environmental policy and governance, strengthening science policy interfaces and policy coherence. A project Document will be developed, in discussions with colleagues within the Law Division, other relevant Divisions of UNEP, MEA Secretariats and other partners. The project document will be consistent with a logical framework and theory of change that respects UNEP’s MTS and PoW, is in tune with the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch (ECPB) strategy as well as in compliance with UNEP’s Project Review Committee (PRC) policies and guidelines.

Work Assignments & Outputs

• Develop the project document reflecting the priorities of work of the environmental policy unit, including the Unit’s strategy.
• Develop project concept and a full project document, including a theory of change and logical framework of outcomes, outputs, and indicators in accordance with the latest PRC templates for new projects.
• Develop a stakeholder engagement workplan including gender mainstreaming.
• Develop a resource mobilization plan for the project

Qualifications/special skills
EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in environmental policies, environmental governance science policy issues
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in project management, monitoring, and reporting of environment related projects.
• Robust technical knowledge of multilateral environmental agreements, multilateral processes, and strategies, and prodoc creations
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP and MEAs secretariats is desirable.
• Proven experience in Result Based Management in project design, using the theory of change and logical frameworks of multi-donor projects.
• UNEP’s strategic work on strengthening environmental policy & MTS, PoW
• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of environmental policy and governance issues, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) including science policy interfaces issues and policy coherence; thorough knowledge of project management, evaluation methodologies and applying the theory of change.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from client’s point of view. Identifies client’s needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of environmental policy and governance issues, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) including science policy interfaces issues and policy coherence; thorough knowledge of project management, evaluation methodologies and applying the theory of change.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from client’s point of view. Identifies client’s needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Deadline : Dec 22, 2023

Evaluation Consultant for Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GEF Project “Promoting Sustainable Cities in Brazil Through Integrated Urban Planning and Innovative Technologies Investment” – GEF ID 9142

THE EVALUATION. 

• In line with the UNEP Evaluation Policy  and the UNEP Programme Manual, the Terminal Evaluation is undertaken at operational completion of the project to assess project performance (in terms of relevance, effectiveness and efficiency), and determine outcomes and impacts (actual and potential) stemming from the project, including their sustainability. The Evaluation has two primary purposes: (i) to provide evidence of results to meet accountability requirements, and (ii) to promote operational improvement, learning and knowledge sharing through results and lessons learned among UNEP, MCTI, Aries/Recife, SEMA/Brasilia, CGEE, and SCP. Therefore, the Evaluation will identify lessons of operational relevance for future project formulation and implementation, especially where a second phase of the project is being considered. Recommendations relevant to the whole house may also be identified during the evaluation process.

THE PROJECT 

The project objective was to promote sustainability in Brazilian Cities through integrated urban planning and innovative technologies. It was built upon three components:

• Integrated Planning Pilots
• Integrated Investment Pilots
• Knowledge Platform

THE EVALUATION TEAM

• For this Evaluation, the Evaluation Team will consist of an Evaluation Consultant who will work under the overall responsibility of the Evaluation Office represented by an Evaluation Manager, in consultation with the UNEP Task Manager, Fund Management Officer, and the Sub-programme Coordinators of the Climate Action Sub-programme. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

In close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, the Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for the overall management of the Evaluation and timely provision of its outputs, data collection and analysis and report-writing. More specifically:

Inception phase of the Evaluation, including:

• preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff; 
• draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project; 
• prepare the evaluation framework;
• develop the desk review and interview protocols; 
• draft the survey protocols (if relevant); 
• develop and present criteria for country and/or site selection for the evaluation mission;
• plan the evaluation schedule;
• prepare the Inception Report, incorporating comments until approved by the Evaluation Manager

Data collection and analysis phase of the Evaluation, including: 

• conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders; 
• (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission(s) to selected countries, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities. Ensure independence of the Evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
• regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;
• keep the Project/Task Manager informed of the evaluation progress. 

Reporting phase, including: 

• draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
• liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager
• prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the Evaluation Consultant and indicating the reason for the rejection; and
• (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons)

Managing relations, including:

• maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
• communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Manager on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.
• The Evaluation Consultant shall have had no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project and will be independent from the participating institutions. The consultant will sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form.
• The Evaluation Consultant will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through an individual consultancy contract.
• Comprehensive terms of reference will be shared with the consultant separately.

Qualifications/special skills

• A first level university degree in environmental sciences, urban planning, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required and an advanced degree in the same areas is desirable.
• A minimum of 7 years of technical / evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach;
• A good/broad understanding of sustainable development and urban planning is desired.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is an added advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English  and Portuguese is a requirement .

Deadline : Dec 22, 2023

Policy Specialist – Climate & Food Systems

• This position is located in the Environmental Policy Unit of the Law Division, UNEP based in Nairobi, Kenya.  The consultant will work under the guidance of Balakrishna Pisupati, Head of Environmental Policy Unit in close consultation with the relevant experts in the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch as well as the other relevant UNEP Divisions and the MEA Secretariats.

Specifically, the consultant is expected to:

• Provide a brief analysis on how the mandates and objectives of the MEAs in the section 2 above are linked to sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Develop a simple conceptual framework for food systems issues, responding to climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Develop 2-3 approaches for science-policy-law interfaces that can help countries achieve food self-reliance and resilience.
• Assess the common solutions identified by scientific bodies Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), International Plant Protection Convention (IPCC), the International Resource Panel and other relates scientific bodies) that can be considered as entry points for enhancing synergies and cooperation amongst MEAs to promote sustainable agriculture and transforming food systems that will upscale solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis.
• Identify and provide policy recommendations for effective and coherent MEAs implementation that have high potential impact for sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, law or closely related area of study is required.
• Ten years experience required in technical knowledge of synergies between the climate, food systems and biodiversity clusters in the context of sustainable development.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP and MEAs secretariats is desirable.
• Experience conducting research and advising governments and international organizations on issues related to environmental governance is required.

Special knowledge and skills

• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Results focused.
• Clear and concise communication.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a consultative manner, good networking, and good inter-personal skills.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required

Deadline : Dec 22, 2023

Strategic Design and Development of Project Document

• This position is located in the Environmental Policy Unit of the Law Division, UNEP based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Reporting to the Head of the Environmental Policy Unit, a consultant is being contracted to develop a full project document for the environmental policy unit in accordance with UNEP’s updated guidelines for project development that delivers on UNEP’s MTS with a focus on addressing the issues of environmental policy and governance, strengthening science policy interfaces and policy coherence. A project Document will be developed, in discussions with colleagues within the Law Division, other relevant Divisions of UNEP, MEA Secretariats and other partners. The project document will be consistent with a logical framework and theory of change that respects UNEP’s MTS and PoW, is in tune with the Environmental Conventions and Policy Branch (ECPB) strategy as well as in compliance with UNEP’s Project Review Committee (PRC) policies and guidelines.

Work Assignments & Outputs

• Develop the project document reflecting the priorities of work of the environmental policy unit, including the Unit’s strategy.
• Develop project concept and a full project document, including a theory of change and logical framework of outcomes, outputs, and indicators in accordance with the latest PRC templates for new projects.
• Develop a stakeholder engagement workplan including gender mainstreaming.
• Develop a resource mobilization plan for the project

Qualifications/special skills
EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in environmental policies, environmental governance science policy issues
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in project management, monitoring, and reporting of environment related projects.
• Robust technical knowledge of multilateral environmental agreements, multilateral processes, and strategies, and prodoc creations
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP and MEAs secretariats is desirable.
• Proven experience in Result Based Management in project design, using the theory of change and logical frameworks of multi-donor projects.
• UNEP’s strategic work on strengthening environmental policy & MTS, PoW
• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of environmental policy and governance issues, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) including science policy interfaces issues and policy coherence; thorough knowledge of project management, evaluation methodologies and applying the theory of change.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from client’s point of view. Identifies client’s needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of environmental policy and governance issues, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) including science policy interfaces issues and policy coherence; thorough knowledge of project management, evaluation methodologies and applying the theory of change.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from client’s point of view. Identifies client’s needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Deadline : Dec 22, 2023

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