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- Job Opening ID: 272105
- Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
- Job Family : Programme Management
- Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
- Duty Station : NAIROBI
- Department/Office : United Nations Environment Programme
- Date Posted : Mar 5, 2026
- Deadline : Apr 3, 2026
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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. The Climate Security Mechanism of the UN (CSM), which brings together UNEP, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was established to strengthen the UN’s capacity to address the linkages between climate change, peace, and security. CSM supports UN entities to integrate climate-related security risk analysis, conceptualization, and response design, and foster collaboration with research partners.
This is a UN Environment Programme position, embedded in the Office of the UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-Horn) as part of the work of the UN Climate Security Mechanism. The Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa is mandated to support the region in sustaining gains in peace and security, supporting Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in line with the framework for cooperation between the United Nations and IGAD, and other relevant regional organizations in promoting peace and security across the Horn of Africa, inter alia via enhancing sub-regional capacities for conflict prevention and mediation and addressing cross-cutting issues. The Special Envoy is tasked with carrying out the good office’s role and special assignments on behalf of the Secretary-General as required. The mission has been tasked with enhancing linkages in the work of the United Nations and other partners in the Horn of Africa region, with a view to promoting a joined-up regional approach, including facilitating coordination and information exchange within the United Nations system.
This post is located in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will report to the Principal Political Affairs Officer, Office of the UN Special Envoy to the Horn, with a second reporting line to the Chief, Disasters and Conflicts Branch- UNEP, and will perform the following duties for the OSE-Horn of Africa while maintaining a strategic relationship with UNEP:
Responsibilities
- Supports the UN Special Envoy in all aspects of work relating to environment, climate change, natural resources, biodiversity, and related issues.
- Develops analysis relating to the environment and climate change; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
- Performs advisory functions/assignments, in collaboration with UN, government, and international counterparts, including IGAD counterparts, by identifying scientific analysis relevant to the situation on the ground; facilitating the introduction of science-based analysis into policy-making processes; facilitating meetings and workshops to communicate analysis; and assisting in developing action plans to address identified environmental challenges, with all relevant partners.
- Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, and serving as rapporteur for Pillar 3 of the UN regional strategy for the Horn of Africa.
- Generates survey initiatives, designs data collection tools, reviews, analyzes, and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues, and prepares conclusions.
- Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications.
- Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations.
- Initiates and coordinates outreach activities, conducts training workshops and seminars, and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
- Works with government and other relevant counterparts, including donors, to propose action plans to address priority environment- and climate-related issues.
- Leads and/or participates in field missions, including the provision of guidance to UN and government officials and other parties, and drafting mission summaries.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting.
- Liaise with the UNEP Disasters and Conflict Branch regularly on the collaboration of activities and strategic cooperation, bearing in mind the distinct yet complementary mandates of both OSE-Horn of Africa and UNEP.
- Performs other related duties as required
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge in international affairs, project or programme management and approaches relevant to the environment and climate change. Ability to identify issues, analyze, and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet, and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
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 & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amounts 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
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environment, development studies, international relations, geography, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, project or programme management, administration, or related area is required.
- Experience in political analysis and advice is required
- Experience in climate change impacts analysis and strategy development in a conflict setting is required.
- Experience working in an international organization in a conflict-affected or developing country context, especially in the Horn of Africa, is desirable.
- Experience working with government and intergovernmental counterparts is desirable.
- Proven experience in policy development, advisory services, and advocacy is desirable.
- Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.
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 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 |
Desirable Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French | 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 a competency-based interview.
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