Senior Coordination Officer, P-5

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

Nairobi, Kenya

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, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The position will lead UNEP’s strategic work to deliver ambitious and tangible results to support whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to biodiversity conservation, in support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and other relevant global, regional, and national policies. The position is located in the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Work across UNEP, UN Agencies, and other key stakeholders to mobilize new biodiversity action and partnerships. Particularly, help UNEP and UN agencies deliver on the Common Approach to Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions while focusing on country-led, demand-driven support. Inform and apply integrated, practical systems approaches to linking biodiversity, climate, pollution, and sustainable development. Specifically:

Takes the lead, to develop, implement, and evaluate assigned programs and projects to implement UNEP’s strategic approach to delivering on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, etc.; directs subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring, and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; and identifies and initiates follow-up actions;
Coordinates UNEP-wide processes for mobilizing the delivery of biodiversity outcomes in support of the KMGBF, including the shaping of programme of work and mid-term strategies and catalyzing learning, integration, and teamwork;
Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines for biodiversity programs by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels;
Coordinates policy development; reviews assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies;
Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems and issues; and prepares conclusions;
Supports sound analysis and documenting lessons learned and best practices for delivering biodiversity action;
Provide multi-disciplinary analytical support to UNEP staff, regional offices and other UN agencies, as appropriate, to assist in the development and implementation of an integrated information and knowledge management strategy;
Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications;
Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations;
Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries;
Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and ensures preparation of related documents and reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget);
Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need;
Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels, inside and outside the organization;
Ensures effective utilization, supervision, and development of staff; guides, evaluates, and mentors staff; and may perform other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities, and risks for biodiversity conservation, including integrated approaches for multiple sustainable development co-benefits. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operations. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment 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; and remains calm in stressful situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey the resulting information to management;
PLANNING AND 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; and uses time efficiently;
CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches;
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing;
JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degrees and non-degrees in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in biodiversity programme management at international levels is required. At least five (5) years' experience in managing intergovernmental processes and/or international policy development and implementation for biodiversity-related topics is desirable. At least five (5) years’ experience leading diverse and/or interdisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environments and sustainable development outcomes is required. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience in managing and applying strategic approaches to complex challenges with diverse stakeholder groups is desirable. Experience with the global biodiversity policies and frameworks is desirable.

Languages

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

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