Consultant - Programme Management

Provide timely and effective programme and administrative support to UNEP GEF Unit.

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UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Thursday 11 Sep 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide timely and effective programme and administrative support to UNEP GEF Unit.

You have:

  • A university degree in environmental science, law, environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a closely related field is required.
  • At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in organising meetings and events is required.
  • Excellent analytical, research, and report writing skills is desired.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely is desired.
  • Experience in working with international organizations, particularly the UN system, is an asset.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity processes including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework would be an added advantage.
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
  • Knowledge of any other UN language is an asset.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Timely and effective programme and administrative support provided to the UNEP GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit in the implementation of GEFID 11907 and GEFID 11908, ensuring smooth coordination, communication, and documentation with participating countries.

Work Location

GEF Ecosystems Nairobi Office Based

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This consultancy assignment will support the work of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit in the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. Introduction and background The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing two Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project titled a) "Support to Preparation of the Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (GEFID 11907)", and b) "Support to Preparation of the First National Report on the Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization (GEFID 11908)”. The GEFID 11907 project aims to support 105 GEF-eligible Parties in fulfilling their obligations under Article 33 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). While GEFID 11908 project aims to support 96 GEF-eligible Parties in fulfilling their obligations under Article 29 of the Nagoya Protocol. These reports are due by February 28, 2026. UNEP GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit is seeking an Individual Contractor to provide programme and administrative support to participating countries throughout the reporting process. Specific duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Tasks and responsibilities Under the supervision of the Task Manager, the Individual Contractor will: 1) Programme Support - Maintain a tracking system to monitor country-level implementation and submission status to the respective Protocol’s Clearing house mechanisms. - Assist in drafting and processing legal instruments and in liaising with partners and internal finance and administrative services. - Assist in the review and consolidation of country submissions and progress reports. - Draft periodic progress reports and briefing notes for internal use and sharing with project partners such as the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, GEF, etc. 2) Administrative and Operational Support - Organize events (virtual and in-person workshops), including liaising with vendors, make purchases and facilitate payments to vendors under the guidance of the procurement focal points. - Coordinate logistics for meetings, including securing the venue arrangements, participant invitations, etc. - Facilitate travel arrangements for meeting participants, including ticketing, visa support, and accommodation. - Prepare workshop materials, presentations, and post-event documentation. - Maintain roster of key external contacts; update electronic mailing lists. - Draft official correspondence, meeting minutes, and internal memos. - Assist in processing contracts, payments, and other administrative documentation in collaboration with UNEP administrative units. o Maintain organized project files and records in accordance with UNEP standard

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: A university degree in environmental science, law, environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a closely related field is required. At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in organising meetings and events is required. Excellent analytical, research, and report writing skills is desired. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely is desired. Experience in working with international organizations, particularly the UN system, is an asset. Knowledge and understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity processes including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework would be an added advantage.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of any other UN language is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with program support in environmental initiatives? This question evaluates your practical experience relevant to the role. Focus on specific projects you've worked on and describe your contributions.
How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple countries in reporting processes? The interviewer is looking for your management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication among diverse stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a complex report you drafted? What was your process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience in organizing events, particularly in a multi-country context. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle conflicting priorities from different stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you understand about the Convention on Biological Diversity? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a time when you had to adapt your communication style to fit your audience. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org