Programme Management Associate

Volunteering Environment Programme & Policy

Overview

Support the effective implementation of the Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Portfolio.

You have:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in project development, management and coordination.
• One (1) year or more experience in supporting environmental and climate information management at country level.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to carry out desk research independently.
• Excellent writing skills in English are essential.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Have affinity with or interest in Climate Information and Early Warning Systems.

Contract

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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 overall objective of UNEP's Climate Change Division is to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. UNEP provides capacity building and technical support to governments to enhance their policy and implementation capacity and helps them access finance to align to the Paris Agreement, decarbonize, anticipate and adapt to climate impacts. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, alignment to global climate goals and needs of individual countries. In response to requests from the Member States, the Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit of Climate Change Division builds country capacities in the collection, management, and use of environmental and climate data, information, and knowledge for early warning, planning, policy-making, preparedness, and response actions This is done through projects funded by global funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and a variety of other bilateral and multilateral funding sources. In addition, the Unit is managing a project on “Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for science-based climate solutions” in the context of UNEP’s Climate Action sub-programme.

UNEP is seeking the skills of an International UN Volunteer to support the efficient and effective implementation and execution of the Climate Information and Early Warning Systems Portfolio(CIEWS) in particular the implementation of the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) requirements in Pacific Small Island Development States.

The Programme Management Associate will provide administrative and operational support to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of the project. This includes assisting with project documentation, coordination of activities, logistical arrangements, and maintaining records in line with UNEP Rules and Regulations. The UNV will support the Task Manager and team in implementing project activities in accordance with the UNEP and donor standards, contributing to project formulation, implementation, and evaluation processes. Particular attention will be given to ensuring effective coordination and alignment.

Under the direct supervision of the Task Manager for the Systematic Observations Financing Facility(SOFF) funded UNEP portfolio, the UN Volunteer will work on a portfolio of projects for strengthening weather forecasts, early warning systems, and climate information services in different countries, through the following tasks :

• Support the management of the project on “Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for science-based climate solutions”, including components supported by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). • Support the development and /or revision of the project Annual Work Plans, which sets out in precise detail activities, targets, budgets, standards for measuring progress and results and determine the processes, tools and methodologies to be used to ensure effective and efficient project implementation and operations. • Support project implementation in accordance with objectives, schedule and planned budget. • Support the revision of project documentation based on review comments from internal and external partners. • Support management, monitoring and reporting of assigned projects with Implementing Partners to ensure they are on track and any issues are resolved promptly. • Support the maintaining an overview of the status of assigned project portfolio, issue alerts and propose remedial measures when necessary. • Document lessons learnt in the implementation of CIEWS projects, including the SOFFsupported work. • Support the management of a document repository of individual country project files, projects documentation, budgetary and finance records, progress reports, national technical reports, regional advisor mission reports and correspondence. • Support administrative coordination of projects implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with the diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

• Successful implementation of CIEWS initiatives in different countries, including those financed by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs).

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (CIEWS); discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in project development, management and coordination, including results-based management, monitoring and evaluation related to climate change, meteorology, atmospheric science, or related fields at national or international level is required. • One (1) year or more experience in supporting environmental and climate information management at country level, preferably with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is desirable. • Working experience in UN or international donor-funded projects will be advantage. • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to carry out desk research independently using a variety of sources. • Excellent writing skills in English are essential. • High Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Publisher, among others such as Canva), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in Climate Information and Early Warning Systems volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. The climate is tropical, with the monsoon season running from May/June through October/November. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and it is also the most populated city in the country. It is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the central part of the country. Bangkok has an estimated population of 11.39 million as of 2025 (13% of Thailand’s total population), based on data from the 2020 census. Over the past decades, Bangkok has grown rapidly with little urban planning or regulation. This has led to traffic congestion and air pollution, and there is frequent flooding of streets during the rainy season in the City’s low-lying areas. The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, as compared to many other capitals in Southeast Asia. Housing is widely available in various sizes and at various price points. Private healthcare in Thailand is of excellent standard, and there are numerous top hospitals in Bangkok, which fall far below countries like the US in terms of price. There are numerous high-quality international schools available in Bangkok, with English as the language of instruction. Bangkok has different public transportation options, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground, metered taxis, mobile-based ride-hailing services (Grab, All Thai Taxi, etc.), tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, buses and boats. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org