PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Overview

Manage projects focused on climate change mitigation in Latin America.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Environment, Energy, Economics, Law or related fields is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in international development, project development and supervision or management of climate change mitigation projects is required.
• Work experience in dealing with public and private institutions and policies in Latin America is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 97,865 USD and 128,146 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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 overall objective of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.

This post is in UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, Energy and Climate Branch, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Climate Mitigation Unit, Panama City duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Project Management Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities A. Supervision of project implementation, manages the Latin America and Carribean portfolio by:

1. Participating in project inception meetings and Steering Committee meetings with a view to ensure project implementation readiness and sound and timely project implementation; 2. Regularly monitoring project progress and performance and troubleshooting projects at risk. Informing management of any significant risks or project problems and taking action and following up on decisions made; 3. Analyzing the quality of the projects outputs and coordinating support to improve their quality when necessary; 4. Providing oversight to project execution and in doing so ensuring that all UNEP and GEF criteria rules and regulations are adhered to by project partners; 5. Monitoring reporting by project executing partners and providing prompt feedback on the contents of the report and consolidating progress reports, terminal reports and participate in evaluation for projects; 6. Maintaining adequate project-related documentation; 7. Applying adaptive management principles to the supervision of the project; 8. Assisting with the preparation of project revisions, ensuring that project revision documentation is complete and in accordance with GEF requirements; 9. Preparing project supervision plans for all projects under his/her portfolio for their entire duration and periodically updates them; 10. Assessing the need to conduct mid-term independent evaluation and if so, liaises with the Evaluation and Oversight Unit to ensure the evaluation is timely conducted; 11. Managing any needed project(s) mid-term review in accordance with GEF/UNEP guidance and preparing a management response with a plan for implementation of recommendations; 12. Supporting the project terminal evaluation; 13. Taking responsibility to ensure that project is financially closed in a prompt manner after completion of project activities; 14. Supervising consultants by designing their terms of reference, setting objectives, standards and monitoring and appraising their performance; 15. Ensuring coordination as appropriate of project activities with the activities of other relevant projects; 16. Providing guidance to consultants and support staff, setting objectives and standards, monitoring and appraising their performance, identifying training needs and facilitating and environment of team work and high productivity.

B. Project identification and development: Conceives and develops new Climate Change mitigation projects / proposals:

1. Contributes to UNEPs climate change mitigation portfolio strategy; 2. Identifies and develops new portfolio of new climate change concepts and eligible project proposals (PIFs) based on the expressed needs of countries and relevant intergovernmental decisions. Liaises with internal and external partners in doing so. 3. Discusses and clears such concepts with the his/her supervisor and Senior Programme Officer; 4. Consults with UNEP Divisions and regional offices as necessary; 5. Presents and defends concepts at the Concept Review Clearance and projects at the Project Review Committee; 6. Addresses UNEP, GEF Secretariat and Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel reviews and ensures that recommendations are considered in further project development by the executing agency; 7. Works with the Fund Management Officer to internalize project preparation grants and project documents upon GEF approval; 8. Monitors GEF project milestones to avoid delays and potential project cancellation; 9. Develops and maintains close communication and relations with relevant government officials, international research organizations, UN agencies, GEF, Governments and UNEP collaborating Centers, on climate change enabling activities. 10. Liaises and maintains good relations with GEF, GEF Secretariat staff on operational and policy matters.

C. Contribute UNEP and GEF corporate tasks:

1. Provides input to UNEP and GEF Corporate tasks as requested by his/her Supervisor and/or the Senior Programme Officer. 2. Contributes to Council document reviews as needed; 3. Represents GEF in UNEP and GEF-related meetings; 4. Participates in the UNEP Project Review Committee; 5. Provides input to UNEP and GEF policy and information documents as necessary; 6. Provides input to UNEP and GEF corporate evaluations, including country portfolio evaluations, thematic evaluations and impact evaluations and to the preparation of the Management Action Record.

D. 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.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of all cycles of project management and climate change mitigation projects and solutions. Ability to work in multi-cultural environments. Knowledge of energy policies of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Knowledge of the Global Environment Facility, the UN and UNEP. Proven ability to mobilise resources. 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey 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 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.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Environment, Energy, Economics, Law or related fields is required.

A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant qualifying 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 five (5) years relevant experience in international development, project development and supervision or management of climate change mitigation projects is required.

Work experience in dealing with public and private institutions and policies in Latin America is desirable.

Two (2) years 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, fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable. 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.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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