PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 128,450 USD and 165,609 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

Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three “Rio conventions” is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The UNCCD provides the foundation for its 197 Parties to work together to combat desertification, land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought; maintain and restore land and soil productivity, and improve the living conditions for people. The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit of the UNCCD secretariat serves the two subsidiary bodies of the Conference of the Parties (COP), namely the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) and the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC). It links scientific knowledge with implementation, planning and policy development, with the aim to ensure that findings and opportunities produced by science are effectively channeled to benefit field activities to implement the UNCCD. The STI also supports national reporting on the progress countries are making in the implementation of the Convention and serves as the secretariat hub for the realization of capacity development and innovation across the UNCCD. Interfacing science and policy is central to how the STI supports the CST and its work programme. This includes COP decisions to be implemented by the CST with support of the secretariat and in many cases, collaboration with technical partners. It also includes the work programme of the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI) made up of 25 global experts who assess, synthesize and translate current science for the consideration of policy makers. The work programme of the SPI, which is determined by the CST and adopted by the COP, typically involves two scientific assessments, scientific quality assurance for the Global Land Outlook, and coordination activities with other scientific bodies and panels including, among others, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). From these scientific assessments and coordination activities, the SPI produces peer-reviewed technical reports as well as science-policy briefs designed to support policy development. The STI also supports the policy advocacy, communications and resource mobilization efforts of the UNCCD to help ensure that the content of all communications and guidance products produced under the name of the UNCCD are evidence based. For more information about the science agenda of the UNCCD and how it interfaces science and policy, see: https://www.unccd.int/science/overview

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the STI Unit and the direct supervision of the Chief Scientist, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Contributes to enhance the science- policy interface of STI Unit by ensuring science foundation for policy and advocacy activities developed by different units of the secretariat, increasing coordination with other Units of the secretariat particularly with Global Policy Advocacy and Regional Cooperation (GPARC), in policy and advocacy related matters, with Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) in communications for policy makers. 2. Responds to the policy decisions of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP) as they relate to science and technology issues in the field of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD), with the aim of ensuring that implementation, planning and future policy development is underpinned with a solid scientific foundation. This involves work in the following areas: a. Providing substantive and administrative support to the CST and its Bureau in the preparation of CST sessions and related official documents, supporting intergovernmental negotiations, coordinating the organization of meetings of the CST Bureau and preparing related documentation (i.e., briefing and information notes, agenda, presentations, meeting reports). b. Administratively supporting the work of the STI, the SPI and technical partners through the organization of in-person meetings and teleconferences, and preparing related documentation (i.e., briefing and information notes, agenda, presentations, meeting reports). c. Substantively supporting the work of the STI, the SPI and technical partners by collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, interpreting scientific findings as well as quantitative and qualitative information pertaining to the nexus between land, water, climate, nature and people, particularly where these intersect with issues related to the strategic objectives of the UNCCD, as defined in the UNCCD Strategic Framework and the SPI Work Programme. d. Coordinating, in support of the STI, the SPI and technical partners, the production of various scientific and technical written outputs, (e.g., scientific writing, editing and peer review). e. Coordinating the quality assurance provided by the STI and the SPI for the Global Land Outlook and related thematic reports. f. Coordinating the publication and dissemination of secretariat and SPI science deliverables (i.e., technical reports, science-policy briefs and related communications products). 3. Coordinates science partnerships, as assigned, with other intergovernmental panels and bodies working on topics relevant to future UNCCD policy development, including: a. Intergovernmental Science–Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) b. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) c. Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) d. International Resources Panel (IRP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) e. Global Land Indicators Initiative (GLII) of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), f. The Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), a joint initiative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) g. United Nations University (UNU) h. Other scientific institutions 4. Cooperates and interfaces with Parties and technical partners in their desire to engage regional science and technology platforms that have the potential to respond to their needs through the Convention’s Regional Implementation Annexes, and through the SPI, for the provision of scientific advice on DLDD. This would involve work in the following areas, among others: a. Facilitating partnership development of the UNCCD with relevant regional science and technology platforms with the regional Implementation Annexes, leveraging upon South-South cooperation; b. Supporting the Global Mechanism of the UNCCD in its efforts to assist country Parties to mobilize resources for the implementation of the Convention; c. Supporting the Asia Regional Liaison office with the host country (China) with policy advice and in its participation in UNCCD organized events, meetings, projects, and initiatives, including other UN meetings and negotiations relevant to UNCCD. d. Supporting the preparation of relevant donor proposals as well as annual progress/activity reports within the South-South cooperation. 5. Provides support to the secretariat and the Global Mechanism, helping ensure that there is solid evidence foundation underpinning reports, guidance documents and communications to be achieved through: a. Reviewing, analyzing, and synthesizing existing scientific information on relevant and emergent topics such as, among others: desertification/land degradation and drought, land degradation neutrality, sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation. b. Contributing to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and communication products by ensuring the evidence base is robust. c. Designing and coordinating scientific review processes, as appropriate, for UNCCD written output. d. Supporting the representation of the UNCCD at external meetings, conferences, and other events by preparing briefing notes and presentations. 6. Performs any other job-related activities required to achieve the goals and objectives of the team, the Unit, the Programme and the secretariat.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the scientific processes underlying desertification/land degradation and drought as well as the range of response options available to countries. Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to the implementation of the global funds, regional issues on land; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Conceptual, analytical, and political skills. 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 Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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. 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

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, sustainable development, public administration, social sciences or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development governance and policy making, natural resource management, sustainable development management, or related areas is required. Experience as technical advisor and/or policy coordinator with international cooperation at least in one of the following thematic issues is desirable: sustainable land management, natural resources and ecosystems management, biodiversity conservation, fight against land degradation and desertification, degraded land and landscape restoration and rehabilitation, sand and dust storms, sustainable forest management, ecosystem-based adaptation. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in working with policy planning or policy related issues is desirable. Experience working with the scientific and technical community in a relevant field is desirable. Experience working with the UN or with other international organizations in a relevant field is desirable.

Languages

For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be considered an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This is a project position available for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UNCCD in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.