Associate Programme Officer (Stakeholder engagement) at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Task description
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer and within delegated authority, the incumbent will

• Assist with the implementation of the overall strategy for regular and structured engagement with non-state actors/ major groups and stakeholders in the meetings of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary organs.
• Assist with liaison with non-state actors/ major groups and stakeholders and support their registration, participation, and engagement in the meetings of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary organs.
• Assist and support the team in the preparation of the upcoming UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025 and all its associated events planned, such as the regional consultative meetings organised in collaboration with UNEP’s regional offices and alongside MGS from the regions. with the organization of meetings, preparation of documents and communication with non-state actors/ major groups and stakeholders.
• Outreach and capacity building to relevant major groups and stakeholders with particular focus on underrepresented major groups accredited observers to UNEP (Indigenous peoples and farmers) as well as the Latin American and Caribbean and West Asia regions
• Support the UN Permanent Forum on indigenous issues preparations, side events planning as well as follow up on UNEP’s inputs to the System-Wide Action Plan on indigenous issues in collaboration with colleagues from other UNEP offices.
• Support the UNEP-wide Youth Working Group as well as the Indigenous Peoples is-sues working group within UNEP and contribute to project and programme developments.
• Assist in the organization of the regular Major Groups Facilitating Committee meet-ings and webinars.
• Engage in any communication related matters on substance: maintaining website up-dates, social media outreach, supporting the preparation and implementation of virtual meetings, hybrid and in-person and email communication to stakeholders.
• Assist in the organization of the Youth Environment Assembly as well as the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum.
• Prepare questionnaires, surveys etc. in their design and online mode and provide analysis of outputs and responses.
• Support the accreditation of observers towards successful accreditation of non-gov-ernmental civil society organisations with environmental expertise.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs

• The Associate Programme Officer (Stakeholder engagement) will be expected to assist with the accreditation of stakeholders and facilitate the engagement of accredited stakeholders in the work of UNEP and its governing bodies. She/he will be expected to support the work of the Unit through innovative tools and approaches.
• The Associated Programme Officer will be engaged in all main areas of the Unit’s responsi-bilities and hence gain a broad experience in terms of civil society engagement and participa-tory approaches in UNEP.

Eligibility criteria

• Age 27 - 80

Expected start date: 01/11/2024

Requirements
Required experience

• 3 years of experience in relevant fields of which at least two years of progressively responsible experience in engagement with civil society or other stakeholders is required.
• S/he should understand human rights and people-centered approaches in projects and programme development and implementation.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate they are organized, reliable, and efficient. An understanding of how to work effectively as part of a team, and a willingness to learn and grow professionally by taking on new competencies and remaining abreast of developments in the field is essential. Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of various actors is also required. As well, UNEP highly values creativity and innovative thinking, coupled with a problem-solving mindset.

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in International relations, social and environmental sciences, humanities or environmental policy and governance.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies and values

Professionalism:

• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and rec-ommendations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional com-petence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commit-ments, 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 perspec-tives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appro-priate 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.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly inter-prets messages from others and responds appropriately; proven interpersonal skills; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors lan-guage, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing infor-mation and keeping people informed; good spoken and written communication skills, in-cluding ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, artic-ulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, vol-unteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of differ-ent target groups.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes sol-idarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Dealine: 08/08/2024