Career Openings at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Officer, Head of Programme Coherence and Assurance Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

CONCEPT APPROVAL GROUP
PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE

• Provides support towards the implementation of the new Delivery Model, inplanning and implementation of new activities/processes for the Project Review Committee (PRC)Secretariat associated to the new, forthcoming PRC-tiered approach policy; and the Concept Approval Group (CAG) Secretariat in the departmental programme/project initiatives. Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on concepts and projects, and related topics.
• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation for the PRC and CAG; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure Project Documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval.
• Assists in the preparation, review and revision of all the report submissions ensuring compliance with CAG and PRC guidelines, coordinating with proponents and ensuring full compliance with minimum standards for CAGPRC meetings. programme/project budget proposals; support the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized.
• Assists in the monitoring of CAG and PRC reviews, comments and responses on programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects and obtains necessary clearances.

PROGRAMME/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled by the CAG and PRC Secretariats, and assists with reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures of IPMR, Global Environment Fund (GEF), Global Climate Fund (GCF) and Open Data platforms to ensure completeness and accuracy of data submitted.
• Drafts programme/project summaries, coordinates review and clearance process, prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate and other reviews.
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports such as Programme performance report, quarterly report; and
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, serves as the UMOJA/IPMR data system focal point, ensuring compliance with approved Project Documents.

ADMINISTRATION

• Use of Umoja and extensive liaison with diverse organizational units, including with certifying officers to initiate payment requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project approval.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff/UNV and performs other duties as assigned.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplemental courses/technical certificate in administration, finance, budget, accounting or related fields is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of Seven (7) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or related area is required.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree
• Proficiency in using advanced functions on standard computer applications, Word, and Excel, is required.
• Experience using SAP ERP system, including raising travel requests, creating shopping carts and/or purchase orders is required.
• Experience as a competent note taker, capable of summarizing key discussion points during meetings is desirable.
• A minimum of one (1) year 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 post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

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Responsibilities

This post is located in the Corporate Services Division, Programme and Budget Unit at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Finance and Budget Officer, the Senior Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Budget

• Acts as Certifying Officer for the Corporate Services Division and Executive Office.
• Undertakes reviews, analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
• Reviews, analyses and assists in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects; ensures compliance with UNEP Programme of Work and other legislative mandates.
• Provides support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements and assist in the preparation and submission of the budget proposals and allocations for the Regular Budget, Environment Fund, and Programme Support Cost (PSC).
• Provide support in the preparation and monitoring of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) budget and funding status.
• Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance and Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Provides input into the preparation of allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures.
• Monitors budget implementation/expenditures and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary.
• Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged and availability of funds.
• Monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with
• regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of budget performance submissions as well as periodic and ad-hoc reports including monthly budget dashboard reports to senior management, Programme Performance Reports (PPR) to UNEP Senior Management as well as to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR).
• Assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitors integrity of various financial databases.
• Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
• Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.

General

• Keeps up to date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
• Provides guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain Budget related Business Intelligence (BI) Webi Reports to be shared and utilized by all Programme and Fund Management Officers across UNEP.
• Manage approved staffing table for Corporate Services Division, Executive Office, and Evaluation office.
• Prepare monthly post incumbency reports and update the positions' cost distribution in Umoja (UN SAP based ERP system) Organization Management module to ensure correct coding blocks are charged.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of financial rules, regulations and procedures. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplementary training in administration, finance, budget, accounting or related fields is required.
• Training in Business Intelligence (BI) reporting is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in administration, budgetary and financial operations, procedures and practices is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree.
• Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, such as Umoja, in finance and budget modules is required.
• Demonstrated experience working with a Business Intelligence (BI) reporting tool is required.
• One (1 ) year 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 post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

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The Consultant Will Undertake The Following Activities To Support The Improvement And Development Of a Solid Waste Management Legal Framework And The Advancement Of Environmental Rule Of Law In Nigeria

• Undertake a baseline mapping and analysis of the existing regulatory and institutional framework governing waste management in Nigeria, to assess it against principles of integrated waste management and principles for the protection of the health and rights of the waste labor force, especially the informal workers. The baseline gap analysis will identify strengths, gaps, and challenges, will assess needs.
• Draft a report on specific measures relating to the labor workforce in waste management for consideration in legislative reforms, taking into account international labor and health standards and best practices.
• Based on the gap analysis and needs assessment, and the report on specific measures relating to the labor workforce in waste management, develop recommendations for reform of the legislative and institutional framework for waste management in the country, with due consideration to the informal labor sector. The report with recommendations will integrate the findings/evidence collected by the use of UN-Habitat’s Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT), which will monitor the performance of municipal solid waste management systems at city level in Abeokuta and will include draft clauses/provisions on legislation.
• Support the preparation and organization of two series of consultations with experts and stakeholders (including feedback sessions with UNEP and other project implementing partners), one provisionally scheduled in 2023 Q2 and the second in 2023 Q3, to discuss the impact of the existing regulatory waste management frameworks in the informal structures and the need to adapt the framework to integrated waste management principles. During the consultations, the activities mentioned in paragraphs 1 to 3 above will be presented and reviewed. The consultant will be responsible for integrating the outcomes of the consultations/expert discussions in the final version of the report with specific measures and draft provisions for enhanced legislative frameworks, as well as for preparing the agenda, the proposed list of experts and identified stakeholders and participants, questionnaires, presentations, post consultation reports, and any material relating to the consultations.
• Work in close collaboration with UNEP, UN-Habitat and stakeholders involved, provide regular updates on the progress of the activities to UNEP, as required, and carry out any other tasks which may be assigned under the project.

Qualifications/special Skills

• Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Nigerian law, specializing in environmental law/policy, waste management law, or other relevant qualifications (required).
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in the field of environmental law/ policy in Nigeria is required.
• Experience in research and analytical report writing on legal and policy issues related to waste management is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

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The Consultant Will Undertake The Following Activities To Support The Improvement And Development Of a Solid Waste Management Legal Framework And The Advancement Of Environmental Rule Of Law In Sierra Leone

• Undertake a baseline mapping and analysis of the existing regulatory and institutional framework governing waste management in Sierra Leone, to assess it against principles of integrated waste management and principles for the protection of the health and rights of the waste labor force, especially the informal workers. The baseline gap analysis will identify strengths, gaps, and challenges, will assess needs.
• Draft a report on specific measures relating to the labor workforce in waste management for consideration in legislative reforms, taking into account international labor and health standards and best practices.
• Based on the gap analysis and needs assessment, and the report on specific measures relating to the labor workforce in waste management, develop recommendations for reform of the legislative and institutional framework for waste management in the country, with due consideration to the informal labor sector. The report with recommendations will integrate the findings/evidence collected by the use of UN-Habitat’s Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT), which will monitor the performance of municipal solid waste management systems at city level in Freetown and will include draft clauses/provisions on legislation.
• Support the preparation and organization of two series of consultations with experts and stakeholders (including feedback sessions with UNEP and other project implementing partners), one provisionally scheduled in 2023 Q2 and the second in 2023 Q3, to discuss the impact of the existing regulatory waste management frameworks in the informal structures and the need to adapt the framework to integrated waste management principles. During the consultations, the activities mentioned in paragraphs 1 to 3 above will be presented and reviewed. The consultant will be responsible for integrating the outcomes of the consultations/expert discussions in the final version of the report with specific measures and draft provisions for enhanced legislative frameworks, as well as for preparing the agenda, the proposed list of experts and identified stakeholders and participants, questionnaires, presentations, post consultation reports, and any material relating to the consultations.
• Work in close collaboration with UNEP, UN-Habitat and stakeholders involved, provide regular updates on the progress of the activities to UNEP, as required, and carry out any other tasks which may be assigned under the project.

Qualifications/special Skills

• Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Sierra Leone law, specializing in environmental law/policy, waste management law, or other relevant qualifications is required.
• A first level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in the field of environmental law/ policy in Sierra Leone is required.
• Experience in research and analytical report writing on legal and policy issues related to waste management is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.