Careers at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities
This position is located in the Corporate Services Division (CSD) European Commission Operations Unit at the Nairobi duty station. Under the supervision of the Head of the CSD European Commission (EC) Operations Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Independently provides full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives.
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties.
• Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes/projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from departments, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action.
• Works with funding agencies in arranging financing modalities; obtains requisite clearances; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review meetings and missions.
• Drafts budget and forecast based on submissions; prepares monitoring checklists, identifying stages of programme/project development, funding source, inputs by reviewing internal and external bodies, and follow-up actions required.
• Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in Umoja for all financial transactions; prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to line manager.
• Prepares newsletters on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of implementation activities and participates in programme/project evaluation; monitor implementation at all stages to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans, including analysing implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action; liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.
• Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc tasks forces, etc.; drafts and circulates agenda notes to members/participants; assembles background documentation; drafts minutes of the meeting; monitors follow-up actions, etc.
• May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities, e.g., specific administrative, operational/control tasks for programme/project activities.
• Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities.
• Supervises office support staff, including distribution and review of work assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluation.
• 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 duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. 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. 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. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.
• PLANNING& 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.
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) 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.
• Experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or other similar system and human resources management system are required.
• Experience in interpreting and applying administrative and financial policies of the United Nations or similar organizations is desirable.
• A minimum of One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Working experience with projects or programmes funded by the European Commission and with the rules and procedures of the European Commission 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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Duties and Responsibilities
Budgeting

• Assist in the collection of data for preparation of cost estimates and budget proposals in terms of staff and non-staff requirements for regular budget and extra-budgetary resources under UNEP Administration.
• Assist with the data extract for and preparation of various reports to management.
• Assist in monitoring budget implementation and performance.
• Assist with ensuring that requisitions for goods and services are in line with authorized budgets, the priorities of the organization and the UN financial rules and regulations.
• Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.

Accounting

• Process financial documents such as accounts payable, payroll and account receivable, in line with the financial rules and regulations;
• Audits various accounting transactions, e.g., vendor payments, payroll, education grants, taxes, etc. to ensure correctness of disbursement and adherence to relevant staff rules, financial regulations and rules, ST/AI issuance's or practices;
• Assist in the review and analysis of various accounting data;
• Scrutinize supporting documents for completeness, accuracy and validity of requests in line with applicable policies, procedure, rules and regulations before submission to Supervisor;
• Process accounting adjustments and corrections in line with requests submitted by Clients and approved by the Supervisor;
• Assist in the analysis of open item managed accounts (OIM) in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and initiate corrective action;
• Perform reconciliation of general and sub-ledger accounts and clears suspense accounts.

General

• Receive and distribute various documents received in the unit/section.
• Respond to queries and draft correspondence to clients and other stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
• Assist in ensuring that accurate and complete accounting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained.
• Assist with data extraction and analysis and preparation of regular and ad hoc reports.
• Perform duties as backup for other team members when required.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. 7. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Professional qualification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an added advantage.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in finance, budget or related area is required.
• The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree. Professional qualification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an added advantage
• Working experience with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and finance systems such as Oracle or SAP is desirable Experience with data analysis and reconciliation of financial data from two or more sources using Ms excel, or similar tools is desirable.
• Working experience with Budgets, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or Treasury functions is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English Language is required.

Closing Date: 13 November 2023

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• The consultants will generate a series of output components that will be delivered in installments and then consolidated into a comprehensive report. An indicative list of deliverables and table of contents for the final report is as follows. This is subject to further revision and refinement based on the consultation process itself:

Objective:

• To outline the approach for identifying relevant stakeholders across sectors and geographies that should be interviewed, included in regional workshops or surveyed if necessary.

Scope:

• Organize a kick-off meeting with the Digital Transformation Programme team members.
• Design stakeholder engagement process.
• Agree to overall project approach.

Deliverables:

• Output 1: A report documenting the outcomes of these meetings including approach for stakeholder engagement.

Objective:
User Needs Assessment:

• To gain insights into the specific needs and requirements of various stakeholder groups.

Scope:

• Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus group discussions with representative stakeholders.
• Analyze the feedback to determine common themes and unique requirements.

Deliverables:

• Output 2: A summarized list of identified and prioritized user needs and requirements categorized per stakeholder group. This will include visual aids, such as charts or graphs, to provide clarity on the priorities and commonalities among stakeholders.

Objective:
Identification of WESR Priority Use Cases:

• To identify and detail 3-5 primary use cases for the WESR platform for each stakeholder group.

Scope:

• Engage with stakeholders to determine how they would primarily utilize the WESR platform.
• Establish user personas to better understand the context in which the platform would be employed.

Deliverables:

• Output 3: A report and presentation enumerating 3-5 priority use cases per stakeholder group. For each use case, provide a clear specification of the user (personas) context, data requirements, analysis needs, broad functionalities, and the expected level of user engagement with the platform. The report will also demonstrate how different use cases could potentially support a range of stakeholder groups.

Objective:
Recommendations for Next Steps in Developing WESR:

• Based on the user needs assessment, value proposition for WESR and identified use cases, this report will provide a high-level recommended approach for building out the initial phase of WESR in alignment with the previously developed WESR Strategy and Roadmap.

Scope:

• Determine the optimal order of implementation for the prioritized use cases including requirements for the WESR platform.
• Include a recommended approach to continuously gather and integrate user feedback into the platform's evolution.
• Propose a governance model that ensures transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness.

Deliverables:

• Output 4: A report and presentation that provides a high-level plan for sequencing and outlining requirements for initial use cases to form the foundation of WESR. This report includes an assessment of the value proposition that WESR can deliver including what stakeholder groups should be prioritized and what this means for the broader architecture of WESR. The report also includes a user-feedback process outline that ensures consistent engagement with stakeholders and the refinement of the platform based on their input as well as a proposed governance model, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms.

Work Location
Remote
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972, 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. UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025 sets an ambitious course to harness data and digital technologies and innovations to better serve Member States and partners in their efforts to tackle the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution. Through a process of scanning, testing, and scaling relevant digital technologies, UNEP aims to become an increasingly data-driven, agile, transparent, and effective organization.
• Digital technologies are a key enabler for UNEP that provide unprecedented opportunities to: (i) support organizational change processes towards enhanced agility, results-orientation and collaborations; (ii) to identify new and innovative solutions to the most pressing climate, nature, and pollution challenges; (iii) to strengthen our capacities to effectively engage and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders from government, the private sector and civil society: (iv) enhance accountability, results-orientation, and inclusiveness of development programs, empowering citizens by establishing by direct feedback loops. UNEP's digital transformation vision focuses on developing the organization's capability to leverage existing, emerging, and future data and digital technologies and the opportunities they offer to profoundly improve the way UNEP creates and delivers value and benefits for those we serve. The vision is based on an open innovation approach enabling the effective co-design of innovative solutions with strategic partners, civil society and citizens.
• The World Environment Situation Room (WESR) seeks to become a user-centric environmental data platform, grounded in the specific requirements and desires of its diverse stakeholders. A detailed co-design methodology has been established and needs to be expertly implemented to achieve the project's goals.
• Preliminary Research & Analysis: An analysis of environmental data platforms has been conducted by UNEP that provides context on current market offerings. This not only aids in understanding potential requirements but also reveals gaps in the environmental data platform ecosystem. This should be used as an input into this research to identify key gaps and evaluate where robust platforms already exist and where UNEP can add the most value. UNEP should also identify why previous iterations of a global environmental data platform have not met with success including Infoterra, UNEP.net, UNEP Live, and WESR Proof of Concept.
• Stakeholder Engagement Design: The user needs assessment will identify stakeholder representatives, using a combination of targeted and stratified sampling, to ensure a balanced cross-section of views. Stratified sampling will divide a heterogeneous population of stakeholders into distinct subgroups or "strata" based on a key characteristic(s) such as job function, tenure, or location. Within each stratum, stakeholders are randomly selected to ensure fair representation. This method ensures each subgroup is adequately represented in the overall sample, capturing more accurate and diverse feedback. Each engagement tool (surveys, interviews, focus groups) will be tailored to different stakeholder groups in order to capture their specific needs and user requirements. The consultants will try to understand which data and analytics are most needed for specific use cases. This process, in particular, should be a collaborative effort with the UNEP Digital Transformation Programme. Having a clear understanding of the number of interviews across geographies and sectors, and how the regional workshops can be organized and conducted will be essential for the success of this project. A kick-off meeting bringing the essential team members together is highly suggested.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Lead regional workshops in four regions (Latin America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, West Asia) in collaboration with UNEP regional offices. Support regional workshops in two regions (Europe, North America) in collaboration with UNEP regional coordinator for Digital Transformation. Using a mix of methods, data will be aggregated, ensuring anonymity where required. Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods will be employed, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Synthesis, Use-case Development & Defining Value Proposition: This stage involves combining insights, distinguishing unique requirements for each group, and determine where the maximum number of needs overlap. Ideally, WESR use cases will be identified where they support the maximum number of user groups. Specific personas will also be identified.
• Feedback and Iteration: A feedback loop is essential. Proposed use-cases and the value proposition will be shared, refined, and validated with selected stakeholders.
• Final definition of end user requirements: Based on this process, a final report will be prepared which outlines the priority use cases and the related user requirements. This includes:
• an analysis on the regional and global ecosystem of environmental data and related platforms with options for establishing the high-level WESR value proposition;
• a user needs assessment that identifies and prioritizes user needs and requirements per stakeholder group;
• identification of 3-5 WESR priority use cases per stakeholder group, including specification of the user (personas) context and user requirements (data, analysis, broad functionalities, level of user engagement with the platform)
• recommendations for a phased implementation plan for UNEP, user-feedback process and governance model.

This post is remotely located with minimal travel and reports to the Data Specialist.
Qualifications/special Skills

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Computer Sciences, Environmental Management, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Political Science or equivalent field.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience working on data platforms and related standards and digital infrastructure (including costing and opportunities) in public or private sectors.
• Experience in geographic information systems and data cubes is considered a strong advantage.
• Experience in public policy relating to digital cooperation and environmental issues is considered an advantage, especially EU and UN policy frameworks.
• Experience with the United Nations, European Commission, or national governments is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated ability to work with governments/stakeholders on digital transformation, more specifically data and data infrastructure integration
• Demonstrated ability in researching and implementing latest trends in digital transformation/innovation
• Proven ability to engage, partner and develop partnerships in a government/intergovernmental/Public Private Partnership setting on digital cooperation and digital platform initiatives.
• Ability to build strong and sustainable relationships and capability to interact at all levels within the organization, challenging, convincing and managing stakeholders
• Projects a positive image and is ready to take on consultations with a wide range of stakeholders within UNEP
• Ability to effectively drive business, culture, and technology change in a dynamic and complex operating environment
• Strong conceptual thinking to develop new strategies and innovate projects

Languages

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

Closing Date:13 November 2023

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Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background; the office to which the intern is assigned to; the nature of specific projects and the internship duration. Duties may include, but not limited to:

• Research and summarize science on environmental issues (including both hard and soft branches of science and innovations in science, trends, and scenarios in different countries).
• Research environmental baselines and policy settings in project countries.
• Draft analyses of and reports on existing scientific research and policy documents on environmental issues.
• Organize and otherwise support meetings (e.g., notetaking, assisting in the management of participant travel, visitor management).
• Map out science-based think tanks, educational institutions and other entities that are in the domain of environment and sustainable development.
• Map out business opportunities and science-based innovations related to addressing environmental challenges.
• Map best and internationally agreed environmental and social (E&S) safeguards towards the development of an E&S framework for promising innovative environmental solutions.
• Assist in drafting project documents and develop technical documentation, guidance on tools and procedures for systems developed such as (for strengthening climate services and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in countries).
• Assist in establishing project document repositories.
• Work with social media and assist in the development and dissemination of communication and outreach materials.
• Support the collection and visualization of environment data.
• Work with GEO/Spatial data and technologies.
• Manage database update and indicator Accessibility.
• Assist in updating content for the SDG Monitoring portal.
• Assist with market research related to business opportunities related to addressing environmental challenges.
• Support in financial and economic modelling.
• Access relevant data sources for all countries in search of required data, download, format and upload these data files.
• Process or analyse data in the files as required under the guidance of the Statistical Officer.
• Statistical methodological research.
• Assist with other related data and information work in the unit as instructed and guided.
• Draft outreach and fundraising materials for public and private sector funding sources.
• Assist in producing environmental and social safeguards analyses of business opportunities related to addressing environmental challenges.
• Assist in the development of networks of science-based institutions.
• Assist in the various stages of systems development, including developing, testing, implementing, and managing systems.
• Assist in developing technical documentation and guidance on tools and procedures for systems developed in the unit.
• Assist in the development of strategies for building science-policy capacities at national and regional levels.
• Support scientific assessment processes in a variety of capacities.
• Undertake other tasks as required by the office and in accordance with the intern’s background.
• Assist in cleaning of data collected by web-scraping and other various means and sources.
• Assist in labelling training data to provide meaningful and informative labels to provide context for an AI model.

Competencies
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 the 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