Jobs at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

A key role in delivering UNEP’s digital transformation change management process is the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). The CDO provides leadership for and support to UNEP’s digital transformation in line with the Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025 and the Programme of Work 2022-2023. The CDO leads the Digital Accelerator Lab, which, drawing from several experts, will act as an internal centre of excellence to deliver rapid “on-demand” digital expertise, training and advisory services to the UNEP divisions and regions. The CDO will also lead the Digital Accelerator Network, which connects all UNEP staff under the Digital Transformation Sub-programme. As a digital champion in the organization, the CDO energizes and supports staff and their respective offices in transforming and enabling UNEP digitally.

The CDO reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the UNEP Senior Management Team to ensure strategic alignment and direct engagement with corporate priorities. The CDO will also work closely with the Chief of Enterprise Solutions and the Subprogramme Coordinator for Digital Transformations to ensure that information technology structures and systems for UNEP are responsive to business needs and strategic priorities. The CDO also works closely with senior managers and staff across the organization, driving the implementation of the UNEP Digital Transformation objectives in a collaborative and participatory approach. The CDO will act as a vice chair of the UNEP data governance group together with the Director of the Science Division allowing for prioritization of the investments based on the needs of strategic priorities the organization.

This post is located in UNEP's Executive Office, at the Nairobi duty station.

Under the overall guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

Strategic vision and coordination of UNEP’s digital transformation:

• Provide strategic guidance to the implementation of UNEP’s digital transformation.
• Further develop UNEPs digital transformation strategy outlining concrete priority areas for the use of digital innovations to enhance the accountability, efficiency, results-orientation, and responsiveness of programs.
• Develop a strategic framework for a human-centered and sustainable digital transformation, which outlines both the opportunities and potential risks (i.e., data protection, privacy) of leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development.
• Maintain an agile and iterative digital transformation workplan across all divisions and regions as well as coordinate its implementation including supporting the design of initiatives related to internal digital transformation, including progress monitoring and consolidated reporting of results.
• Keep abreast of innovations and emerging applications of digital technologies to support their testing, validation, and scaling in UNEP while ensuring synergies are built between different work processes.
• Serve as a member of UNEP’s Senior Management Team and other related forums to ensure programmatic, policy, external relations, operational, and other activities are fully supported by appropriate digital technologies.
• Provision of strategic advice and support to the Executive Office and Senior Management Team of UNEP in relation to transforming UNEP’s business model through digital technologies.
• Streamline digital strategies across the organization linked to science and communications in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Director of Communications respectively.

Lead the implementation process for UNEP internal Digital Transformation pathway:

• Serve as the digital champion and lead for implementation of a series of high-level lighthouse programs that leverage digital transformations as a key enabler for sustainability and climate action.
• Develop an open innovation program, that leverage innovation processes, (i.e., hackathons, challenges, prizes) to identify, co-design and accelerate innovative digital solutions for environmental protection and climate action.
• Support the work of the Chief of Enterprise Services to ensure that UNEP’s digital enterprise architecture has the requisite capacities and resources to enable achievement of the Digital Transformation outcomes.
• Co-lead the internal governance mechanism supporting data, ICT and Digital Transformation efforts of UNEP. Work with internal stakeholders to continually optimize digital governance and decision-making processes as the business context and technology landscape changes.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to Divisional and Regional Directors, and other senior staff of UNEP as they set about digitally transforming their respective areas of work.
• Use change management expertise and an end-to-end understanding of the digital value chain to coach project teams on driving enterprise change and internal collaboration.
• Oversee the Digital Acceleration Lab that will take the lead in the development, testing and rapid prototyping of technological solutions and platforms based on business needs identifies within UNEP and its partners.
• Manage the financial resources assigned to the internal Digital Transformation pathway workplan.

Advocacy, engagement and partnerships:

• Represent UNEP in relevant forums and events related to digital transformation and digital technologies to raise the profile of the organization and support for its work.
• In close cooperation with divisions and regional offices, forge public-private partnerships with external actors supportive of UNEP’s mission and capable of advancing UNEP’s digital transformation objectives.
• Ensure donor engagement, partnership, and resource mobilization for the implementation of the internal Digital Transformation pathway, including from the private sector and relevant foundations.
• Liaise with digital and ICT experts in the broader UN family to build coordinated efforts towards digital transformation, in line with the Secretary General’s Strategy on New Technologies, the Secretary General’s Digital Cooperation Roadmap, the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) and the planned Digital Compact.
• Develop strategic partnerships with private sector (leading ICT companies, digital start-ups and tech4good programs) for the co-design of highly innovative, citizen-centered tech solutions for environmental protection and climate action.

Knowledge management and technical advice:

• Supports the development of innovative learning programs for UNEP personnel on digital innovations, sustainability, and the intersection between digital and green transformation.
• Build from the distributed knowledge of UNEP staff and their experience of developing, adapting, and applying digital solutions so as to develop an organization wide source of information for digital transformation.
• Provide thought leadership on how digital technologies can transform UNEP’s work including policy, programming, operations, and advocacy and external relations.
• Engage with the broader UN Development System to bolster knowledge, debate and discussion on how digital transformation can support achievement of respective organizational mandates. Document and share UNEP experience in this area and through appropriate inter-agency forums.
• In close collaboration with Corporate Services Division, empower UNEP colleagues to build skills and knowledge in the area of digital transformation.
• Supports the mainstreaming of a “digital way of working” culture via best practice/peer examples and innovative approaches to addressing complex issues around people, process, and implementation methods to operationalize shared capabilities between business and technology.
• Convene an informal digital champions group of UNEP personnel committed to driving forward the digital transformation vision as a new community of practice.

Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Expert knowledge of and digital transformation issues. Demonstrated capabilities as evident from published papers and experience programming, assessments, and provision of advice, as well as work experience in the policy domain. Familiarity with issues of relevance to both developing and developed countries and at different scales from global to local. 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.
• 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.
• VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Information and Communication Technology, Informatics, Management Information System, Computer Science, Business, Management, environmental science, or related disciplines is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of innovation, green technology, digital strategies, organizational management, digital change management, corporate ICT services is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of strategic and managerial experience at a senior level and in managing complex processes and portfolios is required.
• Experience in identifying/developing and applying digital solutions to an organization’s (either public or private sector), business challenges, with demonstrated application of new technologies to one or more business areas is required.
• Experience in forming partnerships in the field of digital technologies to advance organizational objectives is required.
• Experience in undertaking change management and culture change activities to support an organization’s transformation is desirable.
• Experience working with the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable.
• Direct experience in implementing digital transformation programs across different sectors in developing countries 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. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Closing date 6 May 2022

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This position is located in the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) team of CITES, in Nairobi. This is a project-funded position with the MIKE team, under the overall supervision and guidance of the Coordinator, MIKE Programme.

Within delegated authority, the Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Budget:

• Assist Managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Undertake research and provide support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental, implementing partners and expert bodies.
• Monitor expenditures and compare with approved budget; prepare adjustments as necessary.
• Review requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
• Assist in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyse variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitor integrity of various financial databases.
• Verify accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
• Co-ordinate with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.

Treasury:

• Identify and annotate bank account movements.
• File and archive as required.

General:

• Make logistical and organizational arrangements for meetings, workshops and training courses, including bookings and travel arrangements.
• Lead the recruitment of MIKE CCU staff and consultants as required through Inspira.
• Manage CCU's procurements. Maintain an inventory of its furniture and equipment.
• Maintain and keep up-to-date files, including an inventory of MIKE Programme contacts.
• Oversee and support the development and dissemination of publicity and awareness raising materials, including the programme website and newsletters.
• Perform other related 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.
• 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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. Additional training or qualification in finance, budget or administration is desirable.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.
• Experience working with finance and budget module of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as SAP or similar is required.
• Experience in the UN Financial Rules and Regulations or similar international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the use of Finance and Budget tools, such as spreadsheets and databases 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. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Closing date 6 May 2022

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Result of Service

• Report on a national validation workshop for Blue Economy study in Kenya.
• Progress report on development of new demonstration project proposals for funding under the SAPPHIRE project.
• Progress report on a training programme on the implementation of regional ecosystem monitoring indicators and framework.
• Report on leadership training in the WIO region.
• Progress report on updating National Oil Spill Contingency Plans (where necessary).
• Report on field visits to monitor progress in the implementation of demonstration projects as required.
• Progress report on development of sensitivity maps in the project countries (where necessary).
• Report on a regional meeting on oil spill response and coordination.
• Progress report on development at least two technical studies to support the Ocean Governance Strategy development process.
• Progress report on a training programme on implementation of Marine Spatial Planning strategic framework.

Expected duration

The contract will be for a 12-month (one year) period from the date of signing of contract

Duties and Responsibilities

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. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The Contracting Parties to the Convention are Comoros, France (Reunion), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania.

The Nairobi Convention, in executing the project on the “Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE) requires a highly motivated national consultant, to work with the Project Coordinator on the technical management of the Project.

Objective of the Consultancy

To undertake various activities focusing on enhancing ecosystem-based management of the resources of the WIO Large Marine Ecosystems, improved ocean governance in the WIO, and enhanced regional and national responses to threats such as oil spills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator of the SAPPHIRE Project, the consultant will be responsible for the following:
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a national validation workshop for Blue Economy study in Kenya.
• Work with countries and partners in the development of new project proposals for additional funding under the SAPPHIRE project
• Organize the technical components and write a progress report on a training programme on the implementation of regional ecosystem monitoring indicators and framework.
• Organize the technical components and write a report on leadership training in the WIO region.
• Work with partners and national representatives in updating National Oil Spill Contingency Plans (where necessary).
• Travel to the field to monitor progress in the implementation of demonstration projects and prepare reports as required.
• Work with focal points and partners in development of sensitivity maps in the project countries (where necessary).
• Organize the technical components and write a report on a regional meeting on oil spill response and coordination.
• Work with partners on development of at least two technical studies to support the Ocean Governance Strategy development process.
• Organize the technical components and write a progress report on a training programme on implementation of Marine Spatial Planning strategic framework.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (a Master's degree or equivalent) is required in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management or similar disciplines. A first level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience: Experience : A minimum of 3 years of professional experience is required; experience working in a multidisciplinary environment and demonstrated broad understanding of developmental matters in the WIO region is required; working on regional marine and coastal-related projects at a technical level; development/review of proposals for small-scale interventions in coastal ecosystem conservation, natural resources management (ecosystem management, climate change, community engagement, water resource management etc.); working with different stakeholders at both strategic and technical levels is desirable. Demonstrated ability to produce quality products in a timely manner and working knowledge of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and experience of working with the Governments of the WIO region would be desirable. Demonstrated competency in excellent scientific/technical writing and consistency in critical writing and review of documents and ability to work within very short timelines and with minimum supervision will be an added advantage.
• Language: English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For this position fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge in French is an added advantage.

Closing date 21 April 2022

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JOB PURPOSE

To contribute to daily planning and delivery of quality, customer-focused, value for money administrative services that enhance efficient and effective operations for both RBN and respective Country Offices. To provide support in enforcement and implementation of management decisions, budgetary monitoring and reporting on BIG activities/initiatives within the RB, HQ and Country Offices.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, Governance or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with five (5) years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Work experience in managing administrative functions or related workstream, and UN Reform BIG Targets implementation. Work experience in the United Nations system or other comparable international organizations is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has gained experience in administration.
• Has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in WFP administrative operating standards in day to day work.
• Has provided coaching or training to new staff members within area of expertise.
• Knowledge of the UN BIG targets and prior training on UN Reform practitioner coursework and or related skills will be an added advantage.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Provide operational and technical liaison on UN Reforms between Country Offices (COs), Regional Bureau (RB), and HQ subject matter experts (SMEs) for clarification, support, and guidance.
• Coordinate RB/HQ efforts to jointly guide and support country offices on the rollout of the BIG targets and enablers.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration efforts and communication between the RB, COs, and other HQ divisions to align on objectives, activities, timelines, and outputs for the Business Innovation agenda as applicable.
• Coordinate delivery of updates and status reporting on progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned on implementing BIG targets in the region for presentation at the CMST and RB management meetings.
• Discuss, support, and create opportunities for addressing UN Reform implementation challenges for COs through information sharing and linkages with relevant technical leads from HQ and other UN Agencies.
• Participate in benchmarking exercises, and cost-benefit analysis, as well as reporting on efficiencies and opportunities generated in operational areas in collaboration with HQ functional leads.
• Provide liaison between CO focal points and the Development Coordination Office (DCO) on common platform issues and queries.
• Support an integrated change management process, lead change management efforts, including communications and advocacy at all levels.
• Support capacity strengthening and advocacy efforts with HQ/RB reform teams to aid in building capacities that will form the basis for WFPs positioning as hosting entity.
• Convene meetings with different stakeholders within the RB, perform stock take of capacity and/or needs in support of Corporate/RB initiatives to advance the implementation of workstreams related to the Secretary General (SG) target areas and workstreams.
• Support in development of clear guidance and reporting modalities for COs.
• Provide field support to COs through onsite and remote engagements in review and assessment of admin activities (e.g. fleet, travel, facilities, assets, protocol, accommodation management, etc.), identifying best practices, the gaps and planning corrective actions.
• Participate in the review, assessment, and provision of recommendations to COs Administration activities during Support and Oversight Missions to the COs.
• Follow up and update on the status of pending Audit and Oversight Mission recommendations for COs.
• Liaise and follow up with COs on HQ driven system implementation initiatives and policy directives for compliance.
• Participate in review and update of administrative processes and procedures in COs to align with WFP global strategic objectives.
• Analyze and prepare COs monthly management reports for efficient planning and decision-making.

Closing 22 April 2022