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.

Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of over 130 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

This position is located at the IPBES Secretariat at the Bonn duty station in Germany. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary of IPBES, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

Responsibilities

1. 1. Budget and Financial Management:
   
   • Providing strategic direction in the preparation of the budget, guiding the fund management officer and programme officers in incorporating the IPBES work programme planned activities into the budget and within approved levels.
   • Leading, overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the budget to ensure compatibility with work priorities and objectives, taking into account the most effective use of resources.
   • Initiating processes to improve budget reporting systems and cost-effective utilization of program resources. Managing and ensuring certification of all transactions through the UN ERP System (Umoja) are within Plenary approved budgets and established UN regulations and rules.
   •  Establishing and maintaining a se
   • t of sound policies, procedures, standards and tools which are consistent with UN policy and practice in order to ensure proper accounting, financial management and control.
   • Producing reports for management and is responsible for the reporting to Plenary and Bureau on budget/programme performance as appropriate.
   • Taking the lead in drafting and review of donor agreements and participating in the review of legal instruments with implementing partners.
2. Procurement and General Administration:
   • Coordinating with substantive officers to ensure that they have the capability and resources to meet programme needs.
   • Overseeing the procurement processes, implementing and monitoring support services, including procurement of supplies and services, travel, and information technology support in line with the service requirements.
   • Supervising and providing strategic leadership and advice to the administrative team and colleagues on issues and practices regarding administrative and general services.
   • Streamlining the internal procedures of the secretariat to ensure prompt administrative service delivery.
   • Managing, guiding, developing and training staff under her/his supervision and keeps abreast with latest developments in administrative policies and procedures of UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNON (United Nations Office at Nairobi).
   • Representing IPBES at inter-agency meetings such as common services, security, seminars on administrative and substantive-related issues.
   •  Lead on administrative and financial liaison with National Focal Points and the member States of IPBES.
   •  Lead on IPBES membership outreach and enlargement.
   • Undertaking missions with overall responsibility for the planning of Plenary and other designated meetings away from Bonn and serving as the representative of the Organization.
   • Overseeing the logistics, financial and other requirements of the sessions of the IPBES Plenary and leading the negotiation of host country agreements.
   • Confirming the services to be allocated to meetings at and away from Bonn.
   • Maintaining constructive relationships with UNEP headquarters and UNON offices and preparing related official communication in response to requests for information.
   • Providing responses to audit queries and ensuring follow up with audit recommendations.
   • Performing other related duties as required.
3. Human Resource Management
   • Initiating and coordinating actions covering the entire span of human resource activities, including recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, vacancies, job classification reviews, separation of staff members and training; ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures.
   • Initiating contract renewals in collaboration with the Executive Secretary.
   • Providing expert advice on conditions of service, duties and responsibilities and privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations.
   • Keeping staff updated on relevant human resources-related developments and overseeing the compliance of the secretariat staff with applicable rules and regulations.
   • Overseeing the monitoring of attendance, leave recording and reporting of IPBES secretariat.
   • Coordinating training activities, based on the needs of the secretariat, to ensure effective delivery of administrative support.