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’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

This position is located in UNEP/Ecosystems Division/Marine and Freshwater Branch at the Nairobi duty station.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Marine and Freshwater Unit and within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and evaluates programmes/projects, monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Provides strategic and advisory support services to unit head, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or consultations, or other research activities and studies as requested.
• Mainstreams marine and freshwater programme priorities into UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and Programme of Work (PoW) processes; identifies opportunities for collaboration and integration across UNEP.
• Coordinates reporting on implementation of UN resolutions or work programme accomplishments to UN Environment Assembly, Senior UN Management, and [other audiences] as needed for UNEP-wide reporting requirements. (e.g. MTS, PoW, etc.)
• Prepares briefing materials for Unit Head to deliver effective and impactful speeches and presentations; coordinates inputs from branch leads and prepares the Unit Head for internal meetings with Senior Management Team, and with other UN Offices, UN-Networks, and MEAs.
• Coordinates, prepares and submits programme inputs to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and other international fora as appropriate.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings or conferences to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents conducting workshops and delivering presentations as requested.
• Expands and maintains UNEP’s marine and freshwater network, facilitates partnership development and resource mobilization opportunities.
• Liaises with UN Divisions and relevant UN/international organizations as well as regional bodies/initiatives, such as regional seas conventions and action plans, to formulate UNEP positions on marine and freshwater priorities and policy directions.
• Organizes activities related to budget reporting (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports) and prepares related work programme documents/reports based on research and analysis of information gathered from diverse sources.
• Performs other related duties as may be requested by the Head of Marine and Freshwater Branch.