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 the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), in the Ecosystems Division at the Athens duty station. and will report directly to the MAP Coordinator.

Under the leadership of the Coordinator and within delegated authority the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities

• Strategic and operational planning, implementation and monitoring:
  • Supports the Coordinator in the development and execution of the strategies of the Barcelona Convention, MAP and MCSD;
  • Organizes and leads the preparation and delivery of the MAP Programme of Work, ensuring the coordination, involvement and integration of the CU, Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, MCSD Members, MAP Components, and other partners;
  • Coordinates the operational implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programme of Work and projects in consistence with UNEP policies and the Contracting Parties requirements, decisions and directives, and proposes corrective actions;
  • Ensures integration and coordination of the work of the MAP Components including MEDPOL, and supports the Coordinator in supervising their Heads;
  • Monitors and reports on the performance of activities and projects;
  • Ensures alignment between the CU programmes and its operational and administrative performance, overseeing the work of the Administrative and Finance Unit, and developing measures to enhance the efficiency of management and operational processes by the CU and the RACs;
  •  Liaises with Governments, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs);
  • Coordinates and liaises with the relevant UN bodies to ensure that the work is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Supervises staff and consultants.
• Implementation of the MAP fundraising strategy:
  • Supports the Coordinator in implementing an integrated fundraising plan and priorities identified by Parties for the Secretariat and the RACs;
  • Develops and implements a partnership strategy to strengthen relationships with donors and reach out to new ones;
  • Keeps abreast of major developments, plans and priorities of donors to identify opportunities for cooperation.
• Coordination of the Secretariat’s information and reporting activities:
  • Oversees and monitors the preparation of publications and dissemination of scientific publications, public awareness materials, and the State of the Marine and Coastal Environment reports;
  • Supervises and monitors the implementation of the Barcelona Convention/ UNEP-MAP Information and Communication Strategy;
  • Represents UNEP/ MAP and the Barcelona Convention at different fora, giving speeches and other presentations;
  • Reviews documentation and ensures its highest quality and consistency of presentation and content;
  • Coordinates with Secretariat staff and RACs and oversees the preparation of periodic reports; f) Supervises staff and consultants carrying out activities related to information and communication systems and ensures direct liaison with the RAC responsible for information and communication (Info-RAC) to implement relevant Contracting Parties decisions.
• Participates in the execution of the governance functions of the CU;
• Deputizes for the Coordinator, perform representative functions, and acts as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Coordinator.
• Performs any other relevant duties assigned.