Programme Management Officer [temporary]

Org. Setting and Reporting

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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF) at the Montreal duty station. Under the overall guidance of the Principal Management Officer of the Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer of the People and Biodiversity Unit (PB) the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Responsibilities

A. Leads the Convention’s joint work programme on biodiversity and health with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the objectives of the joint work programme and activities of the Convention on biodiversity and health, including monitoring and analyzing project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying relevant issues to be addressed; liaising with relevant parties and partners of the joint work programme.

B. Leads and undertakes scientific research, develops and provides scientific advice on biodiversity and health and its interlinkages, in particular those addressed in the State of Knowledge Review, Connecting Global Priorities Biodiversity and Human Health and related Guidance.

C. Organizes and prepares written outputs on biodiversity and health and its interlinkages (e.g. food security nutrition and noncommunicable diseases, the impacts of ecosystem alteration on human health, One Health, Ecohealth, microbial diversity, etc.), including draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and organizes events to support in the implementation of the Convention’s joint work programme on biodiversity and health with WHO and their partners.

D. Coordinates the activities of the Interagency Liaison Group on biodiversity and health, co-chaired by WHO, organizes meetings of the group, prepares relevant technical documents, briefing papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and related education materials on biodiversity and health and its interlinkages, and provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include providing substantive input, proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents, presentations, etc.

E. Conducts capacity-building and training workshops, seminars, and flagship events on biodiversity and health and its interlinkages; prepares and delivers presentations on biodiversity and health and supervises, initiates and coordinates education and outreach activities on biodiversity and health.

F. Strengthens partnerships under the Convention’s joint work programme on with WHO on biodiversity and health, to support the inclusion of biodiversity and health considerations in relevant strategies of the Convention such as the post-2020 Global Framework for Biodiversity, as well as Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

G. Performs other duties as required by the Convention and WHO in line with the objectives of the Convention’s objectives joint work programme on biodiversity and health.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Advance the work of the Convention’s joint work programme on biodiversity and health and the Interagency liaison group on biodiversity and health to mainstream biodiversity and health linkages at all levels. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter within the Unit. 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.

• 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 risk and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. • 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. Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, environmental health, environmental impact assessment or biological sciences is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of biodiversity and human health and their interlinkages is required. Please explain in examples how you meet this requirement. Experience within an international organization and/or the United Nations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Deadline for Application: 05 August 2020 More Information and Application details.