Coordinator, Biodiversity Ecosystems Branch

~ The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, and sets the global environmental agenda. ~

UNEP's mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. 

Position Overview  

UNEP's Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) 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 post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Nairobi duty station and reports to DEPI's Director, coordinating closely with the Deputy Director of DEPI.

Responsibilities 

The incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

• Develop and oversee the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Component of the Ecosystem Management Programme: Develop, design and advocate concepts of the programme; Enhance inter-linkages among stakeholders on biodiversity and ecosystem services related matters; Develop policy advisory services for various decision makers; Develop and oversee biodiversity and ecosystem services projects in light of the seven thematic priority areas of UNEP.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the conceptualization, formulation and completion of special initiatives on biodiversity and ecosystem services, including efforts to address the illegal trade in wildlife, to increase land and seascape connectivity, and the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP); Enhance collaboration and partnership between stakeholders in the delivery of UNEP's programme of work, including with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and the biodiversity-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements; Promote integrated ecosystem strategies and analyze and resolve challenges in the implementation of these strategies.

• Oversee the work of the three Units of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Branch, (Biodiversity Unit, Ecosystem Services Economics Unit, and Biodiversity, Biosafety and Land Degradation GEF Unit) providing guidance and oversight to these units' implementation of the UNEP programme of work.

• Formulate policies, strategies, actions and provide policy advice and recommendations to the Director; Formulate a biodiversity programme of work for DEPI; Design UNEP strategy for biodiversity and ecosystem services; Analyze developments and provide advice for UNEP's strategic direction and intervention. Contribute to UNEP's efforts in strengthening the science policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

• Facilitate substantive and organizational discussions in the area of biodiversity and ecosystem services; Cooperate with other divisions, clusters and regions within UNEP for provision of expert advice and support in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

• Develop and implement projects for funding in support of the work of the Branch; Develop relationships with potential funding sources; Analyze and monitor the trends in international development cooperation on the impacts of their decision on UNEP's funding-strategies for biodiversity and ecosystem services related activities.

• Oversee the management of administrative, budget and personnel operations of the Branch; Oversee and contribute to the preparation of reports for presentation to inter-governmental bodies such as the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the United Nations Environment Assembly, the UN General Assembly and other policy-making organs.

• Perform other related duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications 

Competencies

• Professionalism: Strong understanding of scientific and policy aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem services in both terrestrial and marine systems, at national, regional and global levels; Ability to provide senior level advice on diverse issues and problems on biodiversity and ecosystem services; Remains calms in stressful situations; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Conversant in fundraising approaches, project document formulation, budgeting and reporting; Knowledge of and experience with implementing programme administration principles and policies.

• Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; Ability to communicate effectively; Tailoring 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; Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. 

• Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Appraises performance fairly.

• Leadership: Empower others to translate vision into results and be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural resources management, environmental management or other relevant related area is required.
• A relevant first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Work Experience 

• A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme/project management in the field of natural resources management, or related field is required.
• At least five years experience at the international level and three years in a supervisory capacity is required.
• Experience with the GEF is desired.

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.
• Fluency in French and knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. 

To Apply 

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