Duties and Responsibilities

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 Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law and environmental governance through law, national and international governance, and related policy issues, including those related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
With the imminent adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for the period 2022-2030, there is a need for 196 Parties (Member States) to develop plans for effective implementation of the GBF.

At the national level, the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the vehicles for countries to strategize and develop action plans for implementation of GBF. With increasing focus on inclusive actions to achieve the GBF there is a strong consensus among different stakeholder groups supporting the CBD to use the recent developments in data and information for decision and policy making at various levels.
There is no comprehensive global guidance on defining the data and information governance policies for accessing, using, sharing, and analyzing biodiversity data.

The Law Division of UNEP is keen to engage the services of an expert to develop a guidance document on biodiversity data and governance in support of implementing the GBF. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of Programme Manager, ACP MEAs 3 programme as well as other colleagues as suggested by the Programme Manager and will contribute to the following:

• Developing a “Data Governance” “Information management” policy and implementation framework on biodiversity, for use at global and national levels.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications:

• At least a Master’s degree in environment, development, humanities, management, social sciences, ICT or a related field is required.
• A first level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.

Experience:

• Proven expertise in policy formulation and programme/project development is required.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience working on issues related to data management and governance issues, data standards is required.
• Relevant knowledge about data and information management systems will be an asset.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills is required.

Closing Date: 23 September 2022

This position is located within the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Nairobi Duty Station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Scientist and within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following:

Responsibilities

• Independently provides full range of programme /project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme /project cycle for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme /project initiatives, seeking guidance only in exceptional circumstances.
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on wide range of programmes /projects and related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties.
• Tracks resolutions and other legislative decisions that affect programme /project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant database(s) to ensure the incorporation of programmatic and other changes enacted by legislation.
• Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for substantive programmes /projects, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme /project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from departments, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action.
• Works with funding agencies in arranging financing modalities; obtains requisite clearances; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review meetings and missions.
• Drafts budget and forecast based on submissions; prepares monitoring checklists, identifying stages of programme /project development, funding source, inputs by reviewing internal and external bodies, and follow-up actions required.
• Monitors budgetary commitments, including verification of charges and obligation documents in Umoja for all financial transactions; prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to line manager.
• Prepares newsletters on programme /project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence.
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of implementation activities and participates in programme /project evaluation; monitor implementation at all stages to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans, including analysing implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action; liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference against programme /project objectives, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services.
• Arranges for formal closures of projects, final budget revision, transfer of equipment, clearance, publication and distribution of final report.
• Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc tasks forces; drafts and circulates agenda notes to members/participants; assembles background documentation; drafts minutes of the meeting; monitors follow-up actions.
• May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities, e.g. specific administrative, operational/control tasks for programme /project activities.
• Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme /project activities.
• Supervises office support staff, including distribution and review of work assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluation.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to identify, independently assess, formulate recommendations and/or resolve a wide range of issues/problems, undertake research and gather information from standard sources and to work well with figures including ability to analyze and understand financial data. Ability to design information data bases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system. Ability to direct, supervise and train office support staff. Demonstrated ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given and discretion, resourcefulness and ability to deal proactively and tactfully with offices throughout the organization. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.
• 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 risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in administration, project management or related area is desirable.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• Experience with an integrated information management system such as Umoja (SAP) or other sharing platforms is desirable.
• Experience in the United Nations system or other similar international organization is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Closing Date: 06 October 2022