PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, NOC

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. UNEP’s Ecosystem Division drives conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems to achieve benefits for nature and people: today and future generations. The division works with Member States and partners to strengthen resilience by providing policy and technical support to catalyse sustainable social and economic transformation for biodiversity, people and peace. The UNEP-led ReLISA consortium comprises UNDP, UNESCO, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), C4EcoSolutions and UNIQUE land use GmbH. The project aims to make the economic case for restoration activities and thereby scale up investment in ecosystem restoration of savannah, subtropical thicket and grasslands biomes in South Africa. This position is located at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Biodiversity and Land Branch, Economics of Nature Unit, Ecosystems Division, at the Pretoria duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Economics of Nature Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of the project titled “Restoring Landscapes in South Africa (ReLISA)”; 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. • Facilitates collaboration and coordination among consortium partners and relevant stakeholders to support coherent and timely implementation of project activities. • Manages the Project Steering Committee (PSC), including mobilizing key government ministries and agencies as members, performing secretariat functions, and ensuring relevant stakeholders are regularly informed of project activities and progress. • Facilitate political stakeholder engagement for ReLISA, maintaining substantive dialogue with government ministries, agencies and senior officials; monitors and communicates material developments in Government of South Africa policy positions that could impact project implementation. • Identifies and develops opportunities to advance ecosystem restoration investment and policy uptake in South Africa, including synergies with other relevant initiatives; analyzes public and private sector entry points and advises the consortium on partnership opportunities and strategic adjustments. • Represents ReLISA in national and international policy forums; identifies opportunities to disseminate project objectives and results, including at the Global Landscapes Forum and side events of UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and other relevant processes. • Supports gender-responsive implementation and contributes to stakeholder engagement and safeguard measures relating to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), including meaningful consultation processes where applicable. • Prepares written outputs including policy briefings, stakeholder engagement reports, background papers, and inputs to publications; coordinates budget and funding activities, work plan development, and reporting requirements in line with project obligations. • Supports UNEP offices, including the Southern Africa Sub-regional office on linkages between ReLISA and relevant national, regional and international policy priorities and high-level policy processes; leads or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties, and drafts mission summaries. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as required. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches in the field of environmental management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and international environmental governance. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & 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. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably with a specialization in environmental management, environment and development, sustainable development, economics, applied economics or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and stakeholder engagement on environmental and sustainable development issues is required Experience working with decision-makers in government, the private sector and the broader public at national levels is required. Experience in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem-based adaptation and/or nature-based solutions projects in South Africa is required. Experience engaging with senior political stakeholders is desirable. Experience working with the UN Common System or an International Organization is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). **Required Languages