Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the coordinated and concerted conservation and management of migratory species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat, including agreements which are supported by CMS staff located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The CMS Secretariat also provides the Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). In addition, two distinct regional agreements on migratory species have independent Secretariats which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn – the AEWA and the EUROBATS. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its 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. In the present context, UNEP provides the administrative functions for the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS) Secretariats. The position of Associate Programme Management Officer is located in CMS at the Bonn duty station. Under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary of the UNEP/CMS Secretariat and the day-to-day supervision of the CMS Head of the Terrestrial Species Team, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:
Responsibilities
- Works with Parties and other stakeholders to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes/projects to implement the Convention, Resolutions and Decisions; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant stakeholders; identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
- Carries out basic research on selected aspects of, e.g. conservation issues, programmes, operations and other activities, to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources;
- Provides organizational and substantive support to meetings of the Conference of the Parties, the Standing Committee, the Scientific Council and other assigned meetings, e.g., proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics;
- Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging development issues and trends;
- Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications;
- Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
- Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and organizational support;
- Supports activities related to implementation, funding and budget (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget.);
- Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting;
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of environmental/conservation policies of governments, NGOs, and project development. 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 and 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. The ability 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental studies, biology, ecology, zoology, environmental law, or a closely related field/or comparable level of knowledge, abilities and skills due to long-term experience is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, policy development and implementation or a related area is required;
- Experience in the work of CMS or other multilateral environmental agreements is desirable;
- Work experience on species conservation or biodiversity is desirable;
- One (1) year of experience gained in an international environment is desirable;
- One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree).
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.
Application instructions
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