PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Bonn

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. 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 regional agreements on migratory species adopted under CMS have independent Secretariats which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn - the African Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (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 CMS, AEWA and EUROBATS Secretariats. This post is located at the Bonn duty station in Germany. Under the supervision of the Head of the CMS Aquatic Species Team, and the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary of CMS. The Incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Manage the day to day running of the Secretariat of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU), including organizing Meetings of Signatories and the Advisory Committee, coordinating and contributing to the implementation of the Sharks MOU Trust Fund, preparing budgets, drafting substantive documentation, liaising with governments, experts and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
2. Provision of the Secretariat of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU): Coordinates the implementation of the Sharks MOU and its Programme of Work, develops, implements and evaluates programmes/projects and activities including monitoring of implementation; organizes and facilitates Meetings of Signatories and the Advisory Committee as well as other meetings and workshops as required; provides substantive support to Meetings of the Signatories, the Advisory Committee and other meetings including proposing agenda items, identifying participants, preparing meeting documents and presentations etc.; reviews relevant documents and publications; prepares various written outputs, including briefing notes, background documents, concept papers, analyses, reports, contributions to studies, publications and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with Signatories, Cooperating Partners, donors, scientists and Implementing Partners; identifies and tracks follow-up actions; recruits additional Signatories to the MOU.
3. Management of the Sharks MOU Trust Fund: Manages the Sharks MOU Trust Fund; raises funds for the implementation of the approved Sharks MOU budget and extra-budgetary activities in the Sharks MOU Programme of Work; oversees contributions and expenditures; prepares regular expenditure reports to Signatories in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the Trust Fund; prepares budget proposals for Meetings of the Signatories; coordinates implementation activities related to the budget and funding; prepares and submits programme/project proposals and other funding requests and related documents, including donor agreements, small-scale funding agreements, work plans, project budgets, reports, financial statements etc.; prepares, administers and monitors the budget and financial cycles of various project activities, including UMOJA administration.
4. Outreach and Awareness raising: Strengthens synergies and establishes partnerships with relevant organizations, including with Multi Environmental Agreements, the United Nations Fisheries and Agriculture Organization, Regional Fisheries Bodies, the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group, and non-governmental Organizations; represents the Secretariat at international and national meetings, workshops and other fora, as assigned; provides expert guidance and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; initiates the development of awareness raising materials suitable for distribution to a wider audience reflecting the aims of the Sharks MOU; undertakes outreach among non-Signatory Range States and relevant organizations to recruit additional Signatories and Cooperating Partners to the MOU.
5. Staff management: Recruits, manages, supervises, and guides Sharks MOU staff (P2), Individual Contractors, Consultants, and Interns.
6. Collaboration with the CMS Family: Contributes to the overall policy development under the Convention within the scope of the Sharks MOU Programme of Work: provides substantive support to the CMS Scientific Council (ScC) as well as the CMS Conference of the Parties (COP) including the preparation of various written outputs (draft Resolutions, decision documents, background documents, reports, input to publications, etc.), coordinates collaboration on joint mandates between the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee and the CMS Scientific Council.
7. Performs other duties as required.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to natural resources management, environmental management/sciences, environmental law and policy, project management or international relations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

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.

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 or natural sciences, in law, international studies, or in a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years 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 an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, environmental or nature conservation policy, conservation biology, environmental management, or related areas is required. At least two (2) years of professional experience in an international work environment is required. Experience in working with Multilateral Environmental Agreements, national governments and stakeholders within the international conservation community is desirable. Working experience with Enterprise Resources Planning Systems (ERP) is desirable. Experience working with intergovernmental processes is desirable. Experience working on shark conservation and/or fisheries is desirable. Experience working with financial rules and regulations 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 the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish 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.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

No Fee