PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P3

  • Organisation: UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Contract: R
  • Deadline: 29 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. The overall objective of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, the International Resource Panel (IRP) was launched by UNEP in 2007 to build and share the knowledge needed to improve the use of natural resources worldwide. The IRP aims to provide decision makers and other interested parties with independent and authoritative scientific assessments of policy relevance on the sustainable use of natural resources and in particular the environmental impacts over the full life cycle. The IRP is located within the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit, which brings together data, science, and knowledge networks in the area of sustainable materials management, circular economy and life cycle thinking to support governments and engage industry and finance actors to develop relevant policy and practices. This position is located in the International Resource Panel secretariat, within the Materials and Systems Innovation unit of the Industry Innovation Branch, Industry and Economy Division, at the Paris duty station. The Programme Officer reports to the senior Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) advisor under the overall supervision of Head of the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit and has an additional reporting line to the Programme Management Officer (Statistician) in the Office of Science. The incumbent will support the delivery of the IRP’s work programme. Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Organizes, designs, plans and carries out the collection, estimation, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of statistical data on Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounts (EW-MFA) and other relevant data by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing methods for checking collected data, and selecting and implementing appropriate methods for data processing for incorporation into databases. • Improves existing and develops new statistical quantitative and qualitative models, and projections to support EW-MFA or other relevant analysis. Participates in the management of EW-MFA database and other statistical database(s). • Provides training and technical support to National Statistical Offices, Ministries of Environment and other national stakeholders on data collection programmes, country practices and other information related to EW-MFA . • Provides feedback and advice to National Statistical Offices, Ministries of Environment and other stakeholders at the national, regional and global levels on data published in IRP’s Global Material Flows Database (GMFD), Sustainable Consumption and Production Hotspot Analysis Tool (SCP-HAT) and data obtained through the Global Footprint Tool. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Participates in the development or revision of standards on statistical concepts, definitions, and classifications by performing methodological research on sustainable use of materials and environmental impacts throughout the full life cycle. • Organizes and participates in seminars, working groups and expert meetings as a technical resource person. • Undertakes outreach activities on EW-MFA and other relevant data and tools. • Guides, trains and supervises junior staff. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget). • 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 of statistical principles, practices, standards, and classifications. Knowledge of modelling, as well as statistical programmes (e.g. Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R software, Matlab, SPSS, or similar) and/or statistical programming languages (e.g.Python, Javascript, or similar) to analyze and evaluate complex data and advise statisticians and users. Capable of writing complex reports/papers for publication. Ability to formulate new technical approaches with respect to statistical development. 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 statistics, mathematics, or economics 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data, ideally applied to material flow analysis or sustainable development is required. Proven experience in analyzing and interpreting data and developing briefs tailored to different audiences is required. Proven experience in modeling sustainable consumption and production and circular economy scenarios is required. Experience in 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. French is desirable. 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

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

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

Special Notice