ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P2

  • Organisation: UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
  • Location: Paris
  • Contract: R
  • Deadline: 3 December 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme is the United Nations’ 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. 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 Associate Programme Officer works under the guidance of the Head of the Materials and Systems Innovation unit and under the direct supervision of the senior IRP coordinator and the senior LCA advisor and has an additional reporting line to the Programme Management Officer (Statistician) in the Office of Science. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Assists in designing, organizing, planning and managing the collection, estimation, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of statistical data related to Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounting (EW-MFA) and Sustainable Development Goals Indicators 8.4.1/12.2.1 (Material Footprint) and 8.4.2/12.2.2 (Domestic Material Consumption). • Manages the Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounting and the National Focal Points databases, including ongoing updating and release of new data sets from national and international sources. • Provides technical support 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), SCP-HAT and data obtained through the Global Footprint Tool. • Assists 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 • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. statistical methodologies and indicator metadata, draft background papers, analytical notes, technical annexes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Assists in training on data collection programmes, country practices and other related information, particularly in connection to EW-MFA data. • Works with IRP Panel Experts and Steering Committee members to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of IRP Work Programme, especially in connection to EW-MFA data. • Undertakes activities to ensure the wide dissemination of the work of the unit and the IRP with regards to the EW-MFA; Assists in activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget. • Participates in relevant meetings with other international organisations, and academia. • 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 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. Ability to identify, extract, analyze and disseminate statistical data. 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& 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

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, material flow analysis, economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work 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 two years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data or related area is required. Experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab, SPSS, SAS, or similar, and/or statistical programming languages such as R, Python, Javascript or similar is required. Experience with an international organization or national public office 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 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.

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