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. The UNEP Regional Seas Programme, established in 1974, is the umbrella framework that brings together 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, covering 146 countries. The Nairobi Convention is the Regional Seas for the Western Indian Ocean, providing the intergovernmental platform for its Contracting Parties to cooperate on the protection and sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment. The Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention have designated UNEP as the Secretariat of the Convention. The post of the Coordinator of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat is located in the UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, in the Regional Seas Branch. The post of Secretariat of the Nairobi Convention is located in Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Regional Seas Branch, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
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.
The UNEP Regional Seas Programme, established in 1974, is the umbrella framework that brings together 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, covering 146 countries.
The Nairobi Convention is the Regional Seas for the Western Indian Ocean, providing the intergovernmental platform for its Contracting Parties to cooperate on the protection and sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment.
The Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention have designated UNEP as the Secretariat of the Convention.
The post of the Coordinator of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat is located in the UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, in the Regional Seas Branch.
Responsibilities
• Takes the lead of supervision of the administration of Nairobi Convention and its Secretariat, to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects under the Convention, etc.; directs subordinates in programme / project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
• Prepares and convenes meetings of Contracting Parties and conferences provided for by the Nairobi Convention.
• Transmits to the Contracting Parties of notifications, reports and other information received in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
• Carries out functions assigned to the Secretariat by the protocols to the Nairobi Convention.
• Consideration of Reviews enquiries by, and information from, the Contracting Parties and to consults with them on questions relating to this Convention and its related protocols and annexes thereto.
• Coordinates the implementation of cooperative activities agreed upon by the meetings of Contracting Parties and conferences provided for in the Convention.
• Overall administrative arrangements as may be required for the effective discharge of the secretariat functions.
• Liaises with Parties to the Nairobi Convention, governments, stakeholders, donor community, international organizations and other relevant entities.
• Supports activities in UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme and other actions stemming from United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) decisions.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of fundraising strategies to mobilize additional support as may be required, for the implementation of activities and initiatives emanating from decisions of the meetings.
• Coordinates the effective and efficient management and delivery of results of Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects in the region, as well as other sub regional projects funded by the GEF or other Global Funds, the European Commission (EC), governments and others.
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
• Supports sound analysis and documenting lessons learned and best practice in Nairobi Convention.
• Provides multi-disciplinary analytical support to Focal Points assisting in the development and implementation of an integrated information and knowledge management strategy within the Nairobi Convention area.
• Supervises preparation of technical publications related to the outputs and outcomes of the Nairobi Convention work program and support national focal points to prepare and publish their own technical publications and state of the coast reports or related technical reports.
• Supervises the management of a Clearing House Mechanism for information concerning Nairobi Convention area and ensuring its effective and efficient collection, storage and dissemination.
• Coordinates with focal points from each of the contracting parties in the development of regional policies and strategies for the protection of the marine and coastal area of Western Indian Ocean Region.
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Provides overall financial management, and the timely and sufficient financial contributions by the Contracting Parties to the East African Trust Fund and the overall guidance to Parties for the payment of contributions as per the financial rules and Conference of Parties (COP) decisions, Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme / project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental law, biology or natural sciences 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.
Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the planning, implementation and management of marine and coastal programmes, policies and initiatives at the national, regional or international level is required.
At least five years of experience in intergovernmental processes, including supporting negotiations, governing bodies, and conferences of the parties, is required.
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience managing large programmes and projects relating to the marine environment is required.
A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in resource mobilization is required.
Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
For this job opening, English is required.
DDL – 23 September