PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

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 overall objective of the 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. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The position is located in the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, Global Environment Facility Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit (GEF-C&GCU), at the Paris duty station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, the direct supervision of the Head, GEF-C&GCU and additional supervision of the Head, Mining Unit, Industry Innovation Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Leads the development and supervision of GEF projects on ASGM, mercury and primary mining by:

• Leading project development: Identifies, develops and supports the approval of high-quality new projects on artisanal and small‑scale gold mining (ASGM) and primary mining, aligned with UNEP strategic priorities and the needs of governments and partners.
• Managing project set‑up and delivery structures: Establishes and maintains the legal and operational frameworks for projects, including preparing legal agreements with Executing Agencies, conducting due diligence and capacity/administrative assessments of new partners, registering projects in UNEP project management and reporting systems, and coordinating with Regional Offices and UN Country Teams. Supports project closure processes.
• Supervising project implementation: Oversees Executing Agencies to ensure projects deliver against approved results frameworks and expenditure targets, within agreed tolerances and in compliance with fiduciary and other applicable standards. Supports annual work planning and budgeting, ensures timely and high‑quality quarterly and annual reporting, and coordinates with relevant specialists on audit and procurement requirements.
• Ensuring quality assurance and adaptive management: Reviews technical outputs and deliverables, including reports from Executing Agencies and project consultants; identifies and agrees corrective actions where required; and supports adaptive management in response to implementation issues, exceeded tolerances, complaints or grievances. Coordinates mid‑term reviews and terminal evaluations.

2. Supports the operation and strategic direction of the UNEP High Impact Sector Team and mining and critical metals work areas by:

• Providing technical support: Contributes to technical guidance and advisory support for UNEP mining projects and the High Impact Sector Team.
• Supporting knowledge and communications: Consolidates GEF ASGM and mercury mining portfolio inputs into UNEP mining‑related publications, background papers, analytical notes, briefings, key messages and communication materials.
• Strengthening private‑sector engagement: Supports engagement with GEF private‑sector co‑finance partners, including opportunities for partnerships, knowledge sharing, scaling innovative solutions, financing and capacity development.
• Supporting data‑driven decision‑making: Collects and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns, translating findings into graphs, charts, tables and reports to support planning, decision‑making and performance reporting.
• Performs

EDUCATION:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in earth sciences, environmental sciences, environmental management, chemistry, metallurgy, engineering, or economic and social studies is required. A first‑level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience at the international level related to the minerals, mining and metals (3Ms) value chain is required. Experience in developing and/or implementing international environmental programmes in developing countries and managing development projects on sustainability or to reduce mining pollution is required. Experience with Global Environment Facility or equivalent international projects cycle is required. Experience working in, or with the private sector on implementing upstream innovation & solutions in reducing sustainable metals and mining value chains or pollution 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. Either Spanish or French or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) or Arabic is desirable