Programme Assistant

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 consultant will be located in the Governance Affairs Office of UNEP. The Governance Affairs Office is responsible for supporting the governing bodies of UNEP, which consists of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and its subsidiary intercessional body, the open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR). This office coordinates UNEP’s relations with the Permanent Missions to UNEP, Ministries of Environment and other relevant authorities. It organizes and services all meetings of the governing bodies, provides the main channel of communication with Governments, major groups and stakeholders, including the private sector. It also works closely with other UNEP divisions and regional offices to provide timely information on the programme and activities of UNEP in support of Governments.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Director, Governance Affairs Office.

•  Assit in coordinating logistical duties related to the preparations of intergovernmental meetings, such as the open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives, 5th Annual meeting of the Sub-Committee and UNEA-4, in collaboration with UNON Conference Services;
• Assist in providing drafts inputs for Performance Management and Reporting for the Governing Affairs Office;
• Assist in planning and ensuring timely dissemination of information about programmes and activities of UN Environment in support of Member States;
• Support communication with Member States and Divisions of UN Environment and drafts diplomatic correspondences to Member States

•   support organization and servicing of meetings of the governing bodies by note taking, produce minutes, and follow up on key issues;
•   Provide support in drafting documentation including: briefing notes, Chair’s scripts, presentations and summaries in support of the work of UN Environment’s Governing bodies.
•  Provide assistance in drafting  diplomatic correspondences to Member States and support communication with Member States and Divisions of UN Environment.
• Assist in ensuring the production of reports/minutes of meetings and the distribution to the governments and other stakeholders.

Ultimate result of services:

• Result 1: Successful contribution of the inter-governmental meetings, such as the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives, 5th Annual meeting of the Sub-Committee, UNEA-4 and related events.
• Result 2: Improved preparation process and documentation for all meetings and events organized by Governance Affairs Office.
• Result 3: Improved communication and outreach with member States, clients and other stakeholders. 

• Secondary education is required.  
• Technical/Professional Diploma development studies or  equivalent is plus;
• University Degree in or equivalent in political and social sciences related discipline, development studies or  equivalent is desirable, but it is not a requirement.

• With secondary education, five years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required.
• With Technical/Professional Diploma, three years of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required.
• With a Bachelor’s degree, one year of relevant experience in administration or programme support service is required.
  At least two years’ experience working with a Government institution, international organization is required;
• At least two years’ experience working with a Government institution, international organization is required;
• Experience with organizing conferences and public events and/or supporting the work of governing bodies is desirable.

• Excellent command of English (both oral, read and written) is required.
• Knowledge of an additional UN official language is a plus.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

 UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

UNOPS East Africa Hub

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the East Africa Hub manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The East Africa sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in South Sudan and a portfolio of engagements managed by the Kenya based East Africa Hub office. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Somalia, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and several island states.