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.
UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
This position is located in the West Asia Office in Beirut Duty Station, Lebanon.
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and technical guidance and support from the Ecosystem's Division, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities
1)
POLICY Serves as Senior Policy Officer, advises
UNEP and particularly the Coordinator for Ecosystems and Biodiversity on overall policy direction and country needs in the region that require UNEP's attention;
Serves as primary UNEP's focal point in the region on capacity building and access to technology in the area of ecosystems and biodiversity and keep abreast of analyses and reports on the latest developments related to these areas;
Liaise with other UN specialized agencies, local non-governmental organizations, representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, national research institutes and relevant conventions;
Prepares strategies on the environmental aspects of UNEP's regional work related to the management of ecosystems and biodiversity protection;
Organizes follow-up work in the region, including -technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues;
Ensures the implementation of recommendation emanating from relevant reports.
2)
COORDINATION Coordinates the regional input into UNEP's programming related to capacity building support and access to technology related to ecosystems management and biodiversity protection;
ensures support (e.g., staff, funding, specialized equipment and supplies);
Prepares situation reports to the international community;
Coordinates UNEP's work in the region in collaboration with relevant
UNEP Division(s) and the Coordinator for the ecosystems management and biodiversity protection, and oversee UNEP's efforts to help countries build capacity, facilitate access to related technologies and put in place the enabling policy frameworks and economic instruments that maximize their abilities to manage ecosystems for climate mitigation, adaptation gains, biodiversity protection, habitat restoration and species resiliency;
Develop region and country-specific recommendations based on the analysis of pertinent information;
Facilitates a coordinated approach in the region in the area of capacity building and technology transfer for ecosystems management and biodiversity protection and assists in the integration of an ecosystem approach in the development and implementation of national and regional development strategies within the UN system for international assistance;
Advises on proper use and spending of related donor contributions, channeled through UN system-wide efforts;
Ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting on UNEP's role in capacity building and access to technology within the region.
3)
PARTNERSHIPS Establishes and maintains contacts with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes, relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and other UN specialized agencies, representatives and officials in national governments and international organizations, local non-governmental organizations and national research institutes;
Ensures appropriate mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside of the UN system as it relates to ecosystems and biodiversity related matters;
Organizes and participates in relevant work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on issues related to ecosystems and biodiversity;
Establishes strong partnership with UN sister agencies and MEA secretariat focal points in the region, external partners to leverage capacity building support and facilitate access to technology on biodiversity related issues, particularly with and in support of biodiversity-related MEAs such as the United Nations Conventions on the Ramsar Convention and the Regional Seas Conventions, among others.
4) 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.
5) Performs other related duties Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM:Knowledge of international, regional and national environmental policies, governance frameworks and institutional arrangements relating to ecosystem management and biodiversity protection or related area.
Knowledge of policy and economic instruments and institutional mechanisms that support ecosystem management, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems.
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.
COMMUNICATION:Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biodiversity sciences, environmental sciences, natural resource management, natural resource policy, environmental policy, environmental economics or a closely related field is required.
A first level university degree 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.
Job - Specific Qualification
A PhD in environmental policy, ecology, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, sustainable development, or a closely related field is desirable. Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in policy development and implementation, programme or project management, and coordination of partnerships in the field of ecosystems management or a related area is required.
Experience working with governments and expert institutions in West Asia is desirable.
Experience in environmental policy implementation is desirable.
Experience working internationally on global and regional environmental issues 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 and Arabic are required.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
EnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
ArabicUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.
In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.
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ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed-term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of
ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment.
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