United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer

General Information

• Post Title: JPO, Associate Programme Officer (Synergies for addressing triple planetary crisis)
• Division: Policy and Programme Division
• Unit: Strategy Planning Sub-Programme Coordination Unit
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Duration: Two to three years

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Background Information on UNEP and the Requesting Unit

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on environmental issues, setting the global agenda and supporting sustainable development. Its Policy and Programme Division (PPD) plays a central role in integrating policy, programme, and monitoring functions, ensuring coherence in UNEP’s engagement with the UN system and global policy frameworks.

The world is facing a triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These crises threaten sustainable development and global commitments such as the UN 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the Global Framework on Chemicals. Addressing these crises requires synergistic approaches that enhance impact and efficiency.

UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026-2029 outlines transformative solutions that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These solutions are grouped under three strategic objectives:

1. Climate Stability
2. Living in Harmony with Nature
3. Towards a Pollution-Free Planet

Why is the JPO Needed?

To effectively tackle the triple planetary crisis, UNEP requires strengthened synergies across policy frameworks such as National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Global Framework on Chemicals. The JPO will play a key role in enhancing these synergies by:

• Supporting policy alignment between different global and national environmental commitments.
• Strengthening inter-agency collaboration and engagement with Member States.
• Providing technical support and best-practice recommendations for integrated action.

Supervision

The JPO will be supervised by the Head of the Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) as the First Reporting Officer, with additional supervision from a Global Subprogramme Coordinator (GSPC). The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will be used to appraise the JPO’s performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, the JPO will be responsible for:

1. Advising senior management and project teams on emerging issues and strategic partnerships for synergies.
2. Conducting analytical research on integrated solutions addressing climate, biodiversity, and pollution.
3. Supporting UNEP’s work in delivering on multiple thematic objectives of the GBF, UNFCCC Paris Agreement, and pollution-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
4. Contributing to UNEP’s efforts to align national policies such as NDCs, NBSAPs, and national pollution action plans.
5. Enhancing the capacities of UNEP and Member States for synergistic environmental action.
6. Supporting strategic planning processes in UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work.
7. Assisting in additional functions of the Subprogramme Coordination Unit as assigned.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/

Expected Outputs

The JPO will contribute to:

1. Analyzing and reporting on synergy implementation within UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy.
2. Documenting UNEP’s progress in integrated approaches to climate, nature, and pollution.
3. Identifying national-level support needs and developing pathways for action.
4. Supporting project development to ensure cost-effective, multi-thematic interventions.
5. Increasing cross-cutting initiatives and Member States’ capacity-building efforts.

Travel

• One mission is planned in the first year.
• One mission is planned in the second year.
• UNEP will cover any mission costs exceeding those covered by the donor government.

Training and Learning Opportunities

The JPO will receive:

• Mandatory UN training, including security, ethics, gender mainstreaming, and information security.
• On-the-job training and access to language and computer training.
• Specialized training in:
  • Policy formulation and environmental diplomacy.
  • Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Project management, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Cross-cutting themes such as gender, chemicals, and pollution.

By the end of one year, the JPO will have acquired:

• A full understanding of intergovernmental processes and UNEP’s strategies.
• Knowledge of UNEP’s role within the UN system.
• Strong skills in report writing, negotiation, and policy analysis.

By the end of two years, the JPO will have:

• Advanced expertise in climate, biodiversity, and pollution synergies.
• A deep understanding of challenges faced by developing nations.
• The ability to support decision-making at senior management levels.

By the end of three years, the JPO will be able to:

• Lead intergovernmental consultations on synergy strategies.
• Independently analyze and recommend programme implementation improvements.
• Effectively monitor UNEP programmes and contribute to high-level reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with project cycle management and results-based reporting.
• Experience in data analysis, indicators, and data visualization.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, natural resources management, international development, or related fields.

Work Experience:

• At least two years of experience in sustainable development, environmental management, or international policy.
• Experience working with development projects and emerging economies is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of French or another UN language is an asset.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/

Living Conditions in Nairobi

Nairobi provides normal living conditions for a developing country in Africa. The city hosts numerous international organizations, embassies, and expatriate communities, offering a diverse and dynamic environment.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Finnish citizenship.
• Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish.
• Maximum 32 years of age at the time of application.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Application Link

For detailed application requirements and submission, visit: JPO Application Page

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/

JPO

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer//United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Programme Officer/