Programme Management Assistant
Montreal
- Organization: UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme
- Location: Montreal
- Grade: Administrative support - GS-6, General Service - No need for Higher Education - Locally recruited position
-
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
- Closing Date: 2026-01-20
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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. This post is based in the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), within the Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF), in Montreal, Canada. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity Science, Policy and Governance Unit (BSPG) and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity) the incumbent will carry out the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Organizes workshops/meetings/webinars a) Assists in coordinating the planning, logistical arrangements, and follow-up of workshops, expert meetings (in-person and virtual), and webinars, including pre-event, event, and post-event phases, in consultation with supervisors. b) Supports logistical coordination for the organization of workshops/meetings/webinars, ensuring alignment with organizational requirements and assisting in addressing obstacles. c) Liaises with internal and external stakeholders at various levels to initiate and follow up on actions such as recruitment and deployment of technical personnel, travel logistics, procurement, disbursement of funds, small scale funds agreements and host country agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and timelines. d) Provides logistical and secretariat support during meetings; manages real-time problem-solving, liaises with service providers to ensure service delivery standards, distributes documents, and contributes substantively to the preparation of meeting reports, information notes and materials as needed. e) Independently coordinates side events for major meetings {e.g. Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), Conference of the Parties (COP), meetings from other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAS) etc.}, as needed. 2.Manages administrative elements of work under protected areas and marine/islands work: a) Assists with the preparation, processing, and monitoring of contracts and consultancies, and supports related reporting requirements. b) Assists in the process of the recruitment of staff and consultants. c) Provides support in financial-related aspects of these two work areas, including for the Administration division. d) Maintains an up-to-date spreadsheet mapping external funds (e.g. project funds or grants) against disbursements, grant numbers, and agreements. 3. Coordinates with Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations: a) Prepares draft correspondence, including notifications and official letters, for review and clearance by supervisors. b) Assists in communications with workshop participants, governments, and partner organizations to ensure timely dissemination of information and resolution of queries, including following up on reporting requirements emanating from cooperation agreements, among others. c) Assists in the development of project proposals to be submitted to donors and partner organizations, ensuring compliance with templates and timeframes. d) Coordinates and monitors the timely submission, processing, and publication of workshop-related documentation from Parties and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established procedures. 4. Coordinates the production and management of documentation and information: a) Reviews documentation for format, clarity, and consistency with UN style, ensuring readiness for publication under the guidance of supervisors. b) Conducts background research of publicly available materials in support of substantive planning, where needed. c) Assists in drafting and formatting workshop/meeting reports workshop/meeting reports, information notes, and awareness-raising materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency. d) Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. e) Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. 5. Performs any other tasks as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme administration and projects. Proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of the various complex dimensions of the environment and sustainable development; good research skills and ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit documents. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commits to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job - Specific Qualification
Supplementary training in relevant areas, such as environmental, social or political sciences, business administration, public administration, environmental management or equivalent is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or related area is required. The minimum years of experience is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first level university degree. Experience working in the field of environment or sustainable development is desirable. Experience working with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), international organizations, or the United Nations is desirable. Experience in supporting biodiversity and/ or environmental programmes, projects or organizations is desirable. Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable. Experience in applying UNEP and CBD policies is desirable. One (1) year or more experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult
https://languages.un.org
for details).
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Required Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointments is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of 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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.