The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's 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 environment.

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Environmental Specialist

Job TypeFull Time

QualificationMBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship

Experience7 years

LocationNairobi

Job FieldProject Management

This position is in the ROA and reports to the Regional Director for Africa. Under the overall guidance of the Regional Director for Africa, the Environmental Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

Preparation of GCF Readiness Proposal

• Prepare a comprehensive Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness proposal for UNEP ROA. - Ensure the proposal is aligned with GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme guidelines and priorities.
• Demonstrate how the proposed readiness support will strengthen AMCEN workplan implementation and the organization of AMCEN sessions.
• Coordinate inputs from ROA and relevant partners, as required.

Development of Adaptation Fund Project Concepts and Proposals

• Identify priority thematic and geographic areas in Africa aligned with ROA’s mandate and the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. - Develop Adaptation Fund project concepts,
• Ensure alignment with Adaptation Fund policies, strategic priorities, and results framework.
• Support consultations with countries and relevant stakeholders to ensure country ownership and coherence with national priorities. c. Support to UNEP Engagement with the UN Development System and RC System - Support UNEP ROA’s engagement with the UN Development System, with a focus on Francophone and Lusophone African countries.
• Provide technical inputs to strengthen environmental sustainability integration in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs).
• Support UNEP participation in UN Country Team processes, joint programmes, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Prepare briefing notes, guidance materials, and strategic inputs to support ROA’s engagement with RC Offices and UNCTs.

Support to the Joint Programme in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

• Provide technical and coordination support for the implementation of the Joint Programme in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde.
• Support activities aimed at boosting circular economy approaches in the tourism sector through public-private partnerships.
• Facilitate coordination among UN agencies, government counterparts, private sector actors, and other stakeholders.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation of results and lessons learned.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental studies, climate change, sustainable development, international relations, economics, or a related field. At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental programmes, climate finance, or sustainable development, preferably in Africa is required.

Demonstrated experience in preparing funding proposals for international climate and environmental funds, particularly the GCF and/or Adaptation Fund is required.

Strong knowledge of the UN Development System, including the RC system and UN Country Teams is required.

Proven experience in regional and/or country-level programme development and partnership building is required. Familiarity with AMCEN, African regional processes, and environmental governance is desirable. Experience working in Francophone and/or Lusophone African contexts is highly desirable.

Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills is desirable.

• Prepare a comprehensive Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness proposal for UNEP ROA. - Ensure the proposal is aligned with GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme guidelines and priorities.
• Demonstrate how the proposed readiness support will strengthen AMCEN workplan implementation and the organization of AMCEN sessions.
• Coordinate inputs from ROA and relevant partners, as required.
• Identify priority thematic and geographic areas in Africa aligned with ROA’s mandate and the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. - Develop Adaptation Fund project concepts,
• Ensure alignment with Adaptation Fund policies, strategic priorities, and results framework.
• Support consultations with countries and relevant stakeholders to ensure country ownership and coherence with national priorities. c. Support to UNEP Engagement with the UN Development System and RC System - Support UNEP ROA’s engagement with the UN Development System, with a focus on Francophone and Lusophone African countries.
• Provide technical inputs to strengthen environmental sustainability integration in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs).
• Support UNEP participation in UN Country Team processes, joint programmes, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Prepare briefing notes, guidance materials, and strategic inputs to support ROA’s engagement with RC Offices and UNCTs.
• Provide technical and coordination support for the implementation of the Joint Programme in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde.
• Support activities aimed at boosting circular economy approaches in the tourism sector through public-private partnerships.
• Facilitate coordination among UN agencies, government counterparts, private sector actors, and other stakeholders.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation of results and lessons learned.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing funding proposals for international climate and environmental funds, particularly the GCF and/or Adaptation Fund is required.
• Strong knowledge of the UN Development System, including the RC system and UN Country Teams is required.
• Proven experience in regional and/or country-level programme development and partnership building is required.
• Familiarity with AMCEN, African regional processes, and environmental governance is desirable.
• Experience working in Francophone and/or Lusophone African contexts is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills is desirable.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental studies, climate change, sustainable development, international relations, economics, or a related field.