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. The Policy and Programme Division (PPD) is a centre of excellence for strategic guidance and programmatic policy for UNEP. PPD enables UNEP’s strategic and programmatic direction, ensuring organization-wide coherence and effectiveness in implementation and continuous improvement. This position is located in the Performance Monitoring and Reporting Unit (PMRU) of the Policy and Programme Division at the Nairobi Duty Station. PMRU leads UNEP's work on corporate monitoring and reporting, impact measurement, learning and implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and thematic funds as well as strengthening organizational capacity for related evidence-based data management and reporting. Under the overall supervision of the Director, PPD, and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate impact measurement across UNEP divisions, alongside building institutional and staff level understanding and capacity, using institutional, administrative, survey level data, while building on pre-analyses plans and using experimental and quasi-experimental methods. • Coordinate the monitoring and reporting process of the portfolio of UNEP programme and initiatives (including MEAs), including quality, accuracy, and relevance of data reported, identifying issues requiring attention in the design and implementation and results of the portfolio. Propose actions to improve internal business processes and delivery of results. Apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure robust and actionable insights. • Coordinate teams across the organization to ensure UNEP's corporate performance data meets the needs of different audiences and lead the preparation of the Quarterly Report of the UNEP Executive Director and the annual UNEP Programme Performance Report. This includes serving as the lead penholder in editing and drafting a compelling narrative based on submissions received that tells the story of UNEP’s accomplishments and progress over the designated period, for the review of UNEP’s governing body (UN Environment Assembly, Committee of Permanent Representatives). Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies, to enhance data processing, trend identification, and predictive analytics for programme performance and impact assessment. • Lead the team developing UNEP’s Quarterly Business Review, assessing organizational health through the performance of UNEP Divisions, Regional Offices and Multilateral Environment Agreement Secretariats on key indicators related to project implementation, human resources, funds utilization, donor and implementing partner management, and compliance with evaluation and audit recommendations. Provide support for the consideration of QBR reports and contribute to continual improvements in the process including through the identification of pertinent indicators and supporting datasets. Ensure the integration of advanced analytical methods and innovative data science approaches to drive continual improvement. • Contribute to the design and use of better business intelligence systems, processes and tools to enable teams across the organization to access and utilize the data and information they need to effectively and adaptively manage their programmes and projects. • Coordinate teams in UNEP to strengthen staff capacities in data analysis, indicator development, and the use of advanced monitoring and evaluation tools, including AI-driven solutions. Lead efforts to improve the design of initiatives, enabling better selection and use of progress and performance data for adaptive management and ultimately greater impact. Provide expert guidance and training on impact measurement methods, including the use of counterfactual analysis, randomization, and quasi-experimental approaches, to assess the effectiveness and value-for-money of UNEP programmes and projects. • Promote awareness and understanding of the shared responsibility for programme monitoring and reporting among all staff members through communication, training, learning and development activities. • Contribute to strategic planning exercises for the development of Programmes of Work and the Medium-Term Strategies, as well as strategic framework documents for the UN Secretariat in New York. • Collect and analyse 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. • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks relating to organizational performance in terms of achieving measurable results that include decision grade data analyses, knowledge and previous application of experimental and quasi experimental methods for measuring impacts in an institutional setting; and a high level of commitment to building systems and individual capacities in these areas previously. Demonstrated ability to also measure and report impact in complicated settings as well as a good ability to measure and communicate cost-effectiveness. Ability to communicate clearly links between the organization's strategy to achieving results and impact and its programme performance/outcome/impact monitoring processes. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in understanding the progress and challenges of a complex environmental management portfolio. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 and ability to build collegial and effective relationships. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. In the context of UNEP, these clients are both internal (divisions and offices) and external (member states). 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. PLANNING & 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in data science, economics, statistics, development economics, public policy, applied mathematics or related social science field with a demonstrated emphasis on advanced quantitative analysis, econometrics, causal inference and impact measurement, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, machine learning or data sciences programmes is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Coursework, certification, or demonstrable training in experimental or quasi-experimental methods (e.g. RCTs, causal inference, propensity score matching), data science, machine learning or advanced statistical programming (Python, Stata, SQL) is desirable. Training or demonstrated academic grounding in the design and use of indicators, organisational performance measurement frameworks, or business intelligence systems is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis and synthesis, impact measurement in developing contexts is required. Experience in the application of advanced quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g. experimental or quasi-experimental approaches, counterfactuals, cost-effectiveness analysis) and the use of institutional, administrative, or survey-level data for decision-making and programme performance assessment is required. Experience leading corporate reporting processes, including drafting, editing, and synthesizing inputs for senior management or governing bodies, is required. Experience with AI-enabled data analytics is required. Application of data science tools for programme performance or impact assessment is desirable Experience in the UN system or a similar international organisation is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing corporate or programme-level business review processes, including the development of indicators, dashboards, analytical products, or organisational health assessments, is desirable. Experience in development and implementing strategic plans, programmes of work, or corporate monitoring frameworks is desirable. Experience facilitating capacity development on impact measurement and data literacy is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for a period of one 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 appointment 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 subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. When completing the PHP, 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. 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 on the basis of 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 on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line 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.