PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

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 UNEP Office in Mexico supports the coordination and implementation of UNEP's Programme of Work in Mexico and serves as the focal point for Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The Office contributes to UNEP's effective participation in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), including the integration of the environmental dimension into the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and related inter-agency processes and initiatives. The Office also facilitates the identification and development of strategic programme and partnership opportunities aligned with national priorities, UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work, in collaboration with government counterparts, development partners, donors, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders. This position is located in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), in Mexico City, Mexico. The incumbent will serve as the Head of Office and focal point for Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and Representative of UNEP LACO, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

1. Develop and strengthen the representation of UNEP in Mexico: a. Develop an effective relationship with the Government of Mexico to ensure the smooth and mutually beneficial development and implementation of UNEP's Programme of Work in the country; b. Coordinate UNEP contributions to the UN System in Mexico, particularly by engaging with the UN Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), and by bringing UNEP´s vision to UNCT activities and analysis; c. Coordinate and oversee UNEP´s contributions for the effective integration of the environmental dimension in Mexico´s Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF); d. Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of UNEP´s Programme of Work in Mexico, including the development of strategic programme and project proposals supporting the implementation of UNEP’s contributions to Mexico’s UNSDCF. proposal for the implementation of UNEP´s contributions to Mexico´s UNSDCF. e. Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with government counterparts, development partners, donors, international financial institutions, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders, and identify and pursue resource mobilization opportunities to support the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work in Mexico. f. Establish communication channels with the Mexican authorities to secure Mexico´s continuing financial contribution to the Environment Fund. g. Ensure the integration of gender and diversity issues into all projects, programmes, reports, analysis and communications as appropriate; h. Undertake any representation and advocacy tasks in the country and in the region as assigned by the supervisor i. Contribute to the development and implementation of ROLAC’s regional programming, priorities and initiatives, bringing country-level perspectives and opportunities into regional processes and supporting regional activities, as required. 2. Serve as focal point of UNEP in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua: a. On behalf of the Regional Director, develop an effective relationship with the governments of Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, ensuring a smooth and mutually beneficial development and implementation of UNEP's Programme of Work in these countries. b. Coordinate UNEP contributions to the UN System in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, particularly by engaging with the UN Resident Coordinators and the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), and by bringing UNEP´s vision to UNCT activities and analysis in these countries. c. Coordinate and oversee UNEP´s contributions for the effective integration of the environmental dimension in the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. d. Lead the implementation of UNEP´s Programme of Work in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, including the development of at least one overarching project proposal for the implementation of UNEP´s contributions to the UNSDCF in these countries. e. Provide feedback and policy insights to the Regional Office and other offices as to how best engage Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in the implementation of the global and regional Programme of Work of UNEP f. Motivate the financial contributions from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to the Environment Fund. g. Conduct missions to these countries as required to engage with the government, UNCT, and strategic partners. h. Undertake any representation and advocacy tasks in these countries as assigned by the Regional Director. 3. Coordinate the effective management of the UNEP Office in Mexico: a. Ensure the management of staff and consultants is handled according to UN policies and procedures; b. Ensure appropriate financial management according to UN policies and procedures; c. Develop and implement effective and efficient project administration approaches, including partnership arrangements with other agencies; d. Develop necessary legal agreements to ensure the management of UNEP's business risk, political relations and legal compliance in Mexico, leveraging the support of the UN system when necessary; e. Ensure the compliance of all projects developed by the country office or with the support of the country office with the administrative rules and reporting requirements of their donors as necessary and ensure the production of high-quality reports and accountability as necessary; f. Design and implement strategies for the sustainability of the UNEP presence in the country. g. Serve as the security focal point for all UNEP personnel and activities in Mexico; h. Coordinate actions at the country level aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff, consultants, interns and Junior Professional Officers of UNEP, and protection of UNEP assets. i. 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, sustainable development, international relations, public administration, economics, law, development studies, business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of seven years (7) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, interagency processes and administration or related areas is required. Experience in developing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources with government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders is required. Experience in managing country-level operations, including financial oversight, compliance and staff management is required. Experience working with the UN system or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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

This position is temporarily available for 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. 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 30 September 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.

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.

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.