PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER – P4

The UNEP is hiring a Programme Management Officer (P4) in Canada to lead the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity's Article 8J. Responsibilities include coordinating meetings, providing technical advice, managing resources for indigenous communities, and strengthening partnerships with various organizations. The role emphasizes monitoring program performance and enhancing collaboration with indigenous leaders and civil society for inclusive decision-making.
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 that was 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 from utilising genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Scientific, Society and Sustainable Futures Division (SSSF). Under the overall guidance of the Director of the SSSF Division and the direct supervision of the Head of the Peoples and Biodiversity Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

A. Leads the implementation and coordination of the Programme of Work on Article 8J and related provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ensuring effective delivery of projects and activities related to traditional knowledge, human rights, biodiversity, and area-based conservation.

B. Coordinates the preparation and servicing of the Conference of the Parties (COP), Subsidiary Body on Article 8j) (SB8J), and intersessional meetings, facilitating engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities. Strengthen inter-agency collaboration, including with UN bodies and international organizations.

C. Provides technical advice and develops knowledge products on traditional knowledge, customary sustainable use, and Article 8j), ensuring their integration across the Secretariat's programmes and policies. Maintain and disseminate relevant resources such as publications, training materials, and technical reports.

D. Strengthens partnerships and inter-agency collaboration with UN organizations, indigenous networks, and international bodies such as UNESCO and IUCN to advance joint initiatives, capacity-building efforts, and policy coherence.

E. Manages and mobilizes resources for the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, ensuring effective fund allocation, accountability, and alignment with programme objectives.

F. Monitors programme performance and provides regular reports to the Head of Unit, the Director of Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division and Executive Secretary, ensuring resource allocation and programme outcomes align with the Convention's strategic priorities.

G. Monitors and evaluates Programme Impact - Develops and applies monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of activities related to traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and indigenous peoples' engagement. Provides recommendations for improvements.

H. Strengthens collaboration with indigenous leaders, local communities, civil society organizations, and private sector partners to promote inclusive decision-making processes and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

I. Supports the formulation of policy recommendations and strategic guidance on integrating traditional knowledge and indigenous rights into biodiversity conservation policies at national, regional, and global levels.

J. Develops and implements targeted communication strategies, including social media, reports, and advocacy materials, to raise awareness of the role of indigenous peoples and local communities and traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.

K. Identifies and responds to emerging threats to biodiversity which may impact indigenous peoples and biodiversity, such as climate change, deforestation, and land rights disputes in view of finding solutions to them.

L. 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.

M. Performs other relevant duties as required to support the implementation of Article 8U) and the broader work of the Secretariat.