Programme Management Officer – ReLISA

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is hiring a Programme Management Officer for its ReLISA project, which makes the economic case for ecosystem restoration in South Africa's savannah, subtropical thicket and grassland biomes. The position is based in Pretoria, within the Economics of Nature Unit of the Ecosystems Division, under the supervision of the Head of the Unit.

Key responsibilities

• Take part in developing, implementing and evaluating the ReLISA project, monitor progress, review documents and reports, propose corrective actions and track follow-up actions.
• Facilitate collaboration among consortium partners and stakeholders, and run the Project Steering Committee, including mobilizing government ministries and agencies.
• Engage political stakeholders, monitor and communicate changes in South African government policy that could affect the project.
• Identify opportunities to advance ecosystem restoration investment and policy uptake, and advise the consortium on partnerships.
• Represent ReLISA in national and international policy forums, including the Global Landscapes Forum and side events of UNFCCC, UNCCD and CBD.
• Support gender-responsive implementation and safeguard measures for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
• Prepare policy briefings, engagement reports and background papers, coordinate budgets, work plans and reporting, and lead or take part in field missions.
• Analyze data and present findings through graphs, charts and tables.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in environmental management, environment and development, sustainable development, economics or applied economics; a first-level degree plus qualifying experience may be accepted.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and stakeholder engagement on environmental and sustainable development issues.
• Experience working with national-level decision-makers in government, the private sector and the public, and in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem-based adaptation or nature-based solutions projects in South Africa.
• Desirable: experience engaging with senior political stakeholders, working with the UN Common System or an international organization, and two years or more in data analytics.
• English is required; French is the other working language of the UN Secretariat.

Required skills

• Knowledge of environmental management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and international environmental governance.
• Data collection, analysis and interpretation, including data visualization.
• Communication, planning and organizing, and professional judgment.