Mission and objectives

Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

Context

The overall objective of the UNEP’s Ecosystems Division is to support countries in conserving, restoring and sustainably managing their terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, the biodiversity they contain and the products and services they provide for human well-being and prosperity. The Division’s mandate is to address the environmental causes and effects from an ecosystems’ approach, including consequences of disasters and conflicts. It helps countries develop policies and programmes to respond to ecosystems challenges, and reduce pollution from land-based activities, increase resilience to climate change and reflect linkages between poverty and environment in their development planning. The Associate Programme Officer (Knowledge Management) will be supporting the SIDS project, which focuses on sustainable development in Small Island Developing States, specifically in Comoros, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu. This project aims to ad-dress critical environmental challenges and enhance resilience against climate change, promoting sustainable practices in these regions.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Programme Management Officer for the SIDS Project under the Marine and Coastal Unit, the Associate Programme Officer will undertake the following tasks: • Assist in the design, planning, and execution of communication strategies tailored to the SIDS project, ensuring clear and effective dissemination of information to stakeholders across Comoros, Saint Lucia, and Vanuatu. • Develop and manage knowledge management systems that capture and share best prac-tices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches in the implementation of the SIDS project. • Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between project teams and stakeholders. • Coordinate with local and international partners to gather project data and prepare reports. • Contribute to the creation of impactful communication materials that highlight project achievements and challenges. • Support the organization of workshops, webinars, and training sessions aimed at building local capacity and enhancing community engagement in SIDS. • Collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their active participation in the project. • Prepare programme and project summaries, best practice stories, case studies, and other communication materials. • Identify media platforms and other outreach opportunities for dissemination. • Monitor the implementation of project activities and provide regular updates to the project management team. • Contribute to the preparation of progress reports for internal and external stakeholders. • Collaborate with the UNEP communication team to ensure that project activities are effectively communicated to a broader audience through various platforms, including social media, websites, and publications. • Draft project legal instruments and terms of reference as required in the implementation of programmes and projects. • Follow up to obtain necessary clearances and approvals. • Maintain and update files in internal databases and dashboards. • Prepare periodic reports, including visuals and graphics, and other background materials as appropriate. • Participate and contribute to any events organized by the MCEU unit, MFW Branch, and UNEP in general. • Performs other duties as assigned. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs). • Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed • Have gained full understanding of UNEP small grants project cycle including reporting and reviewing project activities • Independently and confidently draft and amend legal agreements Results/Expected Outputs • Concept notes for programmes and projects are prepared and submitted on time, contributing to the successful initiation of new project activities. • Legal instruments are drafted, reviewed, and finalized, ensuring compliance and smooth implementation of project agreements. • Quarterly, bi-annual, and annual IPMR reports are accurately compiled and uploaded on schedule, facilitating effective monitoring and evaluation. • Programmes and project implementation progress is regularly updated, and lessons learned are documented and shared, enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing and future initiatives. • Project information is disseminated widely through UNEP’s website, newsletters, and other communication channels, increasing visibility and stakeholder engagement. • Project databases are maintained and updated with accurate information, supporting informed decision-making and efficient project management. • Communication materials, including best practice stories, case studies, and project summaries, are developed and disseminated effectively, ensuring key achievements and lessons are shared with relevant audiences. • Stakeholders and partners are regularly informed of project progress, leading to increased engagement and collaboration. • Capacity-building activities, such as workshops and training sessions, are successfully organized, resulting in improved local skills and knowledge transfer. • Compliance with UNEP’s guidelines, rules, and procedures is maintained throughout the project’s implementation, ensuring high standards of accountability and governance.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Team

Living conditions and remarks

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO). Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP. The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate. https://www.unv.org