PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER, Abu Dhabi

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS and are supported by the CMS Secretariat. The CMS Secretariat also serves as the Secretariat for the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). In addition, two regional agreements adopted under CMS have their own Secretariats, which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn: the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of Governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides administrative services to the CMS, AEWA, ASCOBANS and EUROBATS Secretariats. This position is located at the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi. The Office coordinates the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MoU). Under the overall supervision of the CMS Executive Secretary and the direct supervision of the Executive Coordinator of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, the Programme Management Officer heads the Raptors MoU Coordinating Unit. The work of the Coordinating Unit focuses on six core areas: (1) MoU processes; (2) support to the Technical Advisory Group; (3) national and regional strategies; (4) the Vultures Multi-species Action Plan; (5) the Saker Falcon Global Action Plan; and (6) cross-cutting issues, including illegal killing, taking and trade, poisoning, and electrocution. The Programme Management Officer will jointly supervise the Associate Programme Management Officer with the Dugong MoU Coordinator. The Associate Programme Management Officer supports the implementation of both the Raptors MoU and the Dugong MoU and contributes to the broader programme of work of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi. More information on the Raptors MoU is available at: The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions: Responsibilities1. Organize, manage and provide services to facilitate the MOU's work programme by: a. Providing the necessary support to implement the MOU's programme of work (POW) including its Action Plan and the various action plans on migratory birds of prey developed under the MOU's framework, including the mobilization of financial and in-kind resources b. Providing secretariat services to the MOU, the Meeting of Signatories (MOS), the MOU's Technical Advisory Group (TAG), as well as the MOU's various task forces, coordinating groups, and working groups c. Regularly planning, organizing and providing support to MOU meetings and workshops, drafting technical and policy-oriented papers, coordinating the preparation of expert interventions, managing meeting arrangements and secretariat services d. Coordinating development and implementation of new international species actions plans and supporting MOU Signatories to elaborate national strategies to address threats to migratory birds of prey. 2. Promote interest in and mobilize financial and in-kind resources for the Raptors MOU and its associated processes and initiatives by: a. Developing and executing a communications strategy b. Developing and executing a resource mobilization strategy c. Developing new and deepening existing partnerships with intergovernmental organisations (IGOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other entities as appropriate; d. Representing the Raptors MOU in international meetings and conferences e. Representing the Raptors MOU in meetings and conferences within the United Arab Emirates the Coordinating Unit's host country 3. Identify opportunities to capture synergies with other international initiatives and processes by: a. Collaborating proactively with the CMS Secretariat, in particular its Avian Unit, including to capture synergies with respect to Implementation, and to provide contributions to the CMS Conference of the Parties, Standing Committee and Scientific Council as appropriate b. Liaising with Raptors MOU Focal Points, TAG members and key stakeholders and experts from IGOs, NGOs and the raptor research and conservation community c. Liaising with organisations and the research and conservation community in the United Arab Emirates 4. Undertake finance, administrative and supervisory responsibilities to facilitate operations of the Raptors MOU Coordinating Unit and CMS Office -Abu Dhabi by: a. Supervising an Associate Programme Officer and when needed short-term consultant(s) and intern(s) b. Performing general and routine office management practices including effective budget management and stewardship c. Applying UN rules and regulations, including overseeing the development, implementation and monitoring of and reporting on legal agreements in line with UN rules. 5. 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. 6. Perform other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to avian conservation, including the ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. The 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biology, ecology, zoology or environmental studies and/or a field related to species conservation and management 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 programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of species conservation and management or related area is required. At least three (3) years of work experience in an international setting, such as an intergovernmental or international conservation organization, is required. Experience with avian species conservation issues is required. Experience with raptors conservation issues is desirable. Experience in working on issues related to migratory species of wild animals is desirable. Experience with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) conference procedures, practices and administrative rules is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French and Arabic are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).