UNEP Associate Programme Management Officer (P2) – Plastic Pollution Treaty (INC)

Job Description

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recruiting an Associate Programme Management Officer (P2) to support the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) working toward a global legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute directly to one of the most important international environmental negotiations currently underway.

Job Details

• Job Title: Associate Programme Management Officer (P2)
• Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Department: INC Secretariat
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
• Application Period: 29 December 2025 to 27 January 2026

About UNEP and the INC Process

UNEP leads global environmental action within the United Nations system and supports sustainable development worldwide. Following the UN Environment Assembly resolution on Ending Plastic Pollution, UNEP established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international treaty addressing plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting this high-level diplomatic process and helping to deliver a landmark global environmental agreement.

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Programme Management Officer, you will support environmental negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery across the INC process.

Support Environmental Negotiations and High-Level Meetings

• Coordinate INC sessions, including planning, logistics, and delivery
• Draft scripts, speaking notes, background papers, and analytical documents for negotiations
• Provide technical and administrative support to governing bodies, Presiding Officers, and Bureaux

Engage with Member States and Stakeholders

• Liaise with Permanent Missions, regional groups, and national delegations
• Respond to official inquiries and support outreach, donor relations, and resource mobilization efforts

Programme and Policy Support

• Monitor programme activities and analyze progress reports
• Conduct research, data collection, and data visualization to support evidence-based decision-making
• Contribute to environmental governance initiatives and policy coordination

Meeting and Operational Support

• Manage in-person and virtual meeting arrangements for INC-related events
• Prepare agendas, reports, presentations, and official meeting documentation
• Participate in field missions and stakeholder engagement activities as required

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in international law, political science, economics, public administration, or a related field
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree
• Training in data analytics or data science is desirable

Experience

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in environmental governance, sustainable development, or programme management
• Proven experience in multilateral environmental agreements and intergovernmental negotiation processes
• Demonstrated ability to draft scripts, speaking notes, and official documentation for environmental negotiations
• Experience liaising with Member States and Permanent Missions
• Strong background in meeting planning and coordination

Experience related to plastic pollution governance within the UN system and data analytics will be considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required, with UN Level II proficiency across reading, writing, speaking, and understanding

Core Competencies

• Strong professionalism in environmental governance and policy processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage complex workflows, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail

Additional Information

• Initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on mandate and funding availability
• UNEP is committed to gender balance and strongly encourages qualified women to apply
• Staff mobility policies and UN eligibility requirements apply
• All applications must be fully completed and submitted through Inspira

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the UN Careers Portal no later than 27 January 2026. Applicants are advised to ensure all profile details and work experience sections are fully completed before submission.

This role is ideal for professionals seeking to build an international career in environmental governance while contributing meaningfully to global efforts to end plastic pollution.