PROGRAMME Officer
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Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER At UN Environment Programme
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Project Management Officer – Agriculture Transition Finance
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 25 August
Join UNEP in Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Finance
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as Project Management Officer – Agriculture Transition Finance within its Climate Change Division. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global efforts aimed at transforming agricultural finance and promoting environmentally responsible food production systems.
The successful candidate will coordinate UNEP's contribution to the Innovative Finance for the Amazon, Cerrado and Chaco (IFACC) initiative, a collaborative programme delivered in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the World Economic Forum (WEF). The initiative focuses on mobilizing financial resources and strengthening partnerships to encourage agricultural production that protects forests, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic growth.
As part of the Climate Finance Unit, the Project Management Officer will work closely with governments, financial institutions, development organizations, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to advance innovative financing mechanisms that support climate action and sustainable land use.
Position Summary
The Project Management Officer will oversee the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of activities under the IFACC initiative. The role requires strong project management expertise, knowledge of sustainable finance, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across multiple sectors and regions.
The officer will play a key role in promoting investment strategies that encourage responsible agricultural practices, reduce deforestation, and support the transition toward climate-resilient and nature-positive economies. The position also involves identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships, mobilize financial resources, and expand programme activities into additional regions.
Primary Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible for managing the overall implementation of UNEP's activities within the IFACC programme. This includes ensuring that project objectives, timelines, budgets, and deliverables are achieved efficiently and in accordance with organizational standards.
Key duties include:
Lead the planning, execution, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities.
Prepare and manage detailed work plans, implementation schedules, and progress reports.
Oversee project budgets, financial planning, procurement processes, and consultant management while ensuring compliance with UNEP procedures.
Coordinate the preparation of technical documents, project records, presentations, and other reporting materials.
Build and maintain productive relationships with governments, development agencies, donor organizations, financial institutions, agricultural businesses, and non-governmental organizations.
Support efforts to mobilize public and private investment for sustainable agriculture and climate-related initiatives.
Ensure timely submission of technical, financial, and donor reports while maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.
Collaborate with internal UNEP teams to identify opportunities for integration with related Climate Finance initiatives, including the Restoration Seed Capital Facility (RSCF), Responsible Commodities Facility (RCF), and the Restoration Factory programme.
Explore strategic opportunities to replicate and expand IFACC activities in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Analyze project performance data to generate evidence-based insights that support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
Develop visual presentations, analytical reports, and communication materials for internal and external stakeholders.
Monitor project risks and recommend practical solutions that contribute to effective programme delivery and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants should possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following fields or another closely related discipline:
Sustainable Finance
Economics
Environmental Economics
Agricultural Economics
Business Analytics
Finance
Data Analytics
Environmental Management
Other relevant quantitative disciplines
Candidates holding a bachelor's degree combined with at least two additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in place of an advanced degree.
Professional training or certification in business analytics, data science, financial analysis, or related analytical disciplines will be considered an advantage.
Professional Experience
Applicants should demonstrate substantial experience in managing complex projects involving sustainable development, finance, or environmental programmes.
Essential requirements include:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in sustainable finance, agricultural value chains, project management, climate finance, or private sector engagement.
At least two years of experience working in an international or multicultural environment.
Proven experience working with or within private financial institutions, investment organizations, or commercial finance sectors.
Strong understanding of sustainable agricultural supply chains and responsible investment practices.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects involving multiple stakeholders across different sectors.
Desirable qualifications include:
Experience collaborating with United Nations organizations or other international development institutions.
Familiarity with agricultural commodity markets and sustainability standards.
Experience engaging with agribusiness companies and food supply chain partners.
Knowledge of environmental finance mechanisms and climate investment strategies.
Skills in data analysis, visualization, and evidence-based reporting.
Desired Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities. They should be comfortable managing multiple priorities while working in a dynamic international environment.
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate:
Strong project planning and organizational skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to establish productive partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Financial management and budget oversight experience.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Confidence in preparing technical reports and presentations.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
Commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and responsible development.
Why Join UNEP?
This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to international efforts addressing climate change, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. By joining UNEP's Climate Finance Unit, you will work alongside leading experts and global partners to develop innovative financial solutions that encourage sustainable food production while protecting forests and biodiversity.
The role offers valuable exposure to international policy, sustainable investment, and cross-sector collaboration, allowing you to make meaningful contributions to projects with global environmental impact. You will help shape financing approaches that strengthen climate resilience, promote responsible land use, and support long-term sustainable development across multiple regions.
If you are passionate about sustainable finance, environmental protection, and creating innovative solutions that generate lasting global impact, this opportunity offers an excellent platform to advance both your career and the international sustainability agenda.
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 25 August