International UN Volunteer Opportunity: Associate Programme Management Officer with UNEP

September 24, 2025

3 minutes read

Apply now for the International UN Volunteer Associate Programme Management Officer position with UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya, starting October 2025. This 12-month assignment (with possible extension) supports the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, strengthening global biodiversity frameworks and national action plans. Open to international applicants with 5+ years of relevant experience, this volunteer role offers hands-on programme management, coordination, and biodiversity policy engagement with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

International UN Volunteer Opportunity: Associate Programme Management Officer with UNEP

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Background & Job Description

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972, is the leading global authority on environmental issues. Its mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP plays a pivotal role in setting the global environmental agenda and implementing sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

One of UNEP’s key collaborative platforms is the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. This country-led initiative strengthens the design and execution of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to align with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). It provides technical expertise, knowledge sharing, matchmaking for resources, and in-country facilitation to accelerate biodiversity action.

The Associate Programme Management Officer (International UN Volunteer Specialist) will join UNEP’s Nature Frameworks Support Unit and support the Global Coordination Unit of the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. This position focuses on programme management, facilitator engagement, data management, event coordination, and stakeholder collaboration, with a strong emphasis on supporting biodiversity action across African Francophone countries.

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Start Date: 20 October 2025
Volunteer Category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Tasks

1. Facilitator Programme

Liaise with facilitators, partners, and UNEP staff to track commitments and deadlines.
Gather, analyze, and present information for reports, publications, and knowledge products.
Maintain updated facilitator records and databases.
Provide operational support: meeting follow-ups, briefing materials, and notes.
Organize logistical and administrative arrangements for national consultations and workshops, including travel support.
Track programme performance indicators in UNEP’s Integrated Planning, Monitoring and Reporting (IPMR) system.

2. UNEP & NBSAP Accelerator Partnership Support

Contribute to engagement with African Francophone countries, ensuring whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches in NBSAP implementation.
Build country project portfolios and channel requests through the matchmaking mechanism.
Coordinate meetings, prepare notes, and liaise across UNEP, the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, and the Global Coordination Unit.
Ensure compliance with UNEP administrative and procurement processes.
Support event planning (agenda design, outreach, logistics, participant engagement).
Draft and edit communication materials such as reports, presentations, and briefs.

3. UN Volunteer Engagement

Contribute to UNV visibility by participating in UNV activities, reflection sessions, and International Volunteer Day events.
Share articles and field updates for UNV newsletters, websites, and press releases.
Support the UNV Buddy Programme for new volunteers.
Encourage local communities and partners to utilize online volunteering platforms.

Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in International Relations, International Law, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field (required).

Experience

Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in programme/project support, biodiversity, environmental frameworks, or sustainable development.
Proven track record working on the implementation of biodiversity strategies, frameworks, or multilateral environmental agreements.
Experience in programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, and administration.
Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Skills & Competencies

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong planning, organizing, and coordination abilities.
Ability to adapt professionally in multicultural, international environments.
Attention to detail and document accuracy.
Team player with demonstrated professionalism and client orientation.

Desirable Experience

Supporting biodiversity/environmental events (e.g., conferences, workshops, multilateral meetings).
Familiarity with UN systems, monitoring & evaluation processes, and UN online platforms.
Previous coordination roles in multi-stakeholder international projects.
Knowledge of French (working level required).

Additional Information

Eligibility: Open to international applicants (must not be a Kenyan national).
Age Requirement: 18 – 80 years.
Languages: English (fluent, required); French (working knowledge, required).
Volunteerism Values: Commitment to diversity, inclusion, gender equality, and respect for human rights.
Assignment Location: Nairobi, Kenya – a cosmopolitan city, home to UNEP HQ and UN-Habitat, with robust infrastructure, international connectivity, and cultural diversity.

Note on Living Conditions: Nairobi offers modern facilities, but as with all UNV assignments, adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and readiness to engage in local contexts are essential.

Scam Warning: The United Nations never charges fees at any stage of recruitment.

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