Deputy Secretary – Senior Programme Management Officer (P5)

About the role

The Deputy Secretary (Senior Programme Management Officer) P5 will support the United Nations Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastic pollution, based at the UNEP secretariat in Nairobi. Reporting directly to the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will contribute to the development of an international legally binding instrument that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, in line with the Rio Declaration and the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution. The role requires close coordination with member states, UN agencies and civil society to ensure the INC’s work progresses towards its 2024 deadline.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Executive Secretary in managing the INC on plastic pollution.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication among member states, UN bodies and civil society.
• Assist in drafting agenda items, briefing notes and reports for the United Nations Environment Assembly.
• Monitor progress of the INC and ensure alignment with UNEP’s strategic objectives.
• Facilitate logistical arrangements and documentation for INC meetings.
• Track implementation of INC decisions and liaise with relevant UNEP divisions.

Required profile

• Relevant higher‑education degree in environmental policy, international law or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in programme management, preferably within an international or UN context.
• Ability to work under the supervision of senior officials and manage complex, multi‑stakeholder processes.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of additional UN languages is an asset.

Required skills