Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Senior Programme Management Officer (Digital Transformations Sub-programme Coordinator)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Professional and Higher Categories, P-5
• Number of Vacancies: Not specified
• Salary: Not specified (commensurate with UN P-5 level)
• Category/Department: Economic, Social and Development / Programme Management
• Reporting To: Chief Digital Officer
• Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
• Job Opening ID: 256803

Introduction

A prestigious opportunity awaits experienced professionals to join the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a Senior Programme Management Officer in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2025. This role, within the Chief Digital Office, focuses on coordinating UNEP’s Digital Transformations Sub-programme, leveraging digital tools to accelerate environmental sustainability and enhance data-driven decision-making. Ideal for candidates with expertise in programme management and digital innovation, this position drives transformative changes in environmental governance, economic models, and human behaviors to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution. Join UNEP’s global headquarters and lead impactful initiatives that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), based in Nairobi, Kenya, is the UN’s leading authority on environmental issues, coordinating global policy consensus and advocating for sustainable development. UNEP’s vision for digital transformation integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance data-driven decision-making, transparency, and agility in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The Chief Digital Office spearheads this transformation, embedding digital tools across UNEP’s operations and fostering partnerships with governments, businesses, and civil society. The Senior Programme Management Officer role is pivotal in aligning digital strategies with UNEP’s mission to create a sustainable future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Planning: Coordinate the development of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work, integrating environmental and sustainability goals into the global digital economy
• Ensure Coherence: Align UNEP’s digital transformation initiatives across divisions and regional offices to amplify impact and transparency
• Coordinate with UN System: Ensure coherence between UNEP’s digital transformation efforts and those of other UN entities, regional bodies, and civil society
• Review Digital Initiatives: Assess UN-wide digital transformation projects, collaborating through inter-agency coordination mechanisms
• Manage Projects: Participate in UNEP’s project review committee, ensuring digital tools embed environmental data and analytics for consistency with UNEA guidance
• Monitor Implementation: Oversee digital transformation activities by divisions and regional offices, identifying priorities, issues, and corrective actions
• Support Policy Discussions: Act as a resource person for CPR debates on inclusive data architectures and digital ecosystems
• Mobilize Resources: Develop strategies for extra-budgetary resource mobilization for digital transformation initiatives
• Integrate Gender Mainstreaming: Assess the gender implications of digital transformation actions, ensuring equal participation of men and women
• Drive Data Strategy: Lead efforts to collect, analyze, and share data for evidence-based planning, decision-making, and reporting
• Facilitate Collaboration: Foster partnerships with stakeholders to integrate digital tools into environmental governance
• Evaluate Performance: Monitor project delivery, ensuring alignment with UNEP’s strategic objectives and sustainability goals
• Communicate Vision: Articulate links between UNEP’s digital transformation strategy and programme goals
• Mentor Teams: Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration
• Promote Sustainability: Advocate for digital solutions that drive environmental, economic, and social sustainability

Competencies

• Professionalism: Deep knowledge of strategic digital transformation and environmental sustainability; ability to analyze data and communicate strategic alignment
• Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication; active listening and tailored messaging for diverse audiences
• Planning and Organizing: Sets clear goals, prioritizes tasks, allocates resources efficiently, and adjusts plans to mitigate risks
• Vision: Identifies strategic opportunities and communicates a compelling organizational direction
• Leadership: Empowers teams, builds relationships, drives change, and ensures gender balance in staffing

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in environment, digital innovation, computing, data science, or development. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may substitute.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in complex socio-economic settings
• Desirable Experience: Work in environmental and sustainable development, policy analysis, strategic digital transformation, or data-driven decision-making
• Desirable Experience: Strategic planning, resource allocation, adaptive management, or data analytics
• Languages: Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking, understanding) is required. Knowledge of another UN language (e.g., French) is desirable.
• Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills for managing complex projects
• Skills: Proficiency in data analytics, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement
• Skills: Ability to use digital tools for evidence-based decision-making and reporting

UNEP’s Commitment and Work Environment

UNEP fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture, emphasizing gender parity, geographical diversity, and disability inclusion. Based in Nairobi, the Chief Digital Office operates within a global network of UN agencies, regional offices, and partners, driving digital transformation to address environmental challenges. The Senior Programme Management Officer benefits from a collaborative environment, access to advanced digital tools, and mentorship from senior leaders. UNEP’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda ensures a workplace where contributions have global impact.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Senior Programme Management Officer position. Submit your application through the UN Careers portal at Apply here: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/256803?language=en by August 8, 2025. Ensure your application includes:

• Completed Personal History Profile (PHP) in Inspira
• Cover letter detailing relevant experience and alignment with UNEP’s mission
• Academic certificates (e.g., Master’s or Bachelor’s degree)
• Details of qualifying lateral moves (for UN Secretariat staff)

UNEP does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment, which may include a competency-based interview. UNEP encourages applications from female candidates and nationals of unrepresented or underrepresented Member States (e.g., Angola, China, Japan).

Additional Engagement

View More Job Opportunities
Explore additional vacancies at Browse verified jobs on https://jobkenya.org/

Free WhatsApp Channel for Job Seekers
Get real-time alerts from our WhatsApp Channel for Job Updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValRUem7DAX1gmkC7y2K

Tags

Senior Programme Management Officer, digital transformation jobs, environmental sustainability careers, UNEP Nairobi opportunities, programme management roles

Why Choose the Senior Programme Management Officer Role?

A Leadership Role in Global Environmental Transformation

The Senior Programme Management Officer position at UNEP offers a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation initiatives that address the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, and pollution. Based in Nairobi, this role empowers you to shape UNEP’s Digital Transformations Sub-programme, integrating digital tools to enhance environmental decision-making and sustainability. With a focus on data-driven strategies, this position is ideal for professionals passionate about leveraging technology for global impact.

UNEP’s Role in Digital and Environmental Innovation

UNEP is at the forefront of environmental advocacy, using digital transformation to amplify its impact. The Chief Digital Office drives innovation by scanning, testing, and scaling digital technologies, making UNEP a data-driven and agile partner. The Senior Programme Management Officer plays a critical role in aligning these efforts with global climate goals, fostering partnerships, and promoting transparency in environmental governance. This role positions you at the heart of Nairobi’s environmental hub, driving change on a global scale.

Career Benefits of the Role

The Senior Programme Management Officer role offers significant professional growth opportunities, including:

• Leadership Development: Lead strategic planning and resource mobilization for digital transformation
• Global Impact: Shape environmental policies and digital ecosystems for sustainability
• Networking: Collaborate with UN agencies, governments, and civil society
• Skill Enhancement: Master data analytics, programme management, and gender mainstreaming
• Career Advancement: Build a foundation for senior roles in environmental and digital innovation
• Mentorship: Work under the Chief Digital Officer, gaining insights from global experts

This one-year position, with potential for extension, provides a platform for long-term career growth.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities in Detail

As a Senior Programme Management Officer, you’ll engage in high-level tasks to drive digital transformation:

• Strategic Coordination: Align UNEP’s digital initiatives with its Medium-Term Strategy and global sustainability goals
• Project Oversight: Review and monitor digital transformation projects, ensuring environmental data integration
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate partnerships with UN entities, regional offices, and civil society
• Resource Mobilization: Develop strategies to secure funding for digital transformation initiatives
• Data Strategy: Lead data collection and analysis for evidence-based decision-making
• Gender Mainstreaming: Ensure gender perspectives are integrated into digital transformation actions
• Policy Support: Contribute to UNEA debates on inclusive data architectures

These tasks combine strategic leadership with practical implementation, ensuring measurable impact.

Technical and Soft Skills Development

The Senior Programme Management Officer role fosters a range of skills, including:

• Technical Expertise: Master digital transformation strategies and data analytics
• Leadership: Guide teams and stakeholders toward shared objectives
• Communication: Articulate complex strategies to diverse audiences
• Planning and Organizing: Prioritize tasks and manage resources in a fast-paced environment
• Vision: Develop and communicate a compelling direction for digital transformation
• Gender Mainstreaming: Apply inclusive approaches to programme management

These skills are transferable to senior roles in environmental policy, digital innovation, and international development.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi, as UNEP’s global headquarters, is a hub for environmental and digital innovation. The city hosts a vibrant community of UN agencies, NGOs, and tech organizations, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. As a Senior Programme Management Officer, you’ll benefit from proximity to global decision-makers and a dynamic professional ecosystem, enhancing your career in environmental sustainability.

Industry Trends in Digital Transformation

The global shift toward digital transformation is reshaping environmental governance, with data-driven tools enhancing transparency and decision-making. UNEP’s focus on integrating digital technologies aligns with trends like AI-driven environmental monitoring and blockchain for sustainable supply chains. The Senior Programme Management Officer role positions you at the forefront of these innovations, contributing to global efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss through 2025 and beyond.

Application Tips

To strengthen your application for the Senior Programme Management Officer position:

• Tailor Your PHP: Highlight 10+ years of programme management and digital transformation experience
• Emphasize Skills: Showcase expertise in data analytics, strategic planning, or environmental sustainability
• Craft a Cover Letter: Explain your vision for digital transformation in environmental governance
• Include Certifications: Provide proof of advanced degrees or data science training
• Apply Early: Submit via Inspira before the August 8, 2025, deadline

Applications must be submitted via Apply here: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/256803?language=en.

Work Environment and Support

The Senior Programme Management Officer role operates within UNEP’s Chief Digital Office, a collaborative and innovative environment. You’ll have access to advanced digital tools, fast internet, and mentorship from the Chief Digital Officer. UNEP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive workplace where your leadership drives global change.

Impact on Global Sustainability

By leading UNEP’s Digital Transformations Sub-programme, the Senior Programme Management Officer contributes to global sustainability goals. Your work will enhance environmental decision-making, promote sustainable economic models, and foster inclusive digital ecosystems. This aligns with UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and the 2030 Agenda, making a lasting impact on the planet’s future.

Networking and Professional Growth

The role offers access to a global network of environmental and digital experts, UN agencies, and policymakers. You’ll engage in high-level discussions, attend UNEA sessions, and build relationships that enhance your career prospects. Joining networks like the UN Data Strategy Community can further boost your visibility in the field.

Final Call to Action

Seize this opportunity to lead digital transformation with the Senior Programme Management Officer role at UNEP in Nairobi. Apply by August 8, 2025, through Apply here: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/256803?language=en. Submit your PHP and cover letter to join a global leader in environmental sustainability and shape the future of digital innovation.