Senior Coordination Officer

Deadline to apply 5 November 2026 at 23:59 New York time. Read the full job description. This is an internationally recruited position. The UNEP Regional Seas Programme. Established in 1974, is the umbrella framework that brings together 18 Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, covering 146 countries. The Cartagena Convention, adopted in 1983, is the first and only legally binding framework of its kind for the Wider Caribbean Region, providing the intergovernmental platform for its Member States and Territories to cooperate on the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment. The Regional Coordinating Unit (UNEP-CAR/RCU) was established in 1986 in Kingston, Jamaica and is the Secretariat to the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols. This post is located in the Regional Coordinating Unit, at the Kingston, Jamaica duty station. Under the direct Supervision of the Chief of Regional Seas Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties : Acts as UNEP's focal point for and coordinates the activities of UNEP's Caribbean Environment rogramme, Regional Coordinating Unit (CAR/RCU), and the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention. This will be done in accordance with the provisions of the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) and its Protocols and the decisions of the Conference of the Parties to the Cartagena Convention and its Protocols. Coordinates and supervises the preparation of meetings of the Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention, and analyses COP decisions, translating them into action plans Liaises with Parties to the Cartagena Convention and other Governments and stakeholders in the Wider Caribbean Region, the donor community, international organisations and institutions. Coordinates the activities of the CAR/RCU with the activities of the Regional Activity Centres (RACs) to ensure cohesive, high-quality deliverables. Coordinates host country relations with the Government of Jamaica and participates in the work of the UN Country Team meetings, as required. Supports activities in UNEP's Regional Seas Programme and other action stemming from related UNEA decisions and coordinates the work of the CEP and the Cartagena Convention with other Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, other multilateral environmental agreements and UNEP's work on marine and freshwater. Responsible for the overall supervision of the administration of CAR/RCU and responsible for the financial management and the timely and sufficient financial contributions by the Contracting Parties to the Caribbean Trust Fund and guides Parties in the payment of contributions as per the financial rules and Conference of the Parties (COP) decisions. Facilitates the development and implementation of fundraising strategies to mobilise additional support as may be required for the implementation of activities and initiatives emanating from decisions of the meetings. Coordinates and ensures effective and efficient management and delivery of results of GEF projects in the Caribbean region, as well as other subregional projects funded by the GEF or other Global Funds, the EC, governments and others. Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. Leads team members' efforts to collect and analyse data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate, and share the data they need. May perform other duties as required. Education An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, environmental management, environmental law and policy, development or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Work Experience A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in the planning, implementation and management of marine and coastal programmes, policies and initiatives at the national, regional or international level is required. At least five years of experience in intergovernmental processes, including supporting negotiations, governing bodies, and conferences of the parties, is required. A minimum of five years' experience managing large programmes and projects relating to the marine environment is required. A minimum of three years' experience in resource mobilisation is required. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. Required Languages English Reading: UN Level III Writing: UN Level III Listening: UN Level III Speaking: UN Level III Spanish Reading: UN Level II Writing: UN Level II Listening: UN Level II Speaking: UN Level II