UNEP is recruiting a Programme Management Officer (NOC) based in New Delhi to support the “True Value Accounting” project. Apply before 22 November 2025. An opportunity to drive sustainable food system transformation in India under the UN’s global environmental agenda.
Championing Environmental Transformation in India
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced an exciting opportunity for a Programme Management Officer (NOC) to join its Economics of Nature Unit within the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division, based in New Delhi.
This position offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of environmental economics, sustainable food systems, and global development policy, contributing to one of UNEP’s flagship projects:
“True Value Accounting: Making the Economic Case for Food Systems Transformation in India and Kenya.”
As the world faces the urgent challenge of aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability, UNEP continues to lead the charge by empowering professionals who are passionate about creating measurable impact on a global scale.
About UNEP and Its Mission
The United Nations Environment Programme is the world’s leading environmental authority, shaping the global environmental agenda and ensuring the environmental dimension of sustainable development is implemented coherently across the UN system.
UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works closely with governments, private sector partners, and communities to restore natural systems and promote sustainable development practices.
The Economics of Nature Unit—where this position is based—focuses on the valuation of ecosystems and natural resources to strengthen environmental management and inform policy reform.
About the Project: True Value Accounting for Food Systems
The “True Value Accounting” project seeks to make a compelling economic case for transforming food systems by quantifying and integrating environmental, social, and health externalities into decision-making processes.
In India, the project will support policymakers and stakeholders in adopting evidence-based approaches that promote sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation.
The selected Programme Management Officer will play a central role in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating this groundbreaking initiative, contributing to both national policy innovation and international learning exchange with Kenya and beyond.
Role Overview and Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of the Economics of Nature Unit, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for ensuring the effective execution of the project in India.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Programme Implementation: Oversee the development and execution of the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) project in India, identifying issues, proposing solutions, and ensuring project milestones are achieved.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration among Indian ministries, research institutions, and the private sector to advance sustainable food systems.
- Policy Support: Provide strategic and substantive guidance to implementing agencies to ensure policies align with UNEP’s sustainability goals.
- Research and Analysis: Prepare analytical reports, policy briefs, and background studies on environmental and agricultural economics.
- Capacity Building: Conduct workshops and training sessions to promote the TEEB Approach and share best practices on ecosystem valuation and modeling.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Coordinate project activities, track financials, and ensure high-quality reporting and accountability.
- Data Analytics: Collect and interpret data using visualization tools, supporting evidence-based decision-making and impact reporting.
Through these functions, the incumbent will help India advance toward sustainable food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Required Competencies
UNEP seeks a dynamic professional with strong analytical, managerial, and communication skills.
Core Competencies:
- Professionalism: Strong grasp of environmental economics, sustainable food systems, and policy implementation.
- Communication: Ability to write clearly, present findings effectively, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Planning and Organizing: Skill in managing complex projects, balancing multiple priorities, and delivering under tight deadlines.
An ideal candidate is detail-oriented, solution-driven, and deeply committed to sustainable development and environmental integrity.
Qualifications and Experience
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials in environmental or economic disciplines.
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Economics, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecological Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
- A first-level degree with additional experience may be accepted.
- Additional certification in data analytics or business analytics is desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme management or environmental economic valuation.
- Proven experience in ecosystem services valuation, cost-benefit analysis, or natural capital accounting.
- Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial modeling for ecosystem services is required.
- Experience in agri-food systems transformation and India-focused environmental projects is desirable.
- Two or more years of experience in data analytics is an advantage.
Language Requirement:
- English proficiency (UN Level II) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is required.
- Knowledge of French or other UN languages is an asset.
Duty Station and Work Environment
This position is based in New Delhi, India, within UNEP’s Ecosystems Division.
It is a fixed-term position, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance.
Only Indian nationals are eligible for this National Professional Officer (NO-C) role.
Compensation and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary under the United Nations National Professional Officer (NO-C) scale, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
In addition to salary, UNEP offers:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Pension benefits
- Learning and development opportunities
- A diverse, inclusive, and gender-balanced work environment
Application Process and Deadline
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the UN Careers Portal.
🗓️ Application Deadline: 22 November 2025
📍 Job Opening ID: 265631
💼 Duty Station: New Delhi, India
🔗 Department: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ecosystems Division
Applicants must ensure that all required fields, professional experience, and contact details are accurately completed.
Female candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
For technical assistance with applications, candidates can use the “Contact Us” link on the Inspira platform.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
UNEP values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace that reflects the communities it serves.
Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, competence, and integrity, with full adherence to the principles of gender parity and geographical balance.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.
Join the Movement for a Sustainable Future
This position offers an opportunity to shape policy and practice at the heart of global sustainability efforts.
As a Programme Management Officer at UNEP, the selected candidate will contribute directly to the transformation of food systems, ensuring that environmental sustainability becomes integral to economic decision-making.
Through research, partnership, and innovation, UNEP continues to lead efforts toward a greener, fairer, and more resilient planet.
Apply Now
🌿 Take the next step in your environmental career.
Submit your application before 22 November 2025 on the official UN Careers Portal.
Be part of the team redefining the economics of nature — where your expertise helps create a sustainable and equitable world.
