Sustainable Public Procurement Expert (Part-time) - Readvertisement

Result of Service

The consultant will contribute to the delivery and visibility of the 10YFP Secretariat’s work on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), supporting implementation and scale-up in line with the Global Strategy for SCP (2023 to 2030). In particular, the consultant will enable effective coordination and delivery of the PAS on SPP and strengthen the evidence base for tracking and communicating SPP impact. Working in close coordination with UNIDO/IDDI, MGI Brazil, UN Climate High-Level Champions team, SPP programme MAC and Co-leads, and other PAS partners, the consultant will support achievement of the following results: 1. SPP programme established as the practical coordination mechanism for PAS implementation, including a clear plan for engaging the right actors at the right levels, an agreed delivery rhythm with monthly coordination meetings, and clear action and delivery tracking to maintain momentum and secure SPP as a continued priority under the Action Agenda and future COP cycles. 2. PAS and SPP programme strategically aligned within existing governance, through re-engagement of the ongoing SPP Programme Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and PAS co-leads, recruitment of new strategic stakeholders and Member States, and strengthened global leadership and coordination on this agenda, with a clear SPP Programme working area for PAS stakeholder engagement (entry points, roles, and feedback loops). 3. SPP impact data collection and measurement advanced, through a pragmatic improvement pathway, technical consultations to build stakeholder alignment on what and how to measure, identification of best practices and leading examples, and clear synergies with SDG 12.7.1 reporting where relevant.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP), adopted by the UN General Assembly, is a key implementation mechanism for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its SDG 12, of which it is an integral part. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the Secretariat of the 10YFP, working closely with Member States and other stakeholders engaged in the One Planet network, its global programmes and initiatives (www.oneplanetnetwork.org) to support implementation of SCP policies, solutions and practices globally. Furthermore, the 10YFP Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Global Strategy for SCP (2023 to 2030), approved by the 10YFP Board (UN General Assembly resolution), as a direct contribution to advancing the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) on climate, biodiversity and pollution. The Global Strategy for SCP identifies the uptake of sustainable public procurement (SPP) as one of the core global solutions to accelerate system-wide change across high-impact sectors and value chains. The 10YFP Secretariat’s Results Framework for 2025 to 2026 reflects this strategic emphasis, with concrete implementation targets captured in UNEP’s Division of Industry and Economy workplan for the same period. UNEP as custodian of SDG Indicator 12.7.1, tracks progress on SPP implementation among national governments worldwide according to a methodology that was developed in 2019. Data on SPP implementation is collected on a biennial basis via an Excel-based questionnaire. This questionnaire is completed by officially designated focal points within national governments and submitted to UNEP, along with supporting evidence, for review. Aggregate data for this indicator is published in the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) SDG Global Database, and a report is produced reflecting the main findings and conclusions. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will: • Develop and maintain an implementation plan for the assignment (including timeline, stakeholder engagement plan, and internal coordination arrangements), and provide concise progress updates to UNEP. • Plan, convene, and document targeted consultations and expert engagement to advance common principles and criteria for sustainable public procurement in priority sectors, with an initial focus on food (including preparation materials, agendas, and synthesis notes). • Draft and refine the common principles and criteria package for the food sector, integrating consultation inputs and ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals and relevant One Planet Network and UNEP priorities. • Support rollout and uptake of the modular online certification training programme by engaging Member States and municipalities, promoting participation, and developing user-facing outreach and guidance materials. • Collect, review, and synthesize feedback and available data from training delivery and users, and propose evidence-based refinements, including recommendations for sector-specific modules and tailoring for developing country needs. • Advance analysis for the SPP tool workstream by identifying user needs, relevant criteria sources, and practical options to improve selection, applicability, and standardization of sustainable procurement criteria.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy or administration, sustainable development, environmental science, economics, engineering or a related field. A first-level degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • At least 5 years of professional experience in the field of public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy, including experience in SPP is required. • Demonstrated experience engaging with governments, including in facilitating stakeholder consultations, reporting or training is required. • Strong analytical, research, writing and communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, concept notes, and outreach materials for different audiences, is required. • Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, and working with international, regional, and national organizations, including UN entities, is highly desirable. • Experience in the organization and delivery of events, including capacity-building workshops or policy consultations is highly desirable. • Ability to work independently and proactively in a multi-cultural, remote setting; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Languages

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of any other languages or UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.