Technical Project Support

Result of Service

• Strengthen implementation and execution of the Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme through enhanced stakeholder engagement, scientific coordination, harmonized monitoring systems, technical guidance, knowledge sharing, strategic planning and implementation, legal arrangements and supervision of activities under those agreements, and collaboration with relevant Conventions and regional executing agencies across its child projects, enabling the generation of high-quality data to support global chemicals and waste management objectives. • Effective and timely coordination and implementation of project activities, leading to the successful development, review, and update of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) across the participating countries. This includes ensuring that activities under the relevant components of the UNEP/GEF projects (GEF ID 10785 and 11945) are delivered in a coherent, efficient, and timely manner, resulting in high-quality, technically sound, and country-driven NIPs that align with the Convention obligations and support improved management of POPs at the national level.

Work Location

Home-based, Working remotely

Expected duration

The expected duration of the contract is six (6) months (full-time). The contract fee corresponds to level B, as per the UN Administrative Instructions for Consultants and Individual Contractors (ST/AI/2013/4/Rev.1).

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division leads UNEP's sub-programme on Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality. UNEP’s programme of work centers around assistance to countries and multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) secretariats to assist in technical-scientific issues related to priority chemicals and implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Governing Council resolutions. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit is also leading the execution of the UNEP/GEF project “Global coordination of the Chemicals Monitoring Programme to support implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions” (GEF ID 11535) under the GEF-8 Programme “Global monitoring of POPs and mercury to contribute to the effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention and provide data to support the effectiveness evaluation mechanism of the Minamata Convention (GCMP)” (GEF ID 11534). The Unit is also executing the Components 1 and 2 of the UNEP/GEF project “Global Development, Review, and Update of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention (SC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)” (GEF ID 10785) and Component 1 of the UNEP/GEF project “Global Development, Review and Update of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention (SC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)” (GEF ID 11945). Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Chemicals Science and Policy Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemicals Science and Policy Unit, the consultant will support as per the timeline indicated above, including the following tasks: UNEP/GEF project “Global coordination of the Chemicals Monitoring Programme to support implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions (GEF ID 11535) • Coordinate and communicate with key stakeholders of the GCMP programme and its global coordination project, including preparing working documents, giving presentations and chairing sessions, and coordinating with meeting participants as needed. • Support the coordination of the scientific advisory committee (SAC) of the GCMP and deliver regular progress updates. • Support organizing an international interlaboratory assessment on analysis of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices and in test solutions, including facilitating coordinating meetings, liaising with partners and tracking progress, , convening consultations for the selection of data generators, among others.Provide technical support in finalizing guidelines, analytical protocols, standard operating procedures and training workplans and materials for the monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices. • Support global coordination on sampling and generation of harmonized data on persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices in GCMP programme regions, including liaising with regional executing agencies on the procurement and shipment of samples, establishing a digital tool to track sampling progress, and providing timely support to partners as needed. • Provide technical support for the finalization and implementation of a set of strategies on stakeholder engagement and stakeholder response mechanism according to UNEP and GEF guidelines, knowledge management, and gender integration and communication plans to contribute to the inclusive and successful implementation of the Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme across its six child projects. • Support the establishment and implementation of a Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge sharing and information exchange on global monitoring of chemicals. • Initiate the programme monitoring framework and develop programme indicators, and coordinate with regional executing agencies and other key stakeholders on harmonizing the framework across regions. • Coordinate with expert labs on the analysis of interlaboratory assessment data and synthesis of global reports. • Support regular coordination with the BRS and Minamata Convention secretariats and other key stakeholders and ensure smooth collaboration. UNEP/GEF project “Global Development, Review, and Update of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention (SC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)” (GEF ID 10785) and the UNEP/GEF project “Global Development, Review and Update of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) under the Stockholm Convention (SC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)” (GEF ID 11945) • Reviewing the synergies among UNEP projects 10785 and 11945 and support the finalization of the list of activities to be undertaken under UNEP project 11945 as to be presented in the global inception meeting. • Support the coordination for drafting policy briefs, technical guidance documents, and analytical reports under Component 1. • Facilitate technical reviews and consultations with relevant stakeholders to gather inputs and ensure quality. • Incorporate feedback and finalize knowledge products for validation and endorsement. • Support the preparation and dissemination of finalized knowledge products to target audiences. • Coordinate with GGKP to design the event concept, agenda, and format (webinar/workshop). • Develop and compile event materials, including presentations and background documents. • Support documenting the event outcomes, including preparation of a participant list and post-event summary report. • Review existing modules and identify required technical updates and improvements. • Collect and consolidate user feedback and expert inputs on functionality and content. • Coordinate with Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention Secretariat the revision and enhancement of the four toolkit modules. • Support testing and finalization of updated modules to ensure usability and effectiveness. • Collect and organize draft NIP updates submitted by project countries. • Support the technical review process by assessing the completeness, consistency, and compliance of NIPs with guidelines. • Provide structured feedback and recommendations to countries for revisions. • Follow up with countries to ensure incorporation of comments and progress toward finalization. • Collect and consolidate technical progress updates and financial data. • Review and validate submitted information to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with reporting requirements. • Prepare quarterly progress and expenditure reports in line with agreed formats and donor guidelines. • Coordinate internal clearance and ensure timely submission of finalized reports to the relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to chemistry, environmental/atmospheric/earth sciences, environmental engineering or similar is required. Two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience, with emphasis on international chemicals and waste management, including management of persistent organic pollutants and mercury is required. Demonstrated expertise on environmental monitoring, toxic chemicals, and environmental health is required. A comprehensive understanding of international and regional regulations related to persistent organic pollutants, mercury, the Stockholm and Minamata conventions, including familiarity with UNEP guidelines and tools, is required. Experience in project management, in particular the management of projects involving various partners and stakeholders and benefitting developing countries or countries with economies in transition, is required. Excellent ability to produce high-quality and concise technical notes, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences. Experience in data management and interpretation is desired. Experience of the United Nations system or a similar international organization is an asset. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build robust relationships with strategic partners.

Languages

English is the working language of UNEP. Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be 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.