Current Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• As part of Strategic Intervention 3, UNEP is now seeking to develop internal capacity to develop use cases on the application of environmental data at the national level.
• These use cases will guide UNEP to develop new digital products and services that are fit for purpose to the specific needs of member states and specific user groups.
• To achieve this goal, UNEP is recruiting a consultant with expertise in UX design based on human-centered design principles to identify use cases, develop user journeys and deliver click-through demos for end user validation.
• The consultant will report to the Chief Digital Officer and work within the Digital Transformation Team, collaborating with different stakeholders across and outside UNEP.

Task 1:

• As part of the Digital Transformation Team, assess input from consultations with end users based on human-centered design processes, to validate use cases on the application of environmental data to drive specific policy decisions at the global, national or local level.
• Ensure that the defined use cases are feasible, viable, desirable, and sustainable for the organization and end-users.
• Ensure that the use cases can be effectively communicated and implemented by the organization.

Task 2:

• Create a user journey for the use case based on quick profiles and journey maps that depict the needs and behavior of the target audience. Support testing and validation of the journey with a select group of potential users.

Task 3:

• Support the Digital Transformation Team in performing an expert review / heuristic evaluation on existing platforms, and report on findings and recommendations

Task 4:

• Design and implement a mock-up and click-through demo for the use case in an app emulator.
• Support conducting usability testing and heuristic evaluations to identify user pain points and areas of improvement.
• Validate and iterate the mock-ups based on user feedback.

Task 5:

• Write a product definition for the final app based on the feedback received and final validated demo.
• Provide recommendations and guidelines to UNEP for the implementation and communication of the developed use cases.
• This post reports to the Head, World Environment Situation Room.

Qualifications/special skills

• A minimum of twelve years of experience and proficiency in UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• This includes expertise in user research, information architecture, interaction design, visual design, prototyping, and usability testing is required.
• Experience in supporting organizations in creating a digital vision, strategy, high level concepts, designs and prototypes based on human-centered design and a detailed understanding of end user needs and requirements is required.
• Proficiency in relevant design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, or other UX design software, as well as a good understanding of front-end development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, is desired depending on the job requirements.
• It's desired that a senior UX designer should have a strong portfolio showcasing their previous work, demonstrating their ability to solve complex UX problems, create innovative designs, and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable.

Deadline : Dec 18, 2023

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Tasks and Deliverables
Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Review on Forest Carbon Markets

• Based on the content outline provided by UN-REDD, thoroughly research and gather all relevant resources related to forest carbon markets.
• Analyze and synthesize the latest trends, developments, and regulatory changes in the field of forest carbon markets.
• Incorporate insights from diverse reputable sources (Academic journals, UN publications, peer-reviewed articles, etc)  to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

Draft Technical Content including Practical Insights, Examples/Exercises and Case Studies 

• Input into the existing draft outline for the journal with the learning objectives that are tailored to accommodate the specific perspectives of government practitioners, 
• corporate/private sector stakeholders, local communities, and indigenous peoples.
• Populate the content outline with well-researched and substantive text, transforming the provided structure into informative and engaging content.
• Develop coherent explanations of complex concepts, mechanisms, and processes involved in forest carbon markets.
• Create a seamless flow between sections, enhancing the overall readability and comprehensibility of the learning journal.
• Identify compelling real-world examples that highlight successful forest carbon market initiatives, emphasizing both challenges faced and best practices employed.
• Develop in-depth case studies that vividly illustrate the practical application of forest carbon market concepts across different regions and contexts.
• Design exercises and thought-provoking reflection questions to encourage readers' engagement and application of theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios.
• Propose micro-learning tools and graphics to better explain the technical content of the journal

Incorporate and Re-draft Text Based on Feedback:

• Collaborate with UN-REDD experts and reviewers to receive feedback on the initial content draft.
• Incorporate feedback by revise and refine the learning journal, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the desired objectives.
• Engage in an iterative feedback process, seeking to continuously improve the content and address any gaps or suggestions provided by stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills
Education:

• Advanced university degree in Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, Economics, or related disciplines is required.
• A focus on carbon markets, REDD+, conservation, environmental economics, or related fields is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of proven experience in technical writing, preferably in environmental or sustainability-related domains is required. 
• Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive and engaging content, particularly in educational materials is desirable.
• In-depth Knowledge of REDD+ and Carbon Markets: Familiarity with REDD+ processes, forest conservation, and carbon markets, supported by practical 
• experience or academic research.

Skills:

• Profound Understanding of Forest Carbon Markets and REDD+: The ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding of forest carbon markets and REDD+, gained through substantial experience or research in the field. This expertise should extend to the mechanisms, dynamics, and evolving trends within forest carbon markets.
• Strong Research and Analysis: Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research, synthesize information from various sources, and analyze complex trends and regulatory developments on forest carbon markets and REDD+. 
• Exceptional Writing Proficiency: Proficiency in technical and conceptual writing, with the ability to translate intricate concepts into clear and engaging content tailored to various audiences.
• Communication: Effective communication skills to collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and UN-REDD experts for feedback and information exchange.
• A minimum of  seven years of proven experience in technical writing, preferably in environmental or sustainability-related domains is required.
• Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive and engaging content, particularly in educational materials is desirable.
• In-depth Knowledge of REDD+ and Carbon Markets: Familiarity with REDD+ processes, forest conservation, and carbon markets, supported by practical experience or academic research.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN languages would be an asset

Deadline : Dec 14, 2023

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Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to work closely with UNEP, the PMU Chief Technical Advisor and national project teams and focal points to develop the following ultimate outputs:

• Develop work plan.
• National meteorological strategy in Timor-Leste
• National meteorological act in Timor-Leste
• Development of Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP).
• Development of Sector Specific Climate Training Program (SSCTP)
• Lessons learned report.

These tasks have been described in further detail below:

• Develop Work Plan and Timeline for the whole assignment in three phases.
• Prepare a workplan for the expected outputs including a detailed timeline for a maximum period of 24 months.

National Meteorological Strategy in Timor-Leste

• Develop a National Meteorological Strategy for Timor-Leste DNMG. The objective is to document the process by which the DNMG will put the Timor-Leste Meteorological Strategy and the Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services into operation. Timor-Leste will document the process by which the DNMG will put its proposed Meteorology Act into operation.
• Conduct in-country stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to inform the development of the National Meteorological Strategies for Timor-Leste.
• Conduct in-country stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to review the National Meteorological Strategy for Timor-Leste
• Ensure Gender Responsive actions are included in the National Meteorological Strategy for Timor-Leste

National Meteorological Act in Timor-Leste

• Develop a national Meteorology Act for presentation to Timor-Leste Parliament with the help of DNMG, to support its NFCS.
• Conduct in-country stakeholder consultation workshops/meetings to inform the development of the Timor-Leste National Meteorological Strategy
• Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP), Planning for the Sector Specific Training and Organization of Training (SSCTP): The Project will support a systematic five-year process of integrating climate considerations into the decision making and planning of government, private and community sectors by supporting them to understand and appropriately utilize climate information services supplied by DNMG. Hence, the Consultant need to develop A National Climate Sector Action and Communication Plan (CSACP) which should be co-developed with key stakeholders in each of the five Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) priority sectors – health, agriculture and food security, disaster risk reduction, water, and energy. The recommendations from the CSACP and sector-specific data and information products will be used to conduct sector specific training by DNMG for the five GFCS priority.
• sector agencies on climate basics and the logistics of integrating climate information and climate change knowledge into the functions of their agencies.
• Lessons learned report.
• Compile lessons learnt.
• Prepare a comprehensive final report with lessons learnt.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s or Higher) in environmental science, climate change, meteorology or a similar related field is required.
• minimum of 10 years progressively responsible experience in climate information services, demonstrated experience in developing climate information frameworks, policies, sector action plans, communication plans and demonstrated successful experience in formulation and delivery of climate information training programme materials is required.
• Experience in the policy development process associated with climate information and early warning is an asset.
• Experience in working and collaborating with governments and Hydromet Services in the Pacific region is desirable.
• Previous work experience undertaking similar activities in the Pacific region is highly desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN Language is desirable. Knowledge on Local Language “Tetun” or other Language like “Bahasa” (Indonesian)or Portuguese would be an added advantage.

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• To improve both internal communication and UNEP’s contributions to environmental law, the Law Division intends to develop a short internal guidance document that will identify standardized definitions and terminology concerning environmental law and policy and related terms, and how they interact. The Law Division requires an Environmental Law specialist to contribute to the development of the guidance document. 

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Director of the Law Division, the Consultant will:

• Draft a concise guidance document aimed at standardizing the understanding and usage of key terms and concepts in environmental law and policy. The content should be accessible to non- legal experts while maintaining academic rigor and legal precision.
• Develop specific sections within the document that address definitions of key terms such as  "policy," "law," "regulatory instruments," "governance,"  "primary legislation," and "secondary legislation." Additionally, provide examples of different regulatory mechanisms and their classifications.
• Examine the intersection between environmental policy and law, elaborating on how these two  domains interact and inform one another. This analysis should offer guidance for UNEP staff to  help bring clarity and coherence to the organization's publications and documents.

Reporting Lines:

• The Consultant shall work under the overall supervision of the Law Division Director.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree, or equivalent) in international law, international environmental law, or related field is required. A first-level degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of two years of progressive working experience in international law, environmental law, environmental policy, or a related field is required.
• Experience in institutional legal matters related to managing legal processes of international organizations is desirable.
• Excellent organization and consultation management is desirable.
• Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy is required.
• Excellent research and drafting skills is required.
• Experience at the international level, including with United Nations system organizations, or with international science-policy making bodies is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Deadline : Dec 19, 2023