Career Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

The incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Office of the UN Special Envoy to the Horn, with a second reporting line to the Chief, Environmental Security Unit, UNEP and will perform the following duties:

• Supports the UN Special Envoy in all aspects of work relating to environment, climate change, natural resources, biodiversity, and related issues.
• Develops analysis relating to the environment and climate change; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs advisory functions/assignments, in collaboration with UN, government and international counterparts, including IGAD counterparts, by identifying scientific analysis relevant to the situation on the ground; facilitating the introduction of science-based analysis into policy making processes; facilitating meetings and workshops to communicate analysis; assisting in developing action plans to address identified environmental challenges, with all relevant partners.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, and serving as rapporteur for Pillar 4 of the UN regional strategy for the Horn of Africa.
• Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes, and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Works with government and other relevant counterparts, including donors, to propose action plans to address priority environment- and climate-related issues.
• Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to UN and government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sector, functional area or another specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet, and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environment, development studies, international relations, geography, economics or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work 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 desired.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs,project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Experience working in an international organization in a conflict-affected or developing country context, especially in the Horn of Africa, is desirable.
• Experience working with government counterparts is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required ; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

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The Evaluation Team members will undertake the following:

Inception phase of the Evaluation, including:

• preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
• draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project;
• prepare the evaluation framework;
• develop the desk review and interview protocols;
• draft the survey protocols (if relevant);
• develop and present criteria for country and/or site selection for the evaluation mission;
• plan the evaluation schedule;
• prepare the Inception Report, incorporating comments until approved by the Evaluation Manager

Data collection and analysis phase of the Evaluation, including:

• conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders;
• (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission(s) to selected countries, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities. Ensure independence of the Evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
• regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;
• keep the Project Manager informed of the evaluation progress.

Reporting phase, including:

• draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
• liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager
• prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the Evaluation Consultants and indicating the reason for the rejection; and
• (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons)

Managing relations, including:

• maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
• communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Manager on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.

Qualifications/special skills

• A first level university degree or equivalent in Environmental Science/Studies, Business Administration, Planning, Management, Social Sciences, or Political Science, Auditing or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field is required.
• An advanced degree in the same fields will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years experience working in activities related to air and/or water quality monitoring are required.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is an added advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The International Consultant Will

• Undertake research and analysis of the gaps and opportunities for UNEP in the field of wastewater management.
• Analyse the current role and effectiveness of the Global Wastewater Initiative and develop a strategic guidance to enhance the role and visibility of the Initiative.
• Develop a development of a longer-term programme on wastewater by adopting circular and one health approaches applied to wastewater high-impact sectors.
• Conduct consultations with internal and external stakeholders for the development of the “longer-term programme on wastewater”.
• Plan, organize and delivery donors round tables to obtain expressions of support by donors for the “longer-term programme on wastewater”.
• Develop 6 concept notes of fundable/bankable projects under the “longer-term programme on wastewater”.
• Develop a road map for approval of the “longer-term programme on wastewater” by UNEP decision makers and its integration into UNEP’s programmatic structure.
• Develop a detailed work plan for the 1st year of implementation of the “longer-term programme on wastewater”.
• Keep, as far as possible, close collaboration and communication with the “Waste Programme Development Expert” to be hired by the Chemicals and Health Branch / International Environmental Technology Centre.Analysis on marine litter, plastic pollution, microplastic, waste management, life cycle approach, sustainable production, and consumption, freshwater and wastewater.

Qualifications/special Skills

• Academic Qualifications: A minimum of a postgraduate university degree in development studies, sustainability, environmental science, environmental management, political science, or another related field is required.
• Ten (10) years’ experience working in sustainable wastewater management field at international level, preferably with experience on development, implementation and/or evaluation of programmes for Multilateral Organizations
• Desirable Experience: Knowledge demonstrating experience working on wastewater management and an understanding of global systems, governance, and frameworks. Work experience in a position of leadership. A strong familiarity with the aims and ambitions of the United Nations Environment Programme, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Circular Economy Approach, One Health Approach, UN Common Approach for Biodiversity, Wastewater and Food Systems nexus, Wastewater and Climate Change nexus, and main social-economic challenges of developing countries.

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Specific Responsibilities For The Principal Evaluator

The Principal Evaluator will be responsible, in close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, for overall management of the Evaluation and timely provision of its outputs. Specifically, manage the inception phase of the evaluation, coordinate the data collection and analysis phase of the evaluation, coordinate the reporting phase, and manage internal and external relations of the evaluation team.

The two consultants will ensure together that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately covered.

The Evaluation Team Members Will Undertake The Following

Inception phase of the Evaluation, including:

• preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
• draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project;
• prepare the evaluation framework;
• develop the desk review and interview protocols;
• draft the survey protocols (if relevant);
• develop and present criteria for country and/or site selection for the evaluation mission;
• plan the evaluation schedule;
• prepare the Inception Report, incorporating comments until approved by the Evaluation Manager

Data Collection And Analysis Phase Of The Evaluation, Including

• conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders;
• (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission(s) to selected countries, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities. Ensure independence of the Evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
• regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;
• keep the Project Manager informed of the evaluation progress.

Reporting Phase, Including

• draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
• liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager
• prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the Evaluation Consultants and indicating the reason for the rejection; and
• (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons)

Managing Relations, Including

• maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
• communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Manager on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.

Qualifications/special Skills

• An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required.
• A first level degree with an additional (2) two years qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of 6 years of technical / evaluation experience are required, preferably including evaluating large, regional or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach.
• A good/broad understanding of air and/or water quality monitoring is desired.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is an added advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement.