International Consultant for National Environmental Data Management Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues. The Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), based in Beirut, Lebanon, supports countries in the region through advisory services, capacity-building, and technical assistance to achieve their national environmental and sustainable development goals. UNEP ROWA is currently collaborating with the Environment Public Authority (EPA) of the State of Kuwait to develop a National Environmental Data Management Plan, which aims to strengthen Kuwait’s environmental data infrastructure and promote evidence-based environmental decision-making.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for the National Environmental Data Management Plan involves the development of a comprehensive framework for the systematic collection, integration, classification, and sharing of environmental data across government entities in Kuwait. The consultant will be responsible for creating a strategic and operational plan that aligns with international best practices and Kuwait’s national development priorities, such as Vision 204

• The consultant will work closely with UNEP ROWA and the EPA to ensure that the data management plan enhances transparency and promotes effective environmental decision-making through the availability of accurate, reliable, and timely data. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to assess current data sharing practices and identify gaps, ensuring that the final deliverable meets the needs of all parties involved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will carry out several key duties and responsibilities, including: (A) Development of the Draft Table of Contents for the Final National Environmental Data Management Plan, which will outline the structure and content of the final deliverable. (B) Conducting a comprehensive review of the current environmental data landscape in Kuwait, including institutional roles, existing data collection systems, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms. This will involve collecting and cataloguing existing datasets, assessing data quality, and identifying case studies of best practices in environmental data management. (C) Leading stakeholder engagement and consultations to assess current data sharing practices and identify sector-specific data needs. The consultant will document stakeholder feedback to inform the vision and objectives of the plan. Deliverables will include a draft Table of Contents, a situational analysis report, a summary of stakeholder consultations, and a proposed data classification and governance framework.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science/Engineering, Public Administration, Data Science, Environmental Databases, Environment Information Systems, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in data management, governance, policy analysis, or digital transformation is required. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently. Previous experience in report conception and knowledge of the environmental context in Kuwait and the West Asia region are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Public Administration, or Data Science. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental data management and governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of work experience related to data management, data governance, policy analysis, or digital transformation. Experience in knowledge sharing, communication, and capacity building is considered a strong asset. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing reports and working independently on complex projects.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the National Environmental Data Management Plan.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 4 months and will be home-based. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees during the application, interview, or training processes.