Consultant for Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a key player in global environmental governance, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including climate change, ecosystems, pollution, and sustainable development, and plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The consultant will support the successful implementation of the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter, specifically focusing on Plastic Monitoring and Assessment Harmonization and the enhancement of the Global Plastics Hub. This role is critical in addressing the challenges posed by plastic pollution and marine litter, which are significant environmental issues affecting ecosystems and human health. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer on Plastics and will be involved in various projects aimed at reducing plastic pollution at both national and global levels. The consultant's responsibilities will include mapping data sources, updating knowledge resources, and organizing online meetings for communities of practice related to plastic monitoring and assessment. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity development and collaboration with various stakeholders to catalyze actions and commitments to combat plastic pollution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Global Plastics Hub enhancement: a) Map potential data sources in selected 10 countries coordinating with other divisions and partners for its integration into the Country Dashboard of the Global Plastics Hub. b) Map the existing data using the Material Flow Analysis tool for 5 countries and provide country trend analysis. c) Update and streamline the knowledge resources under the Knowledge Hub of the Global Plastics Hub, including categorization of case studies. d) Updating the 3-year plan of the Global Plastics Hub, through monitoring and reporting the traffic to the Global Plastics Hub, as well as supporting resource mobilization from other divisions and partners.
• Organize online meetings for the GPML Communities of Practice: a) Organize online meetings for the GPML Communities of Practice (i.e., CoP on Plastic Monitoring and Assessment Harmonization and CoP on Informing Action).

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable. Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in IT management, computer science, website development and/or management, and data analytics is required. Experience in working on the topic of environmental data analytics, knowledge management, particularly on plastic pollution issues, is desirable. Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are required. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to produce high-quality analysis, are required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in fields such as IT management, computer science, website development, and data analytics. Candidates with experience specifically related to environmental data analytics and knowledge management, particularly in the context of plastic pollution, will be viewed favorably. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle complex data and contribute to environmental initiatives effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, working knowledge of French or other UN official languages is desirable, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 8 months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is fair and accessible to all candidates, without any financial barriers. The consultant will be working within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme, contributing to significant global environmental initiatives.