Consultant for Carpathian Convention

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 a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Vienna Programme Office, established in 2004, acts as the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention and coordinates UNEP's program of work in Central and South-Eastern Europe. It facilitates cooperation between signatory states and other relevant international bodies, promoting research, communication, and information exchange among partners. The Carpathian Convention aims to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Carpathian region while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for mountain communities, as recognized in various international policy documents, including Agenda 21 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the Carpathian Convention will play a crucial role in coordinating the science-policy-practice interface and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) processes relevant to the Carpathian Convention. This position involves liaising with various stakeholders, including the UNECE Steering Committee on ESD, UNESCO ESD-net, and the Spirala network, to support Carpathian ESD activities. The consultant will co-organize and participate in significant events such as the Forum Carpaticum 2025 and the International Mountain Conference 2025, ensuring that science-policy-practice and ESD-related inputs are integrated into the Convention's working groups and project meetings. Additionally, the consultant will oversee activities related to Carpathian pastoralism, including the implementation of projects that link biodiversity, pastoralism, and cultural heritage through ESD. The role also includes contributing to cross-sectoral and cross-regional activities, as well as supporting the development of the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework Implementation Plan and coordinating efforts for the green recovery of Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Coordinating the science-policy-practice interface and ESD-related processes relevant to the Carpathian Convention, including liaising with various networks and organizations.
• Co-organizing and participating in meetings and events, such as the S4C meetings and Forum Carpaticum 202
• Actively participating in the International Mountain Conference 202
• Implementing the project 'Linking biodiversity, pastoralism and cultural heritage through ESD in the Carpathian Region' and ensuring compliance with project documents.
• Overseeing the submission of the Transhumance file to UNESCO and liaising with Romanian coordinators and Carpathian partners.
• Contributing to identifying and developing cross-sectoral and cross-regional activities.
• Supporting the implementation of the Technical Assistance Project Preparation for the LIFE Carpathian Strategic Nature Project and the development of the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework Implementation Plan.
• Coordinating activities related to the green recovery of Ukraine, including maintaining contact with UNIDO and planning sessions for relevant conferences.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in sustainability sciences, environmental policy, environmental sciences, natural resources, life sciences, or a similar field. A PhD in a related field is considered an asset. Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of experience in environmental policy, sustainable regional development, nature protection, or the science-policy-practice interface. Project management experience in an international context is essential, along with expertise in Education for Sustainable Development, Pastoralism, and Biodiversity. Experience working with organizations in the Carpathian countries, particularly in Ukraine, is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in academic institutions and in writing and editing peer-reviewed publications in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as sustainability sciences, environmental policy, environmental sciences, or natural resources. A PhD in a similar field is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in environmental policy, sustainable regional development, nature protection, or the science-policy-practice interface. Candidates should have project management experience in an international context, demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects effectively. Experience in Education for Sustainable Development, Pastoralism, and Biodiversity is also required, along with familiarity with cross-sectoral approaches.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of a Carpathian language is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is office-based and expected to last for 12 months on a full-time basis. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP Vienna Programme Office. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.