Consultant for Global Plastics Hub Enhancement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Ecosystems Division aims to support countries in conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing their ecosystems, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. The organization operates globally, with a mission to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development across various countries.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the GPML Community of Practice on Plastic Monitoring and Assessment Harmonization and enhancing the Global Plastics Hub. This position is home-based and expected to last for six months. The consultant will focus on developing data-driven stories based on the mapping of plastic pollution sources and flows across at least ten countries. This involves reviewing finance and investment datasets, collecting case studies, and enhancing country dashboards to inform evidence-based policies and actions. The consultant will also support the harmonization of plastic categorization in waste and marine litter survey protocols, contributing to the overall objectives of UNEP's Ecosystems Division and its initiatives to combat plastic pollution.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Global Plastics Hub enhancement: a) Develop data stories to strengthen country dashboards using country-specific data shared by different partners and UNEP divisions for at least 10 countries. b) Harmonize plastic products/waste categorization under the Waste Wise Cities Tool and GESAMP coastal litter monitoring guidance, as recommended in the GPML CoP Workshop. c) Review existing finance and investment data (e.g., The Circulate Initiative’s Investment Tracker and UN-Habitat’s municipal solid waste management finance data) and develop prototype narratives for country dashboard enhancements. d) Collect and develop case studies by reviewing National Plastic Strategies from selected countries for integration into the Global Plastics Hub.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote collaboration and gather necessary data for the project.
• Provide analytical support to enhance the usability of dashboards and identify opportunities for further enhancements based on data mapping and stories developed.
• Collaborate with UNEP divisions, regional offices, and Regional Seas programmes to ensure alignment with broader environmental goals and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental data analytics, material flow analysis, or a closely related field is required. A Doctor’s degree in a related field is desirable. The candidate must possess a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental management, environmental science, material flow analysis, and/or environmental monitoring. Experience in environmental data analytics and knowledge management, particularly regarding plastic pollution issues, is desirable. Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with strong analytical skills to produce high-quality analysis.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in environmental science, environmental data analytics, material flow analysis, or a closely related field. A Doctor’s degree in a related field is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile for this consultancy role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental management, environmental science, material flow analysis, and/or environmental monitoring. Candidates with experience in environmental data analytics and knowledge management, particularly in relation to plastic pollution, will be preferred. The role demands strong analytical capabilities and the ability to produce high-quality analyses that can inform policy and action.

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. A working knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another official language of the UN. Knowledge of additional UN official languages is desirable and may be beneficial for collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months and is home-based. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for application, interview, processing, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.