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 Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), based in Beirut, Lebanon, supports countries in the region by providing advisory services, capacity-building, and technical assistance to achieve their national environmental and sustainable development goals. UNEP was established in 1972 and operates in multiple countries, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive National Environmental Data Management Plan for Kuwait. This plan will provide a strategic and operational framework for the systematic collection, integration, classification, and sharing of environmental data across government entities. The consultant will work closely with UNEP ROWA and the Environment Public Authority (EPA) of Kuwait to enhance the country's environmental data infrastructure. The role involves managing the project under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator and ensuring that the deliverables align with international best practices and Kuwait's national development priorities. The consultant will be responsible for conducting research, stakeholder engagement, and developing a draft Table of Contents for the final plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the subsequent phases of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key 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, ensuring it reflects the project's scope and objectives. (B) Conducting a comprehensive review of the current environmental data landscape in Kuwait, including institutional roles, existing data collection systems, and data flow pathways. This involves collecting and cataloging datasets, assessing data quality, and identifying case studies of best practices. (C) Leading stakeholder consultations to assess current data sharing practices and gaps, facilitating a participatory process to document feedback that will inform the plan's vision and objectives. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a situational analysis, a report summarizing stakeholder consultations, and a proposed data classification and governance framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Data Science, Environmental Databases, Environment Information Systems, or a related field. A minimum of 5 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. Experience in knowledge sharing and capacity building is considered a strong asset, and previous experience in report conception is mandatory. A certification in Project Management is desirable but not required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Data Science, Environmental Databases, or Environment Information Systems is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the National Environmental Data Management Plan.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience related to data management, data governance, policy analysis, or digital transformation. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing data systems and conducting policy analyses, as well as experience in knowledge sharing and capacity building. Previous experience in the conception of reports is also necessary, indicating that the consultant should be adept at synthesizing complex information into coherent documents.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the consultancy, as the consultant will need to engage with various entities in Kuwait and produce documentation in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.