International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental challenges, including air pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management, and works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a pivotal role in overseeing and providing technical inputs to the implementation of ongoing and planned project activities under UNEP’s air quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA). This position requires a deep understanding of air quality issues and the ability to coordinate UNEP’s contributions to various UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Offices in the EECCA region. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that air quality issues are integrated into the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and associated processes. The role also involves supporting UNEP’s engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council Subgroup on air quality in Kyrgyzstan and strengthening UNEP’s coordinating role in Uzbekistan. The consultant will design and implement city-level air quality assessments, oversee project closure and reporting activities, and ensure the delivery of UNEP’s workplan activities related to sustainable urban mobility and enhanced clean air policies. The consultant will also be tasked with organizing awareness-raising events and developing project concept notes for future work on air pollution in the EECCA region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting UNEP’s engagement in UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Offices in EECCA countries by providing analytical inputs for the integration of air quality issues into UNSDCFs.
• Providing technical support to UNEP’s participation in the Development Partners Coordination Council Subgroup on air quality in Kyrgyzstan and strengthening UNEP’s role in Uzbekistan.
• Designing and overseeing the city-level air quality assessment in Namangan, Uzbekistan, and finalizing it through the UNEP publication process.
• Overseeing the closure and evaluation of the UNEP/UN-Habitat UNDA14T project on air quality and nature-based solutions, ensuring accountability and timely reporting.
• Supporting the delivery of UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the UNDA15T project on sustainable urban mobility.
• Coordinating activities under the UNDA16T project on enhanced clean air policies and organizing a sub-regional webinar on air quality communication.
• Providing technical support for the UNDA16T project on agricultural and municipal waste management.
• Managing and delivering UNEP’s air quality project portfolio activities in Uzbekistan.
• Organizing at least two events for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. 1
• Developing three project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in EECCA countries. 1
• Preparing project documentation for clean air action concept notes approved for donor funding. 1
• Organizing national or regional air quality policy dialogues in the EECCA region. 1
• Providing technical and analytical support to UNEP Europe Office and UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in sustainable development, environmental sustainability, air quality policy, environmental policy, environmental sciences, environmental management, sustainable urban development, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates must have at least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in international development cooperation, environmental policy or management, with direct experience in the EECCA region. Demonstrated experience in managing projects on air quality, including assessments, policy development, and partnership building is essential. Experience in overseeing and coordinating project implementation at regional and national levels, including organizing international and national meetings, workshops, and conferences with diverse stakeholders is required. Candidates should also have experience in developing project proposals and resource mobilization documents for international partners, including concept notes, funding applications, and technical reports. Experience working in international organizations such as the UN at country and regional levels in the EECCA region is desirable, as is experience working with UN Country Teams and providing environmental-related inputs to UNCT processes. Excellent analytical and reporting skills, as well as strong writing and communication skills, are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields related to sustainable development, environmental sustainability, air quality policy, environmental policy, environmental sciences, environmental management, or sustainable urban development. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree if combined with additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in international development cooperation, environmental policy, or management, with a focus on the EECCA region. Candidates should have direct experience managing projects related to air quality, including assessments and policy development, as well as experience in coordinating project implementation at both regional and national levels. Experience in organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences with diverse stakeholders is also required, along with a proven track record in developing project proposals and resource mobilization documents for international partners.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 12 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.