Consultant for Water Quality Monitoring and Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of global consensus on environmental matters, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for the successful implementation and coordination of a capacity development project focused on water quality monitoring and management in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR). This project is a collaborative effort between the Cartagena Convention Secretariat and UNEP’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit. The primary objectives of the project include building capacity at both national and regional levels to enhance sustainable water quality monitoring and management programs, supporting countries in implementing national actions, and promoting knowledge sharing on water quality management. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and regional institutions, to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the implementation of project activities, providing substantive and administrative support for day-to-day project management, organizing meetings with implementing partners, coordinating with national focal points and government agencies, managing activities conducted by regional partners, facilitating capacity development workshops and training sessions, providing technical input to knowledge materials and online courses, identifying implementation challenges and proposing mitigation strategies, updating the project workplan and timeline, documenting best practices and lessons learned, assisting in internal and external reporting, supporting the selection process of scalable projects, and reviewing deliverables from pilot projects. The consultant will report directly to the AMEP Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat and will work closely with the project team in UNEP’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (master’s or equivalent) in applied natural sciences or engineering, such as Environmental Science, Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as water quality monitoring and management, marine pollution reduction, natural resource planning, and environmental health. Demonstrated experience in project development and management, as well as stakeholder coordination, is essential. Proven experience in the water sector and capacity development in the Wider Caribbean Region is also required.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or equivalent in applied natural sciences or engineering is required for this position. Fields of study may include Environmental Science, Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water and Wastewater Management. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with sufficient relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in relevant fields such as water quality monitoring, marine pollution prevention, and environmental management. Experience in project development and management, particularly in the water sector, is crucial. Familiarity with regional environmental frameworks and action plans is desirable, as is experience working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, or UN agencies in the Wider Caribbean Region.

Languages:
Proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 6.5 months. The consultant will be compensated based on the approval of deliverables by UNEP. 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.