Individual Contractor for UNEP Industry and Economy Division

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, working across various divisions and branches to address pressing environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Contractor for the UNEP Industry and Economy Division is crucial for the negotiation and finalization of project agreements and documents for projects funded under various rounds of funding. The contractor will oversee ongoing projects until their closure and provide support for the preparations of meetings for the Executive Boards of the two funds involved. This role requires a proactive approach to managing project agreements, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and facilitating effective communication among stakeholders. The contractor will also engage in qualitative analysis of project applications, oversee project implementation, and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the funds. This position is designed for individuals who are adept at managing multiple tasks and can work independently or as part of a team, contributing to the overall mission of UNEP in promoting sustainable development and effective management of chemicals and waste.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Contractor include:

• Supporting application rounds of the Special Programme and Global Framework on Chemicals Fund by conducting qualitative analyses of applications and technical reviews of proposed project activities.
• Developing and ensuring the signature of legal instruments with successful applicants and overseeing the implementation of projects through to completion and closure.
• Identifying problems or issues during project execution and providing effective solutions.
• Providing substantive support to Executive Board meetings and other relevant meetings, including the preparation of meeting documents.
• Undertaking outreach activities as needed, participating in the development of training workshops, outreach events, and seminars, and making presentations on assigned topics.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends or patterns, and providing insights through data visualization methods to support data-driven planning and decision-making.
• Assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of the funds, including reviewing and analyzing past and ongoing application rounds and preparing impact evaluations or equivalent studies.
• Performing other duties as required to support the objectives of the UNEP Industry and Economy Division.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management, economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a certified project management qualification is desirable. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, with at least two years at the international level related to the sound management of chemicals and waste. Experience in programme and project development and management, as well as providing policy advice on chemicals and waste management, is essential. Familiarity with organizing inter-governmental and multi-stakeholder processes and meetings is an advantage. Excellent communication skills, strong analytical abilities, and proficiency in relevant software are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as environmental sciences, environmental management, economics, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant qualifying experience. A project management certification is considered an asset for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, with at least two years of experience at the international level specifically related to the management of chemicals and waste. Candidates should have experience in programme and project development and management, as well as providing policy advice in this area. Experience in organizing inter-governmental and multi-stakeholder meetings is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates must also be fluent in either French or Spanish, which is required to effectively communicate in a multilingual environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is available for a duration of 12 months and can be performed remotely or office-based in Geneva. 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. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and it does not request any financial information from applicants.