Environmental Indicators 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 Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to bolster the design, implementation, and consolidation of a performance tracking mechanism for plastic pollution reduction, including marine plastics and circularity efforts, across participating cities within the Intercity Network. The consultant will contribute to developing methodological tools, capacity-building resources, data analysis and interpretation, and long-term sustainability strategies to ensure effective monitoring and continuous improvement. The selected applicant will work closely with UNEP and local government officials to design, implement, and refine a performance tracking mechanism for circularity and plastic pollution reduction. This role is crucial in ensuring that participating cities can systematically monitor and report their progress in reducing plastic pollution and improving circularity, thereby contributing to the overall objectives of the GEF Circular Cities Beyond Plastic project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will deliver several key products under the supervision of the UNEP Regional Chemicals and Pollution Sub-Programme Coordinator. These include:

• Plastics Circularity in Cities Tracking Methodology: A document presenting the methodology for a performance tracking system, including the selection of indicators, measurement metrics, and reporting processes, along with monitoring templates and a tracking dashboard/tool for city-level progress.
• Guidance and Capacity Building Support: A manual or guide with step-by-step instructions for monitoring template use, including tracking, using indicators, and collecting data, as well as a report on training or workshops for city-level officials and stakeholders.
• City-level performance analysis: A report consolidating and analyzing the performance tracking data submitted by cities, including trends, initial performance findings, and practical recommendations for improvement.
• Final project report: A technical report detailing challenges, conclusions, and recommendations to ensure continuity and implementation of the tracking mechanism tool.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Natural Sciences, Urban Planning, or related areas. A Master’s degree in these fields is desirable, along with additional studies or specific training on circular economy frameworks, environmental data analysis, or marine pollution management. Five years of professional experience in environmental data management, analysis, sustainability assessment, or circular economy monitoring is required, with demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing data systems related to plastic pollution and the marine environment being highly desirable. Experience working with Latin America and the Caribbean countries on circular economy initiatives and familiarity with topics such as plastic waste management and UNEP project methodologies is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Natural Sciences, Urban Planning, or related areas. A Master’s degree in these fields is preferred, and additional studies or specific training on circular economy frameworks, environmental data analysis, or marine pollution management will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to environmental data management, environmental analysis and assessments, sustainability assessment, or circular economy monitoring. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing data systems, including indicator development and performance tracking frameworks related to plastic pollution and the marine environment. Experience working with municipal governments, regional platforms, or city networks, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and a confident level in Spanish is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based product-based consultancy expected to last for 10 months. The consultant's work and outputs will be supervised by the UNEP Regional Chemicals and Pollution Sub-Programme Coordinator of the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.