Freshwater and Urban Expert

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for the global environment and coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including climate change, ecosystems, and sustainable resource management, and works collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Freshwater and Urban Expert position is designed to provide technical assistance and on-job support for the implementation and coordination of the EC Sustainable Watershed Management Project in Brazil and India. This role is crucial in fostering collaboration between the Freshwater and Ecosystems Unit and the Climate Change Division, contributing to joint efforts on integrating urban resilience with water ecosystem management. The consultant will engage in various technical activities, including stakeholder engagement, participation in water governance working groups, and collaboration with implementing partners and government counterparts at both national and subnational levels. Additionally, the role involves supporting communication and knowledge management activities, preparing and disseminating technical and outreach materials to enhance the project's visibility and impact. The assignment also includes fostering collaboration with the Climate Change Division’s Cities and Regions team to explore and support joint initiatives linking urban resilience and water ecosystem management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to UNEP’s work on freshwater ecosystem conservation, restoration, and integrated water management, focusing on the EC Sustainable Watershed Management Project.
• Support collaboration and information exchange with internal and external partners to advance the objectives of the EC project and related initiatives on sustainable watershed management, freshwater ecosystem restoration, SDG 6, and urban water management.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating project-related meetings and knowledge-sharing events under the EC Sustainable Watershed Management Project, ensuring effective technical inputs, coordination with implementing partners, and proper documentation of discussions and results.
• Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of technical and communication products derived from the EC Sustainable Watershed Management project, such as briefs, reports, presentations, visibility materials, and lessons-learned documents, ensuring clarity, quality, and alignment with UNEP’s communication standards.
• Liaise with the Climate Change Division’s Cities and Regions team to explore and contribute to the development of a joint project around cities and water ecosystems.
• Explore additional joint opportunities between the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit and the Cities & Regions team and support the development of joint proposals on water and urban resilience.
• Support the implementation of the Generation Restoration project, including organizing webinars, reviewing technical materials, and contributing to other related activities as needed.
• Ensure full compliance with UNEP programming, financial, procurement, and administrative rules, regulations, policies, and strategies, as well as the implementation of effective internal control systems.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental conservation, ecology, biology, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Minimum of 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the field of ecosystems conservation and restoration and/or nature-based solutions is required. Experience in event organization and writing outreach materials such as presentations, guidelines, briefs, and other knowledge products is required. Excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills are desirable. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel is desirable. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management is required. Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimum supervision and tight deadlines is desirable. Previous experience in the UN system is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in environmental conservation, ecology, biology, or a closely related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the field of ecosystems conservation and restoration and/or nature-based solutions. Experience in organizing events and writing outreach materials such as presentations, guidelines, briefs, and other knowledge products is also required. Previous experience in the UN system is considered desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. Basic or intermediate proficiency in Portuguese is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with stakeholders in Brazil and facilitate communication within the context of the project.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 7 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, and there are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.