Sustainable Development Expert

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working collaboratively to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization operates in over 150 countries, focusing on areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and environmental governance. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental issues at the global level.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development (SD) Expert will play a pivotal role in the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) project in Zambia, working closely with the National ICAT team leader and other team members to ensure the successful completion of project activities. This position requires a deep understanding of sustainable development methodologies and the ability to provide technical input for the development and submission of deliverables and reports. The SD Expert will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local institutions, to enhance Zambia's capacity for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions projections and tracking the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The role involves a significant amount of collaboration, data management, and capacity building to support Zambia's climate goals and commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SD Expert will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Collaborating with the ICAT local team lead and other stakeholders to ensure effective execution of project activities.
• Providing technical input for the inception phase, including stocktaking for data collection processes and GHG emissions projections.
• Developing and enhancing data management frameworks for GHG emissions projections and monitoring NDC implementation.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations to identify and analyze selected policies and measures (PAMs) under key NDC sectors.
• Establishing a framework for tracking NDC implementation progress, supported by robust indicators and stakeholder capacity.
• Generating reports and deliverables as outlined in the project workplan, including inception reports, validation workshop reports, and final project reports.
• Engaging in capacity building activities for national stakeholders on the use of GHG and SD indicators.
• Ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and compliance with UNEP CCC standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in natural or social sciences. A Bachelor’s degree combined with four years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of proven working experience in climate/environment protection, specifically with the ICAT Sustainable Development assessment methodology. Experience in international development projects and stakeholder engagement related to climate mitigation is also required. Familiarity with similar tools and methods for sustainable development assessment is desired, as well as strong analytical and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as environmental science, social science, or a related discipline. A Bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience may be considered as an alternative qualification. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in climate/environment protection, with a strong emphasis on working with the ICAT Sustainable Development assessment methodology. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with international development projects and collaborating with national and local stakeholders on climate mitigation efforts. Experience in data management, GHG emissions projections, and NDC tracking is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and expected to last for 9 months. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP CCC Project Coordinator and will be responsible for delivering specific outputs as outlined in the project workplan. International travel may or may not be required, depending on project needs. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.