Environmental Specialist

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 and advocacy, working to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in multiple countries across the globe, with regional offices that serve as principal interlocutors with national governments and regional platforms. The Regional Office for Africa (ROA) plays a crucial role in supporting the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and mobilizing resources to support regional and national environmental priorities.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Specialist position at UNEP ROA is designed to strengthen the capacity of the organization to effectively organize, support, and run AMCEN sessions while also engaging with country-level implementation of regional and national environmental priorities in Africa. The role involves preparing comprehensive proposals for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and developing project concepts for the Adaptation Fund, ensuring alignment with the environmental dimensions of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The specialist will also support UNEP's engagement with the UN Development System, particularly in Francophone and Lusophone African countries, and provide technical inputs to enhance environmental sustainability integration in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. This position requires a proactive approach to collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, government counterparts, and private sector actors, to facilitate effective implementation of environmental initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Specialist will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Preparation of GCF Readiness Proposal: Developing a comprehensive proposal that aligns with GCF guidelines and demonstrates how it will strengthen AMCEN workplan implementation.
• Development of Adaptation Fund Project Concepts: Identifying priority areas in Africa and developing project concepts that align with Adaptation Fund policies.
• Support to UNEP Engagement with the UN Development System: Providing technical inputs to enhance environmental sustainability in UNSDCFs and supporting UNEP's participation in UN Country Team processes.
• Support to the Joint Programme in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde: Offering technical and coordination support for the implementation of the Joint Programme, focusing on circular economy approaches in tourism.
• Monitoring and reporting on results and lessons learned from various initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental studies, climate change, sustainable development, international relations, economics, or a related field. Additionally, at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental programmes, climate finance, or sustainable development is required, preferably with a focus on Africa. Demonstrated experience in preparing funding proposals for international climate and environmental funds, particularly the GCF and/or Adaptation Fund, is essential. Strong knowledge of the UN Development System, including the RC system and UN Country Teams, is also required, along with proven experience in regional and/or country-level programme development and partnership building. Familiarity with AMCEN and environmental governance in Africa is desirable, as is experience working in Francophone and/or Lusophone contexts.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as environmental studies, climate change, sustainable development, international relations, or economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and sustainable development frameworks.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental programmes, climate finance, or sustainable development. This experience should preferably include work in Africa, with a strong emphasis on developing and managing environmental initiatives and partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also desirable, given the focus on Francophone African countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 12 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes that it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.