Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP)

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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Office of Science is responsible for providing authoritative, integrated, and coherent scientific input to inform policy and address interconnected environmental challenges, emphasizing evidence-based solutions and measurable impact. The Office strengthens UNEP’s scientific capacity and capability by enhancing processes for generating, synthesizing, and applying robust, interdisciplinary evidence to drive effective action for environmental sustainability. This consultancy is managed by UNEP’s Office of Science, which is part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that aims to safeguard the global environment by supporting developing countries in meeting their commitments under several multilateral environmental agreements.

Job Overview:
The Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) is expected to provide strategic guidance, operational advice, and expert input on scientific and technical matters for monitoring and evaluation. The Chair will act as the primary spokesperson for STAP in meetings and may assign members to represent the Panel as needed. The role requires exceptional academic and technical credentials, a strong commitment to addressing global environmental and sustainable development challenges, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner, integrating natural and social sciences with policy to tackle complex environmental and socio-ecological issues. The Chair will ensure that high-quality scientific and technical advice is provided to the GEF, mobilize scientific networks, develop and implement STAP’s Work Plan, and hold regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Chair include providing intellectual and strategic leadership for the Panel, overseeing the Panel’s work, and bridging the gap between the GEF’s operational needs and the broader global scientific community. Specific duties include ensuring the provision of high-quality scientific advice, mobilizing scientific networks, developing and implementing STAP’s Work Plan, conducting monthly teleconferences and in-person meetings, and preparing reports for GEF Council Meetings and the GEF Assembly. The Chair is also responsible for fostering collaboration among Panel Members and ensuring that the Panel's work aligns with the GEF's objectives and priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field such as environmental science, ecology, chemical sciences, natural resource management, or atmospheric sciences. A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience at a senior level in environmental science or sustainability is required. Candidates should have recognized scientific leadership with an international reputation in global environmental issues, a thorough understanding of environmental systems, and knowledge of the state of the environment and key response pathways. Expertise in systems thinking, integrated approaches, and sustainability transformation is essential, along with the ability to translate complex scientific insights into actionable terms. Extensive scientific networks and experience working with GEF Agencies and multilateral environmental agreements are desirable.

Educational Background:
A doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field is required for this position. Fields of study may include but are not limited to environmental science, ecology, chemical sciences, natural resource management, and atmospheric sciences. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in scientific principles and methodologies relevant to environmental issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience at a senior level in environmental science, sustainability, or closely related fields. Experience should include recognized scientific leadership, a thorough understanding of environmental systems, and the ability to work in a multicultural international team. Director-level experience leading teams of experts is desirable, as is experience working in countries where GEF projects and programs are implemented.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is desirable and would be considered an asset in this role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is two years, with a possibility of a two-year extension. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.