Consultant for Sustainable Urban Cooling and Extreme Heat Adaptation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's work encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable urban development, and biodiversity conservation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNEP in the design and implementation of country support programs focused on extreme heat and sustainable cooling. This position involves providing expert insights into evaluating the urban heat island effect and developing strategies for cities to adapt to rising temperatures. The consultant will work on the UNEP’s India Urban Cooling Program, which aims to integrate sustainable cooling practices into national and subnational policies and planning guidelines. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, industry players, and academia, to ensure that best practices in sustainable cooling and extreme heat adaptation are effectively integrated into relevant programs and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of technical and analytical tasks within the Cities Unit of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Division of UNEP. Key responsibilities include supporting the implementation of country projects related to sustainable urban cooling and extreme heat adaptation under the Cool Coalition framework. The consultant will provide technical inputs and training to facilitate policy dialogues on these topics, assist national ministries in designing and delivering support programs for cities, develop and conduct training programs on the health impacts of extreme heat, and support the integration of heat adaptation strategies into urban plans. Additionally, the consultant will aid in the preparation of funding proposals related to extreme heat and sustainable cooling initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess postgraduate qualifications in architecture, urban planning, environmental engineering, energy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The consultant should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience, particularly in areas related to extreme heat, cooling, urban planning, and environmental issues. Practical experience in India is essential, particularly in policy analysis, city engagement, and urban heat island analysis. Experience working with various ministries, states, cities, and international organizations is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as architecture, urban planning, environmental engineering, or energy. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of urban planning and environmental management in the context of extreme heat and sustainable cooling.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in relevant fields, with a strong emphasis on extreme heat, cooling strategies, urban planning, and environmental management. Candidates should have substantial practical experience in India, particularly in policy analysis and design, as well as engagement with cities and urban heat island assessments. The experience should also include collaboration with diverse governmental and non-governmental organizations, showcasing the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. The expected duration of the consultancy is 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and fair for all candidates.