Consultant for Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization aims to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable policies, strategies, and practices that promote efficient resource use and safe management of chemicals. The Sustainable Mobility Unit (SMU), part of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, focuses on promoting sustainable and low-emission transport in low and middle-income countries through various projects and programs. The SMU is involved in initiatives related to Fuels and Vehicles, Electric Mobility, Active Mobility, and Transport Digitalization, as well as the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles project. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting the development, application, and ongoing refinement of the PAAPAM ecosystem analysis. This analysis will serve as a baseline assessment for five flagship countries: Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Morocco. The primary objective is to provide a structured understanding of the active mobility landscape at both national and city levels. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive methodology that aligns with the UNDA 17 funded project, ensuring integration of gender equality, disability inclusion, and social equity considerations. The methodology will include a systematic assessment of policies, strategies, plans, and institutional frameworks across various sectors, as well as stakeholder ecosystems and governance arrangements. The consultant will also contribute to shaping the ecosystem analysis into a standardized, transferable tool for other countries and cities. This position requires strong technical expertise in active and sustainable mobility, as well as experience in equity and intersectionality principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Developing a methodology for PAAPAM country ecosystem analyses, ensuring alignment with relevant projects and frameworks, and integrating gender and social equity considerations.
• Applying the developed methodology to the five flagship PAAPAM countries, which involves reviewing existing policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks related to active mobility.
• Engaging with stakeholders through interviews, workshops, and meetings to gather insights and validate findings.
• Leading the analysis in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, while providing technical assistance to local partners in Morocco and Cameroon.
• Drafting and finalizing country ecosystem reports that include evidence-based assessments of the active mobility landscape, stakeholder mapping, capacity gaps, and gender inclusion considerations.
• Supporting the development of a clear indicator framework for the Active Mobility Action Tracker, ensuring it aligns with PAAPAM goals and globally accepted indicators.
• Collaborating with UNEP, UN-Habitat, WHO, and project partners to validate the indicator framework and refine it based on feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as transport planning, urban planning, public policy, international development, or environmental studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable transport, active mobility, urban development, or capacity development is required. Experience working on walking and cycling projects, particularly in African contexts, is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with civil society, NGOs, and academia, as well as experience in research, data collection, and stakeholder consultation. Experience in project delivery and producing high-quality analytical reports is also required. A strong background in gender-responsive and socially equitable mobility planning is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as transport planning, urban planning, public policy, international development, or environmental studies. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable transport and active mobility.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as sustainable transport, active mobility, urban development, or capacity development. Experience working on projects related to walking and cycling is essential, as is demonstrated experience in African contexts. The ability to engage with civil society, NGOs, and academia, as well as experience in research, data collection, and stakeholder consultation, is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in project delivery and producing high-quality analytical reports and policy-oriented knowledge products.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as it is one of the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is desirable, as it is also an official language of the UN. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the project countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote-based and expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer for Share the Road and PAAPAM stakeholders. 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. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and equitable recruitment process.