Consultant for Sustainable Public Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which serves as the Secretariat of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP). UNEP was established to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. It operates globally, working closely with Member States and various stakeholders to implement sustainable consumption and production policies. UNEP's mission includes advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) related to climate, biodiversity, and pollution. The organization has a significant presence in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy implementation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the 10YFP Secretariat's initiatives on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). This position involves providing evidence-based recommendations for prioritized actions under the Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) from 2023 to 203

• The consultant will work closely with UNEP and the 10YFP Secretariat, engaging with various stakeholders, including Member States and municipalities, to enhance the implementation of SPP. The role requires the development of tools and standards that facilitate SPP, particularly focusing on circularity and resilience in priority sectors such as food. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a modular online certification training program aimed at public procurement officers, thereby strengthening their capacity to apply lifecycle-based approaches in procurement processes. The consultant's work will contribute to the visibility and advocacy of SPP and SDG 12.7.1 reporting, ensuring that high-quality analytical and communication products are produced and disseminated effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and maintaining an implementation plan that outlines the timeline, stakeholder engagement strategies, and internal coordination arrangements, while providing regular progress updates to UNEP.
• Planning, convening, and documenting targeted consultations and expert engagements to advance common principles and criteria for sustainable public procurement, particularly in the food sector.
• Drafting and refining a package of common principles and criteria for the food sector, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals and UNEP priorities.
• Supporting the rollout of the modular online certification training program by engaging with Member States and municipalities, promoting participation, and creating outreach materials.
• Collecting and synthesizing feedback from training delivery and users to propose evidence-based refinements and recommendations for sector-specific modules.
• Conducting analysis for the SPP tool workstream by identifying user needs and practical options to improve the selection and standardization of sustainable procurement criteria.
• Finalizing SDG 12.7.1 reporting outputs and supporting the dissemination of findings through relevant platforms and networks.
• Serving as a key technical focal point for the visibility and advocacy of the 10YFP SPP Global Solution, ensuring strengthened participation from stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy, data analysis, statistics, sustainable development, economics, engineering, or a related field. A first-level degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy, with a focus on SPP innovation or monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with governments, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and conducting reporting or training.
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports and outreach materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and working with international organizations, including UN entities, is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to organize and deliver events, such as capacity-building workshops or policy consultations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently in a multicultural, remote setting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as public policy, data analysis, statistics, sustainable development, economics, or engineering. In cases where candidates hold a first-level degree, they may still qualify if they have sufficient relevant experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in fields related to public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy. Candidates should have experience specifically in SPP innovation or monitoring and evaluation, as well as results measurement and management. This experience should include engaging with government entities and facilitating stakeholder consultations, which are critical for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, French, and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly any of the UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish), is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for a duration of 6 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. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.