Regional Expert for Marine Litter MED PLUS Project

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 works with various international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services aimed at enhancing environmental management capacity, particularly in developing countries and those with economies in transition. UNEP's Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) focuses on the assessment and control of marine pollution in the Mediterranean region, and it is currently executing the EU-funded Marine Litter MED PLUS Project, which aims to address marine litter management in the Mediterranean Sea through a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring, assessment, and interregional cooperation.

Job Overview:
The position of Regional Expert for the Marine Litter MED PLUS Project is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation of this EU-funded initiative, which is part of the broader UNEP/MAP framework. The expert will be responsible for achieving project milestones, delivering planned outputs within established deadlines, and coordinating effectively with Contracting Parties and relevant partners. The role involves preparing detailed work plans, overseeing project activities, and ensuring the quality of deliverables. The expert will also collect and analyze data related to marine litter, support the organization of project meetings, and contribute to the development of training workshops and seminars. This position requires a proactive approach to enhance the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management and to support the upgrade of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Marine Litter (EO10). The expert will also play a key role in drafting reports and proposals to secure resources for future initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Expert include:

• Preparing a detailed work plan with a timetable for task completion, including a synopsis of work and means for achieving outputs.
• Following up on project activities, overseeing legal agreements with Implementing Partners, and reviewing deliverables and reports.
• Ensuring the quality of consultants' deliverables.
• Collecting, reviewing, and analyzing data from marine litter pilots, collaborating with MAP Components and Implementing Partners.
• Providing support for organizing project meetings, including document presentations and post-meeting actions.
• Assisting in the development of training workshops and seminars, and making presentations on assigned topics.
• Drafting working and information documents for Meetings of CORMON on Marine Litter Monitoring.
• Providing technical inputs and scientific support during relevant meetings.
• Supporting the organization of the Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Platform on Marine Litter and establishing links with the Global Partnership on Marine Litter. 1
• Participating in sub-regional, regional, and international meetings related to marine litter and proposing follow-up actions. 1
• Supporting the preparation of follow-up project proposals and concept notes for resource mobilization. 1
• Assisting in the development of updated national IMAP-based monitoring programmes for IMAP EO1
• 1
• Performing any other duties as requested. 1
• Drafting the final report for the implementation of activities under this assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, or related areas is required. Within this five-year experience, at least two years must be specifically in marine environmental management, focusing on marine litter, solid waste management, circular economy, or pollution prevention. Experience with marine litter data collection methodologies, indicators, and assessment tools is also required, along with a proven track record of implementing national, regional, or multi-country environmental projects in the Mediterranean region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as environmental management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. In cases where candidates hold a bachelor's degree, they must also have two additional years of relevant professional experience in the required field to be considered eligible for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or related areas. Within this experience, candidates must have at least two years of specific experience in marine environmental management, with a strong emphasis on marine litter, solid waste management, circular economy, or pollution prevention. Familiarity with marine litter data collection methodologies and experience in implementing environmental projects in the Mediterranean region are essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both oral and written. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, which may enhance communication and collaboration with partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 10 months over an 11-month period. 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. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.