Consultant for National Environment Strategy

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 operates through various regional offices, including the West Asia Office, which delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environmental and sustainable development objectives. The organization was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in addressing global environmental challenges. UNEP works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to foster sustainable practices and policies across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is established at the UNEP West Asia Office and is part of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between UNEP and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide strategic oversight and planning support for the National Environment Strategy (NES) and related initiatives. The consultant will work closely with the General Department of Environmental Strategy at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to ensure that the processes and procedures align with the NES, facilitating effective project mapping and integration while actively engaging stakeholders. The consultant will report directly to the Project Manager at UNEP West Asia Office and will play a crucial role in enhancing the implementation of the NES through strategic advisory and technical input.

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

• Reviewing and assessing the progress of initiatives, indicators, and objectives of the National Environment Strategy (NES) to support performance measurement and the achievement of strategic environmental goals.
• Assessing the alignment and integration of MEWA National Centers’ strategies and associated initiatives with NES objectives, identifying opportunities to strengthen coherent implementation planning and cross-sectoral environmental integration.
• Monitoring the planning and execution of NES initiatives, including reviewing delivery milestones and facilitating coordination and progress reporting across relevant entities.
• Providing strategic advisory consultation to the Strategy General Department, including recommendations on operating model processes and on strengthening performance tracking and impact measurement tools to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
• Monitoring and assessing priority outputs under the Riyadh Action Agenda (RAA) related to COP16 Presidency, including tracking stakeholder engagement and coordination with relevant partners in preparation for COP17, as required.
• Providing strategic technical advisory consultation to the Saudi Environment Sustainability Project (SESP), including inputs to support planning and alignment with national environmental priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Business Management, Project and Program Management, or related fields. Additionally, 7 years of professional experience is required, including advisory roles in strategy development, business development, project/program management, sustainability, or environmental initiatives. The candidate must have demonstrated experience managing environmental programs or projects, including strategy development and implementation oversight, KPI monitoring, performance tracking, and risk management. Experience working with government entities in Saudi Arabia, along with a good knowledge of the national environmental context, priorities, and related socioeconomic factors, is essential. Furthermore, experience working on initiatives involving international organizations, government agencies, or environmental entities (e.g., UNCCD, CBD, or similar) is required. Familiarity with international environmental conferences or multilateral processes (e.g., COPs or similar) is desirable, and experience in designing and delivering training workshops is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Business Management, Project and Program Management, or related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental strategies and sustainable development practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience, particularly in advisory roles related to strategy development, business development, project/program management, sustainability, or environmental initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing environmental programs or projects, demonstrating their ability to oversee strategy development and implementation, monitor key performance indicators, track performance, and manage risks effectively. Experience working with government entities in Saudi Arabia is essential, as is familiarity with the national environmental context and priorities.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and local communities. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. The position does not specify any fees associated with the recruitment process, emphasizing that the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. This reflects the organization's commitment to transparency and integrity in its hiring practices.