Sustainable Development Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working collaboratively to address pressing environmental challenges. UNEP operates in over 150 countries, providing support and guidance to nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and combat climate change.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development (SD) Expert will play a crucial role in the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), which was established in 2015 to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. This position involves close collaboration with the National ICAT team leader and other team members to ensure the successful completion of project activities. The SD Expert will provide technical input, develop and submit deliverables and reports, and ensure compliance with the project’s workplan. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable development methodologies and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to enhance transparency frameworks for climate action. The expert will focus on building national capacities for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions projections, developing data management frameworks, and tracking the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SD Expert will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Collaborating with the ICAT local team lead and other experts to execute project activities effectively.
• Providing technical input for the development of deliverables related to GHG emissions projections and NDC tracking.
• Conducting stocktaking and capacity building activities to support data collection processes.
• Identifying and analyzing selected policies and measures under key NDC sectors to estimate their GHG emissions reduction potential.
• Developing a framework for tracking NDC implementation progress, including robust indicators and stakeholder capacity building.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the methodologies and tools used.
• Preparing comprehensive reports and documentation of project outputs, including inception reports, validation workshop reports, and final project reports.
• Engaging with national stakeholders to provide training on the use of GHG and SD indicators.
• Ensuring timely delivery of project outputs and compliance with the UNEP CCC Project Coordinator’s requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in natural or social sciences. A Bachelor’s degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of proven working experience in climate/environment protection, with specific expertise in the ICAT Sustainable Development assessment methodology. Experience in international development projects and stakeholder engagement related to climate mitigation is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a commitment to sustainable development principles.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, social science, or a related discipline. A Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant experience may be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development and climate action.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in climate and environmental protection, with a strong focus on sustainable development methodologies. Experience working with the ICAT Sustainable Development assessment methodology is essential, as is a background in international development projects. Candidates should also have experience in engaging with national and local stakeholders to facilitate climate mitigation efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the ICAT operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and expected to last for four months. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP CCC Project Coordinator and other team members to ensure compliance with project deliverables. International travel may or may not be required, depending on the project needs. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.