Consultant for Marine Renewable Energies

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses 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 UNEP Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services aimed at implementing environmental policies and enhancing the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) focuses on the assessment and control of marine pollution in the Mediterranean, working towards sustainable environmental practices in the region.

Job Overview:
This consultancy assignment is specifically for the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL). The primary objective of this role is to support the implementation of activity 4.4.1, which involves the development of guidelines for promoting sustainable marine renewable energies in the Mediterranean Sea. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a detailed analysis of existing legal and regulatory frameworks, assessing potential environmental impacts, and identifying measures to prevent and mitigate these impacts. The consultant will work closely with UNEP/MAP MED POL Programme Management Officer and other senior officers to ensure that the guidelines align with UNEP/MAP objectives and best international practices. This role requires a combination of technical expertise and policy knowledge to effectively contribute to the sustainable development of marine renewable energy in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of specific tasks, including:

• Developing a detailed work plan that outlines the tasks to be performed and a timetable for their completion.
• Creating a layout structure and table of contents for the assessment report, consulting with MED POL for agreement.
• Preparing comprehensive guidelines for promoting sustainable marine renewable energies, focusing on strategic policy frameworks, marine spatial planning, environmental assessments, stakeholder engagement, and technology integration.
• Attending online working group meetings to present relevant work and findings.
• Compiling a final report detailing the methodology and outcomes of the consultancy tasks. The consultant will also be expected to conduct thorough reviews of existing policies, assess environmental impacts, and propose measures for stakeholder engagement and social acceptance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in marine sciences, environmental management, renewable energy, oceanography, environmental engineering, maritime spatial planning, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required, including at least two years of demonstrated expertise in marine and coastal environmental management, offshore activities, or renewable energy planning. Experience in developing or implementing regional or national policies related to marine protection or sustainable blue economy sectors is also essential. Working experience in the Mediterranean region is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as marine sciences, environmental management, renewable energy, oceanography, environmental engineering, or maritime spatial planning. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant work experience, specifically two years of qualifying experience in a related field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include at least two years of demonstrated expertise in areas such as marine and coastal environmental management, offshore activities, or renewable energy planning. Candidates should also have experience in the development or implementation of policies, strategies, or guidelines related to marine protection or sustainable blue economy sectors, with a preference for those who have worked in the Mediterranean region.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in the Mediterranean region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract will span a total of forty-six working man-days over a period of six months, commencing from the date of the last signature. The consultant is expected to deliver specific outputs, including a detailed work plan, report layouts, drafts of the assessment report, and a final report, all within set timelines. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.