Consultant for UNEP CMU

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide strengthened technical and strategic support to UNEP CMU’s regional portfolio in Latin America and the Caribbean. This role involves preparing policy-relevant analysis, briefing materials, knowledge products, and advisory inputs that enhance coherence across national implementation processes, regional priorities, and relevant international forest and climate frameworks. The consultant will engage in various tasks aimed at advancing the delivery of these objectives, including reviewing and analyzing policy developments, developing technical briefs, contributing to the CMU LAC regional workplan, and facilitating cross-country cooperation processes. The consultant will also prepare materials for UNEP’s participation in high-level meetings and contribute to regional reporting and donor communications, ensuring alignment with UNEP strategic priorities and applicable global frameworks. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of forest and climate action in the LAC region, particularly in Brazil, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and analyzing policy developments, technical processes, and implementation initiatives related to forest and climate action in LAC countries, with a focus on Brazil.
• Developing technical briefs, analytical notes, synthesis documents, and knowledge products related to forest finance, jurisdictional approaches, carbon markets, and other thematic areas relevant to the CMU portfolio.
• Contributing to the updating and refinement of the CMU LAC regional workplan to ensure coherence between country-level activities and regional priorities.
• Designing and advancing cross-country and interregional cooperation processes, including structured South–South engagement and dialogue with partner countries.
• Preparing briefing notes, talking points, and background materials for UNEP’s participation in high-level meetings and international policy dialogues.
• Contributing to regional reporting, donor communications, and programme documentation to align with UNEP strategic priorities.
• Organizing and documenting technical meetings, workshops, and policy dialogues, including preparing agendas, presentations, and summary reports.
• Providing technical inputs and documentation to strengthen coordination and alignment between CMU LAC and relevant UNEP global teams and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, economics, geography, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five (5) years of experience working on forest finance topics in the LAC region is required, covering areas such as REDD+, carbon markets, and payment for ecosystem services. The candidate must have experience in preparing policy briefs, technical reports, analytical notes, and briefing materials for governmental or international audiences. Experience working on environment and climate-related issues in Brazil is also required. Familiarity with jurisdictional approaches, climate finance mechanisms, or Article 6-related discussions is desirable, indicating a need for a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved in environmental policy and finance.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental management, economics, geography, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with complex environmental issues and contribute effectively to the UNEP's objectives in the region.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, particularly in the context of forest finance topics within the Latin America and Caribbean region. This experience should encompass work on initiatives such as REDD+, carbon markets, and payment for ecosystem services, demonstrating a solid understanding of the financial mechanisms that support environmental sustainability. Additionally, experience in preparing policy briefs and technical reports for governmental or international audiences is crucial, as is familiarity with the environmental and climate-related issues specific to Brazil.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required for this consulting position, as these are the primary working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, given the focus on Brazil and the need for effective communication in the region. Furthermore, knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable, which would enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to international dialogues.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of six months. The consultant will work full-time, committing 40 hours per week to the role. Travel may be required as part of the responsibilities. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.