Consultant for Guidance Factsheets Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges at both global and regional levels. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting the integration of environmental considerations into the development agenda, thereby fostering a sustainable future for all. UNEP's Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) specifically addresses the protection of the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment, working closely with the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing Guidance Factsheets for Candidate Common Indicators (cCIs) 42 and 43, which focus on coastal flooding and changes in burnt forest areas, respectively. This role involves drafting a regional definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) for these indicators and proposing associated GES targets. The consultant will also provide technical inputs to support governance discussions related to Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) and Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) within the Mediterranean region. The work is expected to contribute to the SEMPA Project, which aims to enhance the integration of climate change, biodiversity, and hydrography-related indicators into the IMAP framework. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders and present findings at key meetings, ensuring that the developed materials align with the established guidelines and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Prepare a detailed work plan with annotations and timetable to guide the project execution. 2) Draft the initial versions of two Guidance Factsheets (GFS) for cCI 42 and cCI 43, ensuring they include definitions of GES, associated targets, and assessment methods that adhere to the IMAP GFS template. 3) Participate in the online CORMON on Coast and Hydrography meeting scheduled for late September 2026, presenting the first drafts and compiling a report that captures the meeting's inputs and conclusions. 4) Revise the drafts based on feedback from the CORMON meeting and prepare second drafts of the GFS, incorporating GES definitions and targets. 5) Present the revised drafts at the in-person CORMON Coast and Hydrography meeting in March 2027, and prepare a report summarizing the meeting's discussions and conclusions. 6) Finalize the GFS for cCI 42 and cCI 43, integrating all feedback and recommendations from the CORMON meetings and UNEP/MAP governance discussions.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science or a related field, particularly with a focus on forest ecosystem management and coastal flooding. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of professional work experience in areas such as sustainable forest management, flooding practices, forest assessment, and environmental policy development is required. Previous experience related to marine and coastal environment assessment in the Mediterranean is highly desirable. Proficiency in office automation software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential. Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science or a closely related field. A focus on forest ecosystem management and coastal flooding is particularly relevant. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have at least two years of relevant professional experience to be considered eligible for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields, including sustainable forest management, flooding risk assessment, and the development of environmental policy documents. Experience in assessing marine and coastal environments, particularly within the Mediterranean context, is highly desirable and will be considered an asset for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is a mandatory requirement for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the Mediterranean region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 12 months and is home-based. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.