Consultant for Policy Review and Recommendations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote 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. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with delivering a comprehensive policy review and recommendation framework aimed at supporting the development of an inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital ecosystem in Kenya. This role is crucial in strengthening policy coherence and governance approaches that integrate sustainability principles across the entire life cycle of ICT and digital technologies. The consultant's work will encompass various aspects including infrastructure development, digital platforms, data systems, energy use, digital devices, and electronic waste management. The assignment is part of the Joint SDG Fund-supported DigiKen Joint Programme, which is implemented by UNEP in collaboration with UNESCO, UNCDF, and UN Women, alongside the Government of Kenya and other national stakeholders. The DigiKen programme focuses on enhancing inclusive digital transformation, digital skills, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable digital development in Kenya, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transition. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNEP regional sub-program coordinator for digital transformation, contributing to the alignment of Kenya's digital transformation agenda with sustainability principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of duties including: analyzing existing ICT and digital transformation policies, conducting assessments to determine alignment with sustainability principles, and identifying policy gaps and opportunities. Specific responsibilities include:

• Analyzing existing ICT, digital transformation, and digital platform governance frameworks relevant to sustainable digital transformation and green technology adoption.
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of these policies to evaluate their alignment with sustainability principles such as environmental sustainability, climate considerations, energy efficiency, circularity, and e-waste management.
• Assessing the extent to which existing frameworks address sustainability considerations throughout the life cycle of digital technologies and infrastructure.
• Identifying policy gaps, implementation challenges, and institutional barriers in relation to sustainable digital governance and responsible technology deployment.
• Developing actionable policy recommendations and green technology incentive mechanisms to enhance the integration of sustainability principles within ICT governance.
• Proposing practical measures for environmentally sustainable and inclusive digital transformation, including recommendations for green digital infrastructure and responsible digital practices.
• Delivering a validated policy review and recommendations report to inform future policy development and strengthen Kenya's sustainable digital governance ecosystem.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Public Policy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Digital Transformation, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Governance, Law, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, digital transformation, ICT governance, or sustainability-related initiatives is required, preferably within national, regional, or international contexts. Proven experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with government institutions, development partners, private sector, and civil society is essential. Familiarity with Kenya’s digital policy landscape and global frameworks on sustainable digital transformation is highly desirable, as is experience working with the UN system or international development organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Policy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Digital Transformation, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Governance, Law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in areas such as policy analysis, digital transformation, ICT governance, or sustainability-related initiatives. This experience should preferably be within national, regional, or international contexts. Candidates should demonstrate proven experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this assignment. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the assignment is three months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.