International Consultant for NOWPAP MTS 2026-2029/30 Update

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading 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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, operating in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization aims to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale. The Action Plan for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Northwest Pacific Region (NOWPAP) is one of UNEP's Regional Seas Programmes, adopted by four member states in 1994, which include the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation. The overall goal of NOWPAP is to ensure the wise use, development, and management of the coastal and marine environment, thereby maximizing long-term benefits for human populations while safeguarding ecological integrity and sustainability for future generations.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for NOWPAP MTS 2026-2029/30 Update involves a comprehensive role aimed at enhancing the strategic coherence and evaluability of NOWPAP's delivery for the upcoming period. The consultant will be responsible for developing a finalized Mid-Term Strategy (MTS) that reflects lessons learned from previous strategies, incorporates stakeholder inputs, and aligns with both regional and global policy frameworks. This role requires the consultant to engage in extensive consultations with member states and key stakeholders to ensure that their recommendations are integrated into the strategy. The consultant will also conduct a thorough desk review of relevant documentation and evidence, analyze strategic alignment and gaps, and facilitate the validation and finalization of the updated MTS. The consultant will work closely with the NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) to ensure that the updated strategy is robust, forward-looking, and effectively guides the Programmes of Work (PoW) and partnerships for the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting an inception phase to confirm the purpose, scope, key questions, methodology, consultation approach, and timeline for updating the NOWPAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS).
• Compiling and assessing evidence through a focused desk review of strategic, operational, institutional, and technical documentation from NOWPAP and its Regional Activity Centres (RACs).
• Engaging key stakeholders through consultations and interviews to validate evidence and capture perspectives on performance and relevance.
• Analyzing strategic alignment and gaps by assessing the coherence of NOWPAP's current and proposed strategic direction with applicable global and regional commitments.
• Developing and refining the updated MTS by revising its structure and content, clarifying thematic areas, defining expected outcomes, and aligning with relevant indicator frameworks.
• Supporting the validation and finalization of the updated MTS by facilitating review steps with stakeholders and delivering a final MTS package that includes an executive summary and presentation of the updated strategic directions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant discipline. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in programme/project management, planning, and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities is required. Candidates should have demonstrated international or regional consulting experience in marine sciences and/or ocean governance, with a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience. Previous experience in the region is advantageous. Candidates should also have substantive experience in reviewing and evaluating international environmental projects, preferably those involving United Nations development agencies or major donors, and experience with UNEP-coordinated Regional Seas Programme is an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, marine biology, ocean governance, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of marine and coastal environmental management and governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of programme/project management and coordination, particularly in planning and implementing monitoring and evaluation activities. Candidates should have demonstrated international or regional consulting experience in marine sciences and/or ocean governance, with a strong emphasis on evaluating international environmental projects. Previous experience in the Northwest Pacific region is considered advantageous, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of one of the NOWPAP languages, which include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with regional stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for one year. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.