UNEP Mercury Consultant - Oral Health Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global 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. Established to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster partnerships and promote the adoption of sustainable practices across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Mercury Consultant - Oral Health Expert will play a crucial role in the development of two Medium Sized Projects (MSPs) aimed at phasing out the use of dental amalgam through legislative measures, health insurance reforms, and educational initiatives. This position requires the consultant to work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and health institutions, to gather and analyze data, develop project designs, and create comprehensive project submission packages that meet UNEP and GEF requirements. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the projects align with the objectives of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The consultant's work will directly contribute to enhancing the regulatory frameworks and capacities of target countries in managing chemicals and waste within the oral health care system, thereby promoting environmentally sound practices and improving public health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with drafting project submission packages for two MSPs, which will include the following specific duties:

• Coordinate with main partners, including government focal points and national institutions, to gather and analyze relevant reports and data.
• Develop a baseline scenario and identify key barriers to the phase-out of dental amalgam.
• Design the project components, outcomes, outputs, and activities, including creating a problem tree, solution tree, and Theory of Change (ToC).
• Establish a project results framework with appropriate targets and indicators, guided by UNEP.
• Prepare a detailed project budget breakdown using provided templates.
• Create a gender mainstreaming action plan and a stakeholder engagement plan, with assistance from another expert.
• Develop a communication strategy and a risk mitigation plan.
• Create a comprehensive workplan for the project duration.
• Draft Terms of Reference (TORs) for key personnel involved in the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as dentistry, public health, international relations, law, political or social science, environmental studies, or chemical engineering. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of international project management experience, including project preparation, is required. Familiarity with donor-funded projects and experience in implementing GEF or UNEP environmental programs is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a field related to dentistry, public health, or a relevant discipline is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role's responsibilities effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of working experience in project management at the international level, particularly in project preparation and implementation. Candidates should have a strong background in managing donor-funded projects and a proven track record of working with GEF or UNEP programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English, including strong drafting and writing skills, is essential for this position. A working knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in French-speaking regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for 9 months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Portfolio Manager of the GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit and will report directly to the Programme Management Officer. The final deliverables will require approval from both the Programme Management Officer and the Portfolio Manager. 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.