Environmental Management 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 in 1972, UNEP has a mission to coordinate 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The organization has a significant presence in the region, with offices covering various sub-regions, including a Southern Cone Office in Montevideo, a Caribbean Office in Kingston, and a Northern Andes Office in Bogotá, among others. UNEP employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and addressing pressing environmental challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Management Expert will play a crucial role in providing technical, operational, and coordination support to UNEP's work in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly focusing on strengthening UNEP's engagement in the Southern Cone sub-region. The consultant will be responsible for facilitating the delivery of UNEP programmes, contributing to policy and technical processes, and advancing the implementation of projects and partnerships that promote environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, waste reduction, methane mitigation, and food systems transformation across the region. The position requires collaboration with United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), government counterparts, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure that UNEP's initiatives align with national priorities and effectively address high-priority environmental issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to UNEP's activities in the Southern Cone of Latin America by identifying opportunities for developing initiatives and projects targeting high-priority environmental issues.
• Providing technical advice to the Head of the Sub-regional office for the Southern Cone and other relevant regional and divisional officers to ensure alignment with UNEP's mandate and national priorities.
• Supporting the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Programme on reducing methane emissions from organic waste and closing dumpsites, tailored to the needs of LAC countries.
• Guiding and supporting the implementation of the Coalition’s Work Plan, leading capacity building and awareness campaigns.
• Advising on the coordination of the LAC University Consortium on Sustainable Waste Management, facilitating UNEP's engagement in educational modules and programmes.
• Contributing to the rollout of the UNEP Zero Waste programme in the LAC region, focusing on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and project proposal development.
• Facilitating the development of project proposals and resource mobilization initiatives to accelerate methane mitigation and closure of dumpsites in LAC.
• Providing technical guidance for the implementation of the project "Powering the Dominican Republic’s Food Systems Transformation" and organizing stakeholder workshops in the Dominican Republic as part of the UNEP Foodsystems Lab methodology.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in environmental management, natural resources, science, engineering, or related fields, along with a Master's degree in the same or related fields. Additional studies or specific training on environmental affairs, waste management, and environmental education are considered assets. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software packages.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in environmental management, natural resources, science, engineering, or related fields, which is a prerequisite for the position. Additionally, a Master's degree in the same or related fields is required, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental issues. Further studies or specialized training in environmental affairs, waste management, and environmental education will be viewed favorably and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in areas related to environmental science, natural resources management, waste management, and capacity building is required. Experience with projects and initiatives related to waste management and capacity building is desired, as well as working experience in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. Knowledge of regional and national stakeholders is also preferred, along with familiarity with the United Nations System, which would provide valuable context for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and ensuring that UNEP's initiatives are effectively communicated and understood across the region. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone and will coordinate closely with Programme Management Officers for the Chemicals and Pollution Action and Nature Action Sub-programmes. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.