Government Relations Support

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority established to set the global environmental agenda and advocate for environmental action across the UN system. UNEP plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, and works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement its mission. UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is a key initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions, which are a significant contributor to climate change. IMEO integrates data from various sources to provide actionable insights and support emissions reductions aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Job Overview:
The Government Relations Support position is designed to assist UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) in its mission to reduce methane emissions globally. The consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for government engagement, particularly in Turkmenistan and other target countries. This role involves creating technical content to build capacity among government stakeholders, ensuring they can effectively interpret and act upon the data provided by IMEO. The consultant will also coordinate training sessions for government and National Oil Company (NOC) stakeholders, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to address methane emissions. The position requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, with a focus on delivering high-quality outputs and maintaining effective communication with UNEP staff and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Providing technical input to IMEO’s government engagement strategy to ensure that target governments can effectively utilize the data shared by IMEO.
• Reporting to the MARS Programme Manager and collaborating with cross-functional teams to coordinate efforts.
• Developing a strategy for stakeholder engagement with target countries in Africa, including liaising with focal points and responding to stakeholder requests.
• Conducting technical engagement with key stakeholders on behalf of IMEO’s Nigeria Methane Emissions Reduction Pilot Programme.
• Coordinating and delivering training sessions for government and NOC stakeholders, acting as the main focal point for technical experts.
• Identifying needs for new training content and supporting the development of technical training materials.
• Drafting and issuing notifications to stakeholders regarding major methane emission events in Europe.
• Conducting research and analysis on country-level methane opportunities and challenges.
• Maintaining updated information on ongoing engagements with government and related stakeholders. 1
• Attending meetings and workshops, drafting summaries, and tracking follow-up activities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree or equivalent in environmental policy, management, law, political science, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in environmental, climate, or methane policy. Experience in coordinating across technical, data, engagement, and communications teams is essential. Candidates should also possess strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams effectively. Experience with satellite-based methane monitoring and designing operational processes is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as environmental policy, management, law, political science, environmental studies, sustainability, or climate policy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and policy-making.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in areas related to environmental, climate, or methane policy. Candidates should demonstrate experience in coordinating across various teams and managing projects that involve technical data and stakeholder engagement. Experience in satellite-based methane monitoring and operational process design is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNEP's IMEO. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is Paris-based and is expected to last for 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.