Environmental Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Consultancy

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP New York Office, located in New York City, represents the organization at the UN Headquarters and throughout North America, fostering strategic partnerships, information exchange, and cooperation with Member States, the UN Secretariat, and various stakeholders. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on a wide range of environmental issues and promoting sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Consultancy position is designed to enhance UNEP's engagement with Canada by deepening and maintaining strategic relationships with relevant Canadian government institutions and stakeholders. The consultant will work remotely and will be supervised by the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary-General at the UNEP New York Office. The role involves collaborating with UNEP to identify opportunities for enhanced cooperation with Canada, providing strategic analysis on Canada's environmental priorities, and facilitating dialogue between UNEP and Canadian counterparts. The consultant will also participate in high-level meetings, coordinate visits and missions to Canada, and contribute to resource mobilization efforts to support UNEP's objectives. This position is critical for aligning UNEP's priorities with Canada's international environmental agenda and for fostering partnerships that can lead to joint initiatives and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at strengthening UNEP's relationship with Canada. Key duties include: collaborating with UNEP to deepen strategic relationships with Canadian government institutions; identifying opportunities for cooperation and joint initiatives; providing strategic analysis on environmental priorities; facilitating dialogue and coordination between UNEP and Canadian stakeholders; participating in high-level meetings and outreach activities; planning and coordinating visits by UNEP representatives to Canada; pursuing partnership development opportunities; contributing to resource mobilization efforts; monitoring and reporting on Canada's environmental policy landscape; and preparing strategic reports on UNEP-Canada relations. The consultant will also perform other related duties as requested by the UNEP New York Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in environmental matters and policy priorities is required, with a strong emphasis on climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable development. Experience in fundraising and building partnerships in the environmental sector is desirable, as is direct experience with the Canadian federal government, particularly in environmental and multilateral matters. A solid understanding of UNEP's mandate, governance structures, and intergovernmental processes is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, they must have at least two additional years of relevant experience to qualify for the position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international environmental policy and the workings of UNEP.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in environmental matters, with a focus on environmental policy priorities such as climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in the environmental field, particularly in roles that involve partnership building and fundraising. Experience working directly with the Canadian federal government and understanding its institutional landscape regarding environmental issues is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNEP's governance and intergovernmental processes will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, given its status as another working language. Additionally, proficiency in another official UN language would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 5 months and is a remote position, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. 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. This policy ensures that the recruitment process remains accessible and fair to all candidates.