UNEP Regional SDS Masterplan Consultant

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Regional SDS Masterplan Consultant will play a crucial role in developing the Regional Master Plan to Combat Sand and Dust Storms in West Asia. This position is established within the framework of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between UNEP and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The consultant will provide technical leadership and advisory support to ensure that the Master Plan is comprehensive, coherent, and effectively addresses the challenges posed by sand and dust storms. The consultant will work closely with the Project Manager at the UNEP West Asia Office and collaborate with the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) and other relevant stakeholders to gather inputs and develop a robust plan that guides actions at various levels to mitigate the impacts of sand and dust storms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a regional literature review on sand and dust storm sources and hotspots, drafting the Regional Masterplan, facilitating regional consultations, and finalizing the Masterplan. Specific duties include reviewing existing studies and data, compiling a list of SDS hotspots, preparing an inception report, drafting the Masterplan with guidelines for local and national action plans, coordinating with other experts, conducting stakeholder meetings, and refining the final version of the Masterplan based on feedback received. The consultant will ensure that the Masterplan addresses root causes and prevention strategies for sand and dust storms and integrates mitigation measures into national policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Management, Land or Water Management, Climate Science, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A PhD is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in land and water management or a related field, proven experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building programs, and strong knowledge of environmental issues in West Asia. Experience in multistakeholder engagement and developing technical reports is also required, while experience working with international organizations or government agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Environmental Management, Land or Water Management, Climate Science, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience, and a PhD is considered desirable for this consultancy role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in land and water management or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record in providing technical guidance and capacity-building programs, as well as experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders and developing comprehensive technical reports. Familiarity with environmental issues specific to West Asia is essential, and experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is crucial for engaging with stakeholders and developing the Masterplan. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11.5 months, with a total of 120 days of part-time work. The position is home-based, 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, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees related to their application.