UNEP Buildings and Carbon Management Policy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• Its mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to promote environmental sustainability. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges. UNEP's initiatives focus on areas such as climate change, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation, making it a pivotal player in international environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Buildings and Carbon Management Policy Specialist position is designed to provide technical, analytical, and strategic support to UNEP's Buildings and Construction programme and its carbon drawdown initiatives. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Head of the Policy and Planning Unit and the GlobalABC Programme Officer, contributing to the coordination and strategic planning of GlobalABC activities. This role involves enhancing technical and policy analysis related to carbon drawdown and material economy approaches within the buildings and construction sector. The consultant will also be responsible for developing project concepts, funding proposals, and partnership opportunities that align with UNEP's agenda on buildings and carbon drawdown. The position requires maintaining regular engagement with UNEP teams and participating in relevant meetings to ensure effective collaboration and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including providing substantive technical support for UNEP's Buildings and Construction activities, particularly in Kenya. This includes contributing to the development and dissemination of GlobalABC flagship knowledge products, technical reports, and policy briefs. The consultant will analyze trends in building decarbonization and resource efficiency, offering recommendations to inform UNEP's activities. Additionally, the role involves facilitating strategic engagement with various stakeholders, including governments and industry partners, to advance sustainable building objectives. The consultant will also conduct technical and policy analysis on carbon drawdown and related governance frameworks, assess the buildings sector's role in carbon retention, and develop analytical papers and policy inputs. Furthermore, the consultant will prepare technical briefings and support stakeholder engagement activities, ensuring effective communication of UNEP's objectives and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in buildings, civil, or environmental engineering. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with eight additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as sustainable buildings and construction, climate change mitigation, resource efficiency, and carbon management is required. Experience working with international organizations and drafting policy papers and technical reports is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a sound understanding of sustainable building policies and technologies, as well as strong analytical and research skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in buildings, civil, or environmental engineering. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by extensive relevant experience. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in engineering principles as they relate to sustainable construction and environmental management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including sustainable buildings and construction, climate change mitigation, and resource efficiency. Candidates should have experience working with international organizations, governments, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex environments and contribute to collaborative efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to international dialogues.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 5.9 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The position is full-time, and the consultant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, reporting to the Head of the Policy and Planning Unit and the GlobalABC Programme Officer. The role involves significant engagement with various stakeholders and requires the consultant to participate in international meetings and workshops relevant to the buildings and construction sector.