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 and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization was established in 1972 and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental issues. UNEP's regional office for West Asia focuses on delivering advisory services and capacity-building support to countries to achieve their environmental and sustainable development objectives, particularly in addressing challenges such as sand and dust storms.

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 for West Asia. This position involves providing technical leadership and advisory support to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that all technical inputs are aligned and consolidated into a coherent document. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive literature review on sand and dust storm sources and hotspots, drafting the Master Plan, and facilitating regional consultations to gather stakeholder feedback. The Master Plan will serve as a guiding document for countries in the region, addressing the root causes of sand and dust storms and promoting the integration of mitigation measures into national policies. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations, to ensure the successful development and implementation of the Master Plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a Regional Literature Review on SDS Sources and Hotspots: Review available studies, reports, assessments, datasets, and other relevant publications addressing sand and dust storm sources, hotspots, drivers, and mitigation measures in West Asia. Compile a preliminary list of SDS hotspots identified by the Regional SDS Centre and other sources. Conduct a desk-based analysis of identified hotspots and prepare concise profiles covering location, causes, land use, water management, climatic conditions, and impacts. Prepare an inception report outlining methodology, literature review approach, criteria for hotspot identification, and workplan.
• Draft the Regional Masterplan to Combat Sand and Dust Storms: Prepare an annotated outline for the Master Plan, compile data and findings, coordinate with experts developing specific sections, and conduct stakeholder meetings to gather technical inputs.
• Regional Consultations: Provide inputs to national and regional consultations, present findings, and gather feedback from stakeholders.
• Final Version of the Masterplan: Refine and finalize the Masterplan, incorporating all comments and feedback, and submit the final version for review and publication.

Required Qualifications:
Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Management, Land or Water Management, Climate Science, or a related field is required. 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 also desirable. Minimum of 10 years of experience in land and water management or a related field is required. Proven experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building programs is essential. Strong knowledge of environmental issues in West Asia is required, along with experience in multistakeholder engagement and developing technical reports. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Management, Land or Water Management, Climate Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A PhD degree is also desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise in the relevant fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in land and water management or a related field. Candidates should have proven experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building programs, as well as experience in multistakeholder engagement and developing technical reports. Familiarity with environmental issues specific to West Asia is crucial, and experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the region, as well as for the preparation of technical documents and reports.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11.5 months, and the consultant will work from home. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information on applicants' bank accounts.