UNEP Regional Consultant to Provide Technical Support for Marine Litter Activities

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been instrumental in fostering international cooperation on environmental issues and has a presence in over 150 countries. The organization works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices worldwide. UNEP's Ecosystems Division specifically focuses on enhancing the capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition to implement effective environmental policies and practices. The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and its Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (MED POL) are key initiatives under UNEP aimed at addressing marine pollution in the Mediterranean region, established in 197

• MED POL supports the implementation of the Barcelona Convention and its relevant protocols, providing technical assistance and capacity-building to Contracting Parties.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Regional Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) and the Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (MED POL) in their efforts to combat marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea. This position involves providing technical support and guidance to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and resource mobilization for marine litter prevention and management. The consultant will be responsible for implementing activities under the Marine Litter MED PLUS Project, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation and support Contracting Parties in implementing priority measures for marine litter prevention, reduction, and monitoring. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government representatives, NGOs, and international organizations, to ensure effective collaboration and the successful execution of project objectives. The consultant will also be expected to prepare detailed work plans, organize meetings, and deliver training workshops related to marine litter management, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) Ecological Objective 10 (Marine Litter).

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

• Preparing a detailed work plan for the assignment, outlining the proposed methodology, timetable for task completion, and approach to achieving expected outputs.
• Supporting the organization and substantive preparation of the Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Platform on Marine Litter, including developing a joint workplan and identifying synergies with the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML).
• Providing technical and scientific support to MED POL for the preparation and follow-up of meetings related to pollution monitoring and marine litter.
• Assisting in the preparation and delivery of training workshops, seminars, and regional meetings focused on marine litter, including creating relevant technical materials and presentations.
• Contributing technical inputs to project proposals and funding applications, identifying funding opportunities, and engaging with donors to support the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management.
• Offering technical support for the development and updating of national IMAP-based monitoring programmes for IMAP EO10 (Marine Litter) in eligible countries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, marine science, environmental management, environmental engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of professional work experience in marine environmental management, particularly focusing on marine litter, solid waste management, circular economy, or pollution prevention, is required. Desirable qualifications include experience in marine litter monitoring and assessment, knowledge of IMAP Ecological Objective 10, and previous involvement in regional cooperation initiatives, technical meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement processes. Experience in preparing project proposals and resource mobilization initiatives is also desirable, along with working knowledge of the Mediterranean region.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, marine science, environmental management, or environmental engineering. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the complexities of marine litter management and environmental policy implementation.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of five years of professional work experience in marine environmental management, with a strong emphasis on marine litter, solid waste management, and pollution prevention. Experience in marine litter monitoring and assessment, particularly in relation to IMAP Ecological Objective 10, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of supporting regional cooperation initiatives, conducting technical meetings, and engaging stakeholders in environmental management processes. Previous experience in preparing project proposals and resource mobilization initiatives will be advantageous, as will familiarity with the Mediterranean region and its environmental challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders and partners in the Mediterranean region where French is commonly spoken. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific needs of the project and the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for 80 working days spread over five months. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNEP/MAP Senior Programme Officer and will be expected to collaborate closely with various stakeholders in the Mediterranean region. 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 transparency and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.