Head, Chemicals Science and Policy Unit

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 works to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable practices. The organization focuses on the development, use, and transfer of policies, technologies, and economic instruments that assist in environmentally sound decision-making. UNEP operates globally, with a mission to foster sustainable patterns of consumption and production, ensure safe management of chemicals, and make trade and environment policies mutually supportive. The organization has a significant presence in various countries and collaborates with governments, industry, and civil society organizations to promote sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Chemicals Science and Policy Unit will play a pivotal role in leading UNEP’s efforts to collect and analyze scientific information on key chemicals and pollution challenges. This position requires strategic leadership to define priorities that address emerging challenges and industry trends while fostering innovation in chemical management. The incumbent will serve as a thought leader, linking scientific information with policy advice, and will engage with various stakeholders, including governments and industry, to champion innovative approaches to managing chemicals of concern. The role also involves overseeing initiatives that improve access to scientific information and ensuring that relevant data informs policy-making processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing the unit’s operations, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and lead UNEP’s contribution to collecting and analyzing scientific information on chemicals and pollution challenges.
• Serve as a thought leader on linking scientific information with policy advice, providing support to parties fulfilling obligations under chemicals agreements.
• Identify and champion innovative approaches in managing chemicals of concern, fostering partnerships with industry, academia, and governments.
• Engage and support relevant policy processes, ensuring that science and policy analysis are embedded in international discourse.
• Provide authoritative input into position papers, reports, and policy briefs for intergovernmental and governing bodies.
• Oversee initiatives that analyze and improve access to scientific information on chemicals and their economic contexts.
• Build linkages with UNEP-wide information systems and harness AI for informed policy-making.
• Direct the unit’s operations, including budget management and resource mobilization.
• Respond to high-level requests from UNEP’s Executive Office and regional offices. 1
• Lead team efforts to collect and analyze data, ensuring accessibility and integration for decision-making. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, industrial engineering, industrial innovation, toxicology, or environmental management with a focus on chemicals.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.
• Relevant training and/or experience in public policy, environmental policy, or regulatory affairs are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, industrial engineering, industrial innovation, toxicology, or environmental management with a focus on chemicals. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in these fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered a plus.

Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in generating and managing scientific information on environmental issues, particularly chemicals, is required. Candidates must have experience working with policymakers or regulatory agencies at national or international levels on policy change and advocating for science-based policies or regulations. Leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams, especially in scientific research, policy formulation, or government affairs, is essential. Experience in working with the private sector and knowledge of international regulations and treaties is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, as well as proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian at UN Level II. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with administrative instructions. All external candidates recruited for a fixed-term appointment without limitation and those recruited for a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.