Strategic Expert Consultant

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Position Title: Strategic Expert Consultant
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 is involved in strategic planning, coordination, and monitoring of environmental programs. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Expert Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNEP in producing a strategic framework for 2026–2029 and the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director's report to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). This position requires a deep understanding of environmental issues and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to gather insights and inputs. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive strategic framework that aligns with UNEP's mission and addresses emerging environmental challenges. This includes conducting research and analysis on global and regional environmental trends, reviewing and revising draft frameworks, and drafting sections of reports that outline the future direction of UNEA. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations to ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into the strategic framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development of a forward-looking, actionable strategic framework for 2026–2029, including strategic priorities aligned with UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) mandates.
• Conduct iterative review sessions with internal and external experts to refine the strategic framework and ensure alignment with UNEP’s goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Facilitate comprehensive validation and review processes for the strategic framework, incorporating stakeholder feedback through participatory decision-making tools and consensus-building models.
• Draft a section on 'The Future of UNEA' and review and revise the Executive Director’s Report to UNEA, including a situational analysis, priority recommendations, and policy solutions addressing critical global environmental challenges.
• Conduct bilateral consultations with key stakeholders to ensure the Executive Director’s Report reflects diverse perspectives and addresses identified gaps.
• Deliver draft final versions of the strategic framework and the Executive Director’s Report. The consultant will report to the Deputy Director of the Policy and Programme Division.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in environment, sustainable development, public/business administration, economics, or other relevant disciplines.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme/project planning, development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation.
• Managerial experience in environmental and sustainable development and policy analysis.
• Knowledge of UN programme planning and UNEP institutional mandates, policies, guidelines, and administrative processes.
• Working experience in developing countries and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as environment, sustainable development, public/business administration, or economics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and sustainable development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as programme/project planning, development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation. Candidates should have managerial experience specifically in environmental and sustainable development contexts, as well as policy analysis. This level of experience is crucial for effectively contributing to UNEP's strategic objectives and ensuring the successful delivery of the strategic framework and reports.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is six months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but given the nature of the responsibilities, it is likely to require a full-time commitment. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.