Consultant for Environmental Sustainability

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Position Title: Consultant for Environmental Sustainability
Location: Riyadh
Country: Saudi Arabia
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 operates through various regional offices, including the West Asia Office, which delivers advisory services and capacity-building support to countries to achieve environmental and sustainable development objectives. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and collaboration among governments, NGOs, and civil society to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Environmental Sustainability will play a crucial role in integrating environmental sustainability into higher education institutions and NGOs in Saudi Arabia. This position is established under the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between UNEP and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Consultant will be responsible for providing technical guidance and support in the implementation of national awareness plans and initiatives, ensuring they align with the strategic objectives of the Deputy Ministry of Environment. The role involves engaging with higher education institutions to develop and implement a roadmap for environmental sustainability, managing the establishment of a Green University Model, and creating a toolkit to assist universities in adopting green practices. Additionally, the Consultant will coordinate environmental communication efforts, engage with NGOs, and evaluate the impact of environmental awareness programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Provide technical guidance and backstopping support in the implementation of national awareness plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Deputy Ministry of Environment's strategic awareness objectives.
• Higher Education Institutions Engagement: Manage the development and implementation of the environmental sustainability roadmap for universities, including establishing a Green University Model and developing a toolkit for resource-efficient and low-carbon campus initiatives. Create and maintain a 'Green Network' for universities in KSA to collaborate on sustainability initiatives and share best practices. Supervise the design and implementation of national environmental sustainability competitions, such as the Enviro-Sustainathon, targeting youth. Design and implement a forum on the role of academia and research institutes in promoting environmental sustainability.
• Environmental Communication and Public Awareness: Develop and deliver specialized environmental seminars and webinars on sustainability, environmental governance, and pressing environmental challenges.
• Engagement with NGOs and Civil Society: Coordinate the engagement of NGOs, identify their needs, and prepare an engagement strategy to enhance their contribution to sustainability and environmental management in the Kingdom.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor, evaluate, and report on the impact of environmental awareness programs, recommending improvements where necessary. Maintain records, produce analytical reports, and interpret engagement trends to refine awareness strategies.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, public relations, environmental research, environmental sciences, or related fields is required. Holding a PhD is considered an added asset. A minimum of 10 years of experience in advocacy and awareness raising is required, with previous practical experience in similar tasks in environmental research and communication being desirable. Experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building support to government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders on environmental awareness initiatives is also required. Knowledge of environmental issues in Saudi Arabia is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as communication, public relations, environmental research, or environmental sciences. A PhD is advantageous but not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives, particularly in the context of environmental issues. Candidates should have a proven track record of practical experience in environmental research and communication, as well as experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building support to various stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required for this position, ensuring effective communication with diverse stakeholders and audiences.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 16 months. 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 also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.