National Environmental Policy Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Environmental Policy Specialist
Location: Bissau
Country: Guinea-Bissau
Deadline Date: 16-Mar-25 @ 11:59 PM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their own development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate and disaster resilience, and sustainable development. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, contributing to its mission of promoting sustainable human development.

Job Overview:
The National Environmental Policy Specialist position is designed to support the UNDP's initiatives in Guinea-Bissau, focusing on environmental policy development and implementation. The specialist will be responsible for analyzing current environmental policies, identifying gaps, and proposing actionable recommendations to enhance the country's environmental governance. This role requires a deep understanding of national and international environmental frameworks, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the private sector. The specialist will also be expected to contribute to capacity-building efforts and facilitate workshops and training sessions aimed at improving environmental policy awareness and implementation among local stakeholders. The position is critical in ensuring that Guinea-Bissau aligns its environmental policies with global standards and commitments, particularly in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing environmental policies and legislation in Guinea-Bissau to assess their effectiveness and alignment with international standards.
• Identify key environmental challenges facing the country and propose policy recommendations to address these issues.
• Collaborate with government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for improving environmental governance.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders in environmental policy formulation and implementation.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings and recommendations for various audiences, including government agencies and international partners.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of environmental policies and programs, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Stay updated on global environmental trends and best practices to inform policy development in Guinea-Bissau.
• Support the UNDP in mobilizing resources for environmental initiatives and projects.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in environmental science, policy, or a related field. A proven track record of working on environmental issues, particularly in developing countries, is essential. The candidate should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for engaging with diverse stakeholders and facilitating discussions. The candidate should also have experience in project management and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in environmental management or policy analysis would be advantageous. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree combined with extensive relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in environmental policy development, analysis, or related fields. Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations in Guinea-Bissau or similar contexts is highly desirable. Familiarity with international environmental agreements and frameworks is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, as it is the official language of Guinea-Bissau. Proficiency in English or French would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to nationals of Guinea-Bissau or individuals with legal residence and work authorization in the country. The assignment is expected to last for 36 working days. The role is contracted as an individual contractor under the UNDP procurement process, and candidates must submit their proposals through the designated supplier portal by the specified deadline.