Job Opening at UNEP

Result of Service

• Promotion and integration of/and synergies with biodiversity related MEAs as part of Africa regional preparatory processes for ongoing post 2020 global biodiversity framework process.
• Support the national implementation of Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS- Conventions) as well as Minamata Convention through development of policy briefs for use by decision makers and providing technical support and advice to IGAD states’ delegations.

Work Location: Ethiopia

Expected duration: The consultancy will last for 16 Weeks.

Recruitment: as soon as possible

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose
United Nations Environment Programme’s Addis Ababa Liaison Office (UNEP-AALO) has significantly contributed to placing the organization firmly on the political map of Africa, as one of the key players in environment and sustainable development. UNEP in so doing has strengthened its efforts and partnership with African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the Government of Ethiopia among other African countries.
UNEP-AALO is deepening its partnership with the AUC and RECs through increasing its support to the African Caribbean Pacific countries – Multilateral Environmental Agreements (ACP-MEAs) project, whose African hub is hosted by the AUC but with activities entrenched within other regional and sub-regional bodies in the region. Two phases of the project are already undertaken, with the 2nd phase completed in December 2019. The current third phase funded by the European Union is for a duration of 4 years, and coordinated by UNEP. It aims to strengthen the capacity of countries in the selected regions of Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific- to effectively implement and comply with MEAs through addressing the challenges associated with the sound management of chemicals and wastes, marine pollution, coastal erosion and loss of biodiversity.
The third phase of the project aims to further scale up support provided to African countries in their MEA implementation. With an ultimate objective of enhancing capacities, processes and infrastructure in the ACP countries to enforce and comply with selected MEAs related to biodiversity and chemicals and waste which forms component one of the project envisaging the promotion, understanding, integration of and synergies with MEAs as part of the Africa regional preparatory processes for on-going post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework process. In the same vein, the project will support parties to the Basel Rotterdam Stockholm (BRS) Conventions as well as the Minamata Convention to realize national implementation through support for development of policy briefs to better inform decision makers as well as providing technical support and advice to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states’ delegations. In addition, ACP-MEAs project aims to strengthen the capacities of these countries to implement BRS and Minamata Conventions including increasing coordination and cooperation at the national level in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, and Agenda 2063-The Africa we want.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of UNEP Office in Addis Ababa through the Programme Coordinator working in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Law Division, AUC and IGAD countries, the consultant will carry out the following:

1. Develop a strategy on post 2020 global biodiversity framework for IGAD countries.
2. Prepare an action plan and guidelines for the national implementation of Basel Rotterdam Stockholm (BRS) Conventions; Minamata Convention in the IGAD states.
3. Develop policy briefs for decision-makers on post 2020 Biodiversity framework,
4. Develop policy briefs for Basel Rotterdam Stockholm (BRS) Conventions as well as the Minamata Convention on national implementation in IGAD states.
5. Provide a compendium for key decision makers on policy gaps, best practices and options for integrating/mainstreaming MEAs into on-going initiatives, policies and strategies.
6. Prepare documentation and facilitate the validation workshops.

Qualifications/special skills

Skills: – Excellent communication and writing Skills.
– Excellent computer proficiencies in using UN standard computer application, (Microsoft Office applications).
– Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Academic Qualifications:

Master’s degree or equivalent in international environmental policy, environmental management, international relations, or a development-related area of study is required.

Experience:- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience at the national and/or international levels in environmental issues, development studies, information and outreach or related fields;
– Understanding of Regional Economic Communities processes is an asset;
– Familiarity with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and related processes is desirable.
– Experience working with a UN Agency or International Organizations is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

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