Result of Service

2. Ultimate result of service: Successful G20 ECSWG in terms of accelerating environmental ambition in the G20 and fostering commitments to support the objectives of the ECSWG that reflect the priorities of the region at large. The incumbent will provide technical support to the ECSWG under SA G20 Presidency in the following ways, a) Regular technical, documentation and coordination support to meet the objectives of the Presidency aligned with the larger priorities of the AU and various multilateral processes. b) Technical documents such as briefing and background notes and communications material prepared, c) Support for stronger cohesion between objectives of the ECSWG and those of other WGs d) Regular facilitation support for engagement with key stakeholders at preparatory and main WG meetings.

Work Location

Pretoria

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations Development System (UNDS) and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Regional Office for Africa (UNEP-ROA) supports the integration of environmental sustainability and climate action at the country level working closely within the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) mechanism as guided by the Resident Coordinator (UN-RC) System. With the African Union becoming a permanent member of the G20 and South Africa taking over the presidency of the G20 in December 2024. UNEP aims to strengthen collaboration and engagement with South Africa and the African Union to support greater attention and action by G20 nations on sustainability issues that are crucial for the continent and globally. Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will support the South African G20 Presidency on the priorities of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), provide technical support for the development and implementation of the workplan of the ECSWG in alignment with the priorities of the African Union and multilateral environmental processes, and substantive support for ECSWG meetings, including preparatory meetings with partners, stakeholders and other WGs to support the Presidency in accelerating the objectives of the ECSWG. The consultant will report to the Senior Programme Manager, in RoA coordinating UNEP’s G20 engagement. • Provide technical support, through review, research and analysis, on South Africa’s priorities in the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group • Support the benchmarking of G20 policies to identify best practices that shape South Africa’s contributions in the ECSWG • Provide evidence-based recommendations for enhanced policy coherence within ECSWG workstreams and advancing South Africa’s objectives within the G20, in alignment with national, AU, and global environmental priorities. • Support coordination across government departments, international organisations, and key stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective representation of South Africa’s interests in ECSWG discussions. • Support coordination with other Working Groups for recognition and integration of environmental aspects across different G20 tracks. • Develop technical briefing materials, analytical notes, position papers, and strategic communication products to support ECSWG meetings and ministerial events. • Support strengthening of institutional knowledge on G20 and ensuring continuity in G20-related work from the previous presidencies • Support collaboration with international and domestic stakeholders to align initiatives, foster partnerships, and strengthen South Africa’s leadership role in the ECSWG. • Support overall planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting for the effective delivery of ECSWG priorities by tracking progress, preparing regular updates, and ensuring deliverables align with South Africa’s G20 Presidency objectives.

Qualifications/special skills

First university degree in a field related to environment science, conservation, natural resource management, economics or related field. At least 7 years experience at the national level in sustainable development and implementation of environmental related programmes, projects and activities is required. Experience in the development sector of South Africa is required. The incumbent should possess a good understanding of the political landscape and environmental issues in the region. Analytical/drafting/writing skills, communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as part of a team. A first University Degree in a field related to the environment science, conservation, natural resource management, project management, economics or related field is required.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.