1. Organizational Setting, Purpose and Objective: 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 system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Regional Office for West Asia delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. This consultancy is under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator of the chemicals and pollution action subprogramme of the UNEP West Asia Office (UNEP ROWA). UNEP’s work in chemicals and pollution action focusses on supporting the governments, industry, and civil society organizations to minimize the adverse effects of chemicals and pollution on human health and the environment. As part of the chemicals and pollution action, UNEP aims to foster a coordinated approach for air quality management in West Asia through establishing a regional air quality network for the region. This consultancy aims at contributing to the enhancement of national and regional efforts in West Asia to control and prevent air pollution. The objective of the consultancy is to assess the status of air quality management in West Asia, develop a joint workplan, support networking, and promote regional solutions for air pollution. The consultancy will work in close collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including national authorities and experts. 2. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Regional Coordinator in UNEP West Asia Office, the consultant will carry-out, inter alia, the following duties and responsibilities: 1) Assessing the status of air quality management in West Asia a. Review existing assessments and surveys on the actions taken by the West Asian countries for control and prevention of air pollution. b. Draft a report on status of air quality management in West Asia 2) Developing a joint workplan a. Identify any gaps in the current approach and formulate recommendations for collaborative actions among the West Asian countries. b. Draft a framework document for establishing and operating an air quality network in West Asia with three key elements: (i) promoting coordination and collaboration among West Asian countries on air quality matters and strengthening ties with other global air quality networks/conventions, (ii) facilitating science-policy dialogues grounded in the most up-to-date knowledge and practices, and (iii) bolstering and reinforcing national endeavors to enhance air quality through various collaborative mechanisms. c. Create a preliminary workplan for the regional air quality network in West Asia. 3) Promoting regional solutions a. Draft a guidebook on formulating and reviewing strategies to reduce air pollution, with a particular emphasis on measures to mitigating emissions from high-impact sectors in West Asia. b. Serve as a resource person and provide support for organising a regional capacity building workshop aimed at promoting regional solutions to improve air quality in West Asia. 4) Networking and awareness raising a. Develop awareness raising materials on the regional air quality network for West Asia. b. Develop documentations of meetings of the regional air quality network for West Asia. c. Support coordination of the regional air quality network for West Asia.

Requirements:

Master’s degree in environment sciences, engineering, pollution, or economics is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree is required. Minimum of 7 years of  experience working in the environmental field preferably on air quality management issues in West Asia is required. Understanding and knowledge of air quality management, including promoting intergovernmental cooperation and emission reduction strategies is desirable. Familiarity with the West Asia regional air quality context is desirable. Ability to conduct research and work independently is desirable.

Languages

Proficiency in English and Arabic is required.