Result of Service

The objectives of the work are to support the SPP OEWG Secretariat by assisting in the organization of the delivery of outputs as outlined above. The consultant will also assist in processing administrative documents as required as part of project management and will provide guidance to UNEP based on professional experience.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

11 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division leads UNEP’s subprogramme on Chemicals and Pollution Action. UNEP’s programme of work centers around assistance to countries and multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) secretariats to assist in technitions. cal-scientific issues related to priority chemicals and implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Governing Council resolution. UNEA resolution 5/8 “Science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution” was passed at UNEA 5.2 in March 2022. The resolution called upon the UNEP Executive Director to constitute an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) in 2022 in order to develop proposals for the establishment of a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and the prevention of pollution. The OEWG proposals for the establishment of the new panel will be forwarded for consideration and adoption by an intergovernmental meeting to be convened by the UNEP Executive Director. In response to UNEA resolution 5/8, the UNEP Executive Director established a Secretariat to support the OEWG process. Under the supervision of the Principal Coordinator of the OEWG Secretariat, the senior consultant will focus on the following duties: 2.1. Preparation of analyses, background and meeting documents for OEWG 3.2 (80% of time): The period of this assignment will coincide with the preparations for the OEWG 3.2 meeting planned for the first half of 2025 back-to-back with the Intergovernmental Meeting tentatively scheduled for the first half of 2025. The documents to be developed under this assignment include internal briefings and analysis as well as options for consideration by the Chair, Bureau and/or facilitators of the OEWG on elements of the: • Foundational document, including the objective, functions, operating principles, institutional arrangements, and evaluation. • Draft rules of procedure. • Interim arrangements, including the secretariat structure. The consultant will also support the preparation of a series of related documents, including but not limited to: • OEWG 3.2 scenario note. • Financial procedures. • Background document on interim arrangements • Collaborative partnership arrangement with the World Health Organization. • Intergovernmental meeting scenario note. • Meeting documents for the intergovernmental meeting In addition, the consultant will also support the development of internal documents: • For OEWG 3.2: contact group mandates, co-facilitators background document, in-session documents as required. • For the Intergovernmental Meeting: briefing notes • Other internal and in-session documents as may be required 2.2. Support to stakeholder engagement (20% of time): The consultant will support stakeholder engagement through preparations and follow-up to communications and outreach events to facilitate engagement with academia, industry / private sector (a wide and diverse group in itself), civil society, and representatives from across the other Major Groups of UNEP / UNEA stakeholders (including youth, labour / unions, indigenous groups). 2.3. Monitoring and Progress Controls The incumbent will be working under the direct supervision of the Principal Coordinator, SPP OEWG Secretariat. The incumbent will prepare a workplan for the duration of the contract during the first month of the assignment. The detailed work plan will include deliverables by month. The workplan will be reviewed jointly with the Principal Coordinator on a monthly basis. Report on the delivery of the workplan will be prepared at the end of each calendar month in combination with the monthly progress report to monitor and identify issues.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in a field related to Environmental Sciences (chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental studies, environmental management) is required. At least 10 years of working experience in chemicals, waste and / or pollution management at international level is required. Experience in intergovernmental processes is required. Working knowledge of science-policy panels and/or of the chemicals related MEAs and international instruments is required.

Languages

Fluency in English, including good drafting/writing skills is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

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.