Result of Service
The objective of the Senior Advisor on Environmental Affairs for Colombia and the Andean countries consultancy is to contribute to the planning and strategic management of the Office and will accompany the implementation of UNEP´s Work Plan and activities in Colombia and the Andean countries such as the Cooperation Framework and the implementation of projects and initiatives, under the direction and supervision of the Representative Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme in Colombia and the Andean countries. Responsibilities and activities to be performed by the consultant will include, but are not limited to: Strategic Management • Provide guidance with the generation of a country strategy for the UNEP office in Colombia and the Andean countries in accordance with the guidelines established by the Representative Officer for Colombia and in accordance with the country’s environmental priorities and the UNEP Medium Term Strategy and Programme of Work. • Accompany and advise the effective implementation of the country strategy generated for Colombia and the Andean countries. • Contribute to the permanent relationship and dialogue of the UNEP office in Colombia and the Andean countries with the entities and strategic actors of the national order in the environmental field, both governmental and non-governmental, including NGOs, academia and the private sector. • Advise and accompany the Representative Officer of UNEP in Colombia in the dialogue with the national and subnational governments and other high-level instances in environmental matters. • Contribute to the effective integration of UNEP´s country strategy in the context of the Cooperation Framework of the United Nations System with the national government, positioning environmental issues, through the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Colombia and the Andean countries. • Participate in working groups and meetings related to the implementation of the Cooperation Frameworks of Colombia and the Andean countries. • Contribute to the effective positioning of UNEP as the lead environmental agency in the United Nations country team (UNCT) in Colombia and collaborate with the initiatives related to the UNCTs in the Andean countries. • Conduct research for preparing documents such as reports, briefings, presentation among others requested by the UNCT in Colombia and Cooperation Framework working groups, including the update of the UN INFO. Resource Management • Provide guidance in the identification of financing opportunities for projects and initiatives that contribute to the implementation of the UNEP´s country strategy and Programme of Work in Colombia and the Andean countries. • Contribute to the designing and development of project proposals to be financed by various sources of funding linked to environmental initiatives and international funds such as GEF, GCF, Adaptation Fund, IKI, etc. • Advise the development of new project proposals that contribute to UNEP´s Programme of Work in Colombia and the Andean countries. • Advise on the preparation of the Terms of Reference of the consultants, contractors and contracting processes necessary for the implementation of the UNEP country strategy and Programme of Work in Colombia and the Andean countries. • Stimulate the establishment of relationships and strategic alliances with United Nations agencies, funds and programs in the countries to seek financial and non-financial resources for the implementation of UNEP´s country strategy. • Advise and collaborate in the preparation and presentation of reports to donors as required. • Contribute to the organization and logistic of virtual or in-person workshops and meetings, with stakeholders and counterparts related to the participation of UNEP in the project’s implementation of Colombia’s Office, PoW, and the UN Cooperation Frameworks of Colombia and the Andean countries. • Contribute to the negotiations of legal agreements such as MoU, SSFA, ICA, etc. with strategic partners from private and public sectors, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for the implementation of UNEP´s PoWs in Colombia and the Andean countries, as well as to provide technical input in the preparation of drafts and relevant documents. Other functions related to the position: • Collaborate with UNEP in events or activities of a technical-political nature that are required. • Develop summaries or policy notes on environmental issues according to the needs of the UNEP office in Colombia or as backing for the office of the resident coordinator in Colombia or the country teams, including the Andean countries. • Conduct other tasks, as requested by the Representative Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme in Colombia.
Work Location
Bogota, Colombia
Expected duration
9-Month
Duties and Responsibilities
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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and has six regional offices. In Latin America and the Caribbean, UNEP has a regional office located in Panama City (Panama), an office for the Anglophone Caribbean based in Kingston (Jamaica), an office for the Southern Cone based in Montevideo (Uruguay), offices of country in Mexico and Brazil and Colombia. UNEP’s global situation analysis indicates that the world is facing three major environmental crises: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. All of them are largely driven by human activity and unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. Fighting these crises is critical to improving the health of the environment, as well as social and economic health, as the COVID-19 crisis demonstrates. A healthy environment, healthy people and economies are the foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Medium Term Strategy 2022-2025, through which it is intended to achieve UNEP’s mission consisting of “providing leadership and fostering collaboration in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and empowering nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations” contemplates seven subprograms: three thematic subprograms (Action for Nature, Climate Action and action against pollution and chemical products), two foundational subprograms (governance (Environmental Governance, Science -Policy) and two supporting sub-programmes (Digital Transformations, Finance and Economic Transformations). nature” and “Towards a planet without pollution”, “Living in harmony with nature” and “Towards a planet without pollution”. In this extent, UNEP will need the expertise of a consultant to be Senior National Advisor to the United Nations Environment Programme in Colombia and the Andean countries, bolstering the implementation of UNEP´s Programme of Work in Colombia, including the UNEP Portfolio of 11 projects, participating in the required working groups of the UN Cooperation Framework in Colombia, promote inter-agencies projects and initiatives, increasing the development, implementation and monitoring of the cooperation framework with the national government in environmental matters and contributing to the construction and implementation of a UNEP country strategy in Colombia, following the new delivery model of the UNEP to promote UNEP’s work at national and subnational levels. The selected person is expected to work in close coordination with UNEP´s Representative Officer for Colombia and Andean Countries, the teams and divisions of the UNEP Offices in Panama, Geneva and Nairobi, as well as with the teams of other United Nations agencies in Colombia, government agencies, and national non-governmental organizations. and international, private sector, civil society and other strategic partners. The Senior Advisor on Environmental Affairs for Colombia and the Andean countries Consultant will be supervised by the Representative Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme in Colombia and will work under a full-time schedule, 40 hours per week, at UNEP Offices in Bogota, Colombia.
Qualifications/special skills
ACADEMIC: – Bachelor´s degree in Sustainable Development, Biology, Environmental Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Environment and Sustainable Development studies or a closely related field is required – Master´s degree in Sustainable Development, Biology, Environmental Management, Rural Development, Public Policy, Environment and Sustainable Development studies or a closely related field is required. PROFESSIONAL: – Four (4) year of professional experience in environmental projects, from which at least 2 years should be in environmental projects coordination, including strategic planning and project management is required . – Knowledge of Logic Framework is desirable. – Demonstrated experience in sustainable environmental management projects, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation; experience in international cooperation projects, inter-institutional coordination and work at different scales (national, regional and local) is desirable. – Specific experience in environmental projects within the framework of the United Nations System in Colombia is desirable. LANGUAGE: – Fluency in Spanish and English is required. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: – Computer literacy in standard software applications is desirable. – Desirable Knowledge of Excel and other database programs. – A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter is desirable. – Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. – Ability to deliver timely and high-quality results under tight deadlines. Excellent coordination skills, and an ability to follow instructions, work under pressure as a part of a team, or independently as required. Excellent attention to detail. COMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM – Ability to identify, analyze, and participate in resolving issues/problems. – Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. – Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. – Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. – It is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. – Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. – Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. – Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. – Is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one’s position. – Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. – Identifies priority activities and assignments. – Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. – Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. – Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
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.