Circular Economy consultant

Result of Service The UN Environment Programme is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. 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. The overall objective of the UN Environment Programme's Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities (https://www.unep.org/).

The Resources and Markets Branch leads work central to UN Environment Programme's Resource Efficiency sub-programme and to the global sustainable consumption and production (SCP) agenda - delivering scientific, credible, innovative solutions to make sustainability central in government policy frameworks, business direction-making and in peoples’ lives. Science is the basis of the Branch's work, applying system approaches, complimented by methods such as life cycle analysis, urban metabolism, participatory action research and integrated analysis. The Branch works through an extensive network of stakeholders to ensure sustainability solutions are applicable at all levels.

The focus of the consultancy is to support activities of the UNEP Consumption and Production Unit in Paris, France in the area of circularity. The team aims to promote the adoption of sustainable production and consumption practices through building circularity into our economies and engaging governments, the business community, academia, and civil society organizations. The team’s objective is to build the case for a just transition to a global circular economy and resource efficiency to achieve SCP and SDG 12 as a pathway to address the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution) as well as to a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. UNEP Consumption and Production Unit also provides support to the operations of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE).

To achieve these objectives in a timely manner, UN Environment Programme requests the services of a consultant to support the work of the Consumption and Production Unit.

Work Location Home-based. Possibility to work from UNEP premises in Paris, France – depending on the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Expected duration 6 months, with possibility of extension depending on budget availability and performance.

Duties and Responsibilities The objective of this consultancy is to provide continued support to UNEP’s Economy Division in the following work areas:

• In response to the mandate of UNEA.4/Res 1 Innovative Pathways to achieve Sustainable Consumption and Production, develop narratives outlining the experience of countries in formulating and implementing coherent SCP or circular policy frameworks, in close cooperation with SCP National Focal Points; identify and draft business case studies illustrating the successful practices of the private sector in embedding sustainability concerns in their design practices.
• Maintain, update, promote and disseminate resources and stories featured in the UNEP circularity platform.
• Provide technical support to the activities of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE).
• Provide support to the development of GACERE knowledge products including a study on existing circular economy and resource efficiency policies contributing to addressing plastic pollution and identification of current challenges and gaps in the transition towards a circular economy for plastics, and research on the adoption of market-based instruments to promote a just transition to circularity and resource efficiency in the plastics value chain.

• Provide support on the sustainable public procurement activities to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)- project team in connection with Component 2 of the project – Lifecycle management of chemicals present in products.

  Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree in environmental economics, environmental or chemical engineering, business administration, social sciences, international development, environmental management, or a related field.

Experience: - A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the field of sustainability/ environmental management; - Proven work experience on circular economy, with a good understanding of life cycle approaches, including experience in working with industry and/or public-sector officials and providing them technical advice on circular economy and sustainable value chains; - Excellent research skills to analyse and compile relevant information from desktop research and stakeholder interviews; - Excellent writing skills in drafting technical documents and reports, by summarising critical information from research and consultations, and tailor the language and styles towards policy makers and businesses; proven experience in authoring publications is desirable; - Work experience at regional and international levels is desirable; - Knowledge of the UN System is an advantage.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, Fluency in oral and excellent drafting skills in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is highly desirable.

Competencies:

Communication: excellent communication skills, written and spoken as well as ability to draft or edit a variety of written reports including summaries and briefing notes. Ability to ask questions to clarify, exhibiting interest in having two-way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; proactively develops partnerships with other institutions, public and private, securing effective cooperation; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, and able to work in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, working with transparency and building trust and confidence with colleagues and staff members.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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.