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 aim of this consultancy is to support the work of the UNEP Consumption and Production Unit in Paris, France in the area of circularity. In particular, the Consumption and Production Unit provides support to the operations of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE). GACERE is an alliance of governments at the global level willing to work together on and advocate for a global just circular economy transition and more sustainable management of natural resources at the political level and in multilateral fora. More details on GACERE can be found here https://www.unep.org/gacere .The focus of the consultancy is to support the activities of 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 The position is home-based. Possibility to work from UNEP premises in Paris, France.

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

Duties and Responsibilities Development and dissemination of knowledge products, in the form of short papers, webinars, and/or side events.

Support to mapping of existing circular economy and resource efficiency policies contributing to addressing plastic pollution.

Support the creation of communication materials to disseminate GACERE findings & recommendations on plastic pollution.

Conduct research on market-based instruments to promote a just transition to circularity and resource efficiency in the plastics value chain.

Contribute to the development of partnerships with international organizations working on circular economy.

Support in the organization of GACERE events (high-level meetings, technical meetings).

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

Work experience: - A minimum of three 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.

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.

Languages 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.

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.