Environmental Governance and Policy Expert - Level B

Result of Service The ultimate result of the assignment is to coordinate the launching of the project “Strengthening the Capacity in the Management of Contaminated Sites in the Western Balkans to reduce pollution into the Environment”. The expert is expected to develop the technical documents, the concept note for the launching event, the summary reports, and stakeholder meetings.

Work Location Vienna

Expected duration 5 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme 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 UN Environment / GEF Western Balkan portfolio and the Italian Cooperation portfolio UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office is the entity responsible for activities in the South Eastern Europe (SEE), through a strong local presence and a capillary network of partners is implementing an increasing number of projects and activities in the Western Balkan region (WB).

UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office is managing the execution and development of a number of Global Environment Facility GEF - Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded projects in the Western Balkans and works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. UN Environment -Vienna Programme Office is also in charge of representation of UN Environment in UNCT and UNDAFs development as well as preparing political analysis on the SEE Region for UN Environment HQ and other offices.

This position is in the UNEP Vienna Office part of the Europe Office at the Vienna Duty Station and reports to the Head of UNEP Vienna Office- Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention.

Under the supervision of the Head of UN Environment - Vienna Programme Office, the expert will perform the following activities and services in the framework of UN Environment's project portfolio:

Management and coordination tasks related to the Italian portfolio

• Management, coordination and implementation of the Italian portfolio, in particular the follow up project of the Southeast European Sub-Regional Platform to Beat Pollution (SEEPP) “Strengthening the capacity in the management of Contaminated Sites in the Western Balkans to reduce pollution into the environment”;
• Establish / Maintain regular communication with the relevant parties and stakeholders;
• Reviews relevant documents and reports;
• Identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions;
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources;
• Provides administrative and substantive contribution to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.;
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Advisory services

• Contributing to the planning and management of the UNEP Environmental Fund - Pollution allocation for 2023, in five Western Balkan Countries.
• Identification of new funding opportunities, identification of relevant calls, development of new project proposals with a specific focus on the EU funding opportunities;
• Contribution to the management of cooperative relationships between UN Environment and national and international partners, including national ministries and international organizations (OSCE, UNDP, WHO);
• Representing UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office in relevant meetings, advocating for the agency's position, and preparing and presenting outreach materials;
• Coordinate the organization of workshops and meetings and maintaining quality communications with international organizations, national stakeholders, academia and Civil Society Organizations.

Technical support

• Monitor the developments in climate environmental law/policy, EU and international law/policy as appropriate;
• Provide technical or policy services upon request and as appropriate in areas relevant to the assignment;
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. drafting legal acts, background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;

• Develop networks and relationships with international and national organizations working with climate and environmental policy with specific focus on pollution prevention and control mechanisms.

  Qualifications/special skills A Master’s Degree in International Relations, Law or Political Science is required. At least five years of experience in the field of international affairs and multilateral environmental cooperation is required. At least five years of experience in the management and implementation of EU funds is required. Experience in working with institutional donors, as well as in coordination and drive communications with international partners and manage operational activities with relevant stakeholders is required. Experience in working with international organizations is desirable. Work experience within Western Balkan countries is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

  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.