Individual Contractor to provide scientific and technical advice to the UNEP/MAP Barcelona Convention Secretariat (Level C)

Result of Service The ultimate result of this assignment is the timely and effective leading of the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned MAP programmes/ projects on issues related to pollution reduction, control and monitoring, in line with the Ecosystem Approach Roadmap and its 11 Ecological Objectives and provision of scientific advice on related issues.

Work Location Office-based

Expected duration over 3 months

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. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This position is located in the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan - Barcelona Convention Secretariat (MAP), Athens, Greece. Under the direct supervision of the MAP Deputy Coordinator and the overall guidance of the MAP Coordinator, the incumbent will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned MAP programmes/ projects on issues related to pollution reduction, control and monitoring, in line with the Ecosystem Approach Roadmap and its 11 Ecological Objectives and will provide scientific advice on related issues.

The Individual Contractor is expected to undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, on ecosystem approach implementation with a focus on pollution reduction, control, monitoring, and assessment ; directs subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
• Provides technical and scientific advice to MAP management and the Regional Activity Centres on issues related to ecosystem approach implementation in particular of its holistic approach across eleven (11) Ecological Objectives and related targets and indicators.
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
• Directs research and programme evaluation on issues related to pollution and marine litter and other scientific aspects of the Ecosystem Approach implementation and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems /issues and prepares conclusions.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics /activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding of ecosystem approach related activities including those related to pollution control, monitoring and assessment (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements,.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget,).
• Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Performs other duties as required.

In particular and as part of the above general duties, the Individual Contractor is expected to undertake the below specific tasks: - Guide the preparation and submission process for three new EU-funded project proposals to succeed the current ECAP MED III, ML MED II and IMAP MPA. - Lead the preparation of the MED POL Focal Points meeting and MAP Focal Points meeting, including preparation of documents and addressing of technical aspects from the programmes/ projects of the Coordinating Unit and MED POL. - Oversee the organisation of the Integrated CORMON Meeting in June, including documents preparation. - Manage and supervise the MED POL and ECAP/QSR teams. - Lead the preparation and proposal of MED POL and ECAP/QSR activities for the Programme of Work and Budget 2024-2025.

Qualifications/special skills - Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, marine and coastal environment, natural sciences or a related field is required; A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable - A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in technical and scientific work, project or programme management, or related area, with a focus on marine and coastal management is required. - Working experience at a senior managerial position in a national, regional or international organization addressing marine and coastal management issues is desirable. - Experience in using holistic approaches to ensure integrated management of marine pollution is desirable. - Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages - Fluency (oral and written) in English is required. - Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language of the Mediterranean region is 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.