Minerals and Metals Management Consultant

Result of Service The fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted UNEP/EA.4/Res. 19 on Mineral Resource Governance. The outcomes of the implementation of this resolution provided the basis upon which recommendations and suggested actions were presented in a report for consideration by the first part of the fifth session of the UNEA (UNEA 5.1), held virtually on 22 and 23 February 2021.

During the resumed fifth session of the UNEA (UNEA 5.2), Member States adopted a follow up resolution (UNEP/EA.5/12) on the environmental aspects of minerals and metals management. The resolution requests UNEP to, inter alia:

• Convene transparent and inclusive intergovernmental regional consultations, including with relevant international organizations, and multilateral environmental agreements, to feed into a global intergovernmental meeting, with the aim of developing non-prescriptive proposals to enhance the environmental sustainability of minerals and metals along their full life cycle, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (operative paragraph 2);
• Strengthen scientific, technical and policy knowledge with regard to sand (operative paragraph 4);
• Compile a report on knowledge gaps in relation to the environmental aspects of tailings management (operative paragraph 5); and
• Report to the United Nations Environment Assembly at its sixth session on the progress achieved in the implementation of the present resolution, including through a summary report on the consultations for consideration by the Environment Assembly at that session.

With the objective of implementing the UNEA5/12 resolution, UNEP is requesting a consultant who will support the process of developing background documents for the intergovernmental consultations and other reports requested by the resolution as well as support the preparations of the intergovernmental consultations which will be held between March and September 2023.

The tasks will be conducted under the supervision of Programme Management Officer, Extractives Value Chains, Consumption and Production Unit of the Resources and Markets Branch and in close coordination with the Chief, Resources and Markets Branch.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration 8 Months

Duties and Responsibilities The tasks under this consultancy will ultimately contribute to achieving the following objectives:

• Support the process of implementation of the UNEA 5/12 resolution on environmental aspects of minerals and metals management; and

• Contribute to the delivery of UNEP’s on-going work and activities related to the high impact minerals and metals sector and extractives agenda.

  Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree (or equivalent) in a field related to law, environmental affairs, environmental policy, environmental or geological sciences or a related field. At least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of environmental management or environmental governance with specific expertise in the mining / extractive sector. Substantial and demonstrated experience in dealing with extractive industries with specific focus on governance and previous experience in organizing intergovernmental meetings. Professional experience working with a diverse range of organizations including governments, private sector, academia, NGOs and foundations or charities is required, including in developing country contexts. Former exposure to UNEP’s work on extractives and/or familiarity with the United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions is an advantage.

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

  Additional Information 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, as well as civil society, 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.

Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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.