Sustainable Public Procurement

Environment Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Support the Ministry of Environment in sustainable procurement definitions.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, business, political science, public procurement, or related field is required.
• Master's degree in economics, business, political science, public procurement, or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in participatory construction of planning processes in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
• Experience in sustainable public procurement processes is desirable.
• Experience in writing and designing documents and reports is desirable.
• Experience in working with public institutions in Guatemala is desirable.
• Fluent Spanish is required.
• Basic level of English is desirable.

Result of Service The objective of the consultancy is to support the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) in the definition of a catalogue of inputs and technical specifications for sustainable procurement; and to identify guidelines that serve as a basis for the definition of a National Policy for Sustainable Public Procurement, in alignment with other relevant policies.

The main tasks to be carried out by the consultant within the framework of this consultancy are:

• Collect data on a range of goods and services that will be considered for prioritization.
• Based on the data collected and in line with the project's objectives, develop detailed criteria for prioritizing the goods and services.
• Apply the prioritization criteria to the goods and services, resulting in a list of prioritized goods and services for analysis.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of each prioritized good and service.
• Using the analysis results, define clear and specific sustainability criteria for each prioritized good and service. Justify each criterion in terms of its expected environmental and social impacts.
• Outline a detailed methodology for how the sustainability criteria were identified, prioritized, and analyzed.
• Apply the developed methodology to identify and prioritize sustainability criteria for each prioritized good and service.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of each proposed sustainability criterion, including potential impacts, benefits, challenges, and ways to measure and monitor it.
• Engage with stakeholders for their input and feedback.
• Based on the findings, develop specific, actionable advice for implementing the sustainability criteria in procurement practices.

The consultant will provide the following Deliverables:

Product No. 1: Document: “Prioritization Report”

The report will contain: - Prioritization of goods and services to be considered in the analysis. - Prioritization Criteria: A detailed explanation of the criteria used to prioritize the goods, and services. This should include factors such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, alignment with sustainable development goals, and potential for positive social and economic impacts. - Detailed Analysis of Prioritized Goods, and Services. - Methodology: Description of the process followed to carry out the prioritization, including any research conducted, stakeholders engaged, and decision-making processes.

Product No. 2: Document: “Sustainability in Procurement: Application of Defined Methodology for Developing Sustainability Criteria”

The report wil contain: - Methodology: Detailed explanation of the methodology used to develop the sustainability criteria. This should include both the theoretical basis for the methodology and its practical application. - Sustainability criteria: Clear and specific criteria for each prioritized good, and service. Each criterion should be justified in terms of its expected environmental and social impacts.

Product No. 3: Document: “Prioritized Environmental Criteria for Sustainable Procurement: An Analytical Proposal for Goods, and Services”

The report will contain: - Methodology: Detailed description of how the environmental criteria were identified, prioritized, and analyzed. This section should also justify the methodology used. - Prioritized Goods, and Services: List and description of the prioritized, goods, and services for which environmental criteria are proposed. - Proposed Environmental Criteria: For each prioritized good, and service, provide the proposed environmental criteria. Each criterion should be explained and justified. - Analysis of Environmental Criteria: Detailed analysis of each proposed environmental criterion, including its potential impacts, benefits, challenges, and ways to measure and monitor it.

Product No. 4: Document: “Final Report and Results of Consultancy”

The report will contain: - Recap of Prioritized Goods, and Services: A summary of the inputs, goods, and services that were prioritized during the consultancy, along with their associated environmental and social criteria. - Sustainability Criteria: Comprehensive list and analysis of the proposed sustainability criteria for each prioritized good, and service. - Consultancy Process and Methodology: Detailed discussion of the methodology used throughout the consultancy, including challenges faced and how they were addressed. - Key Findings of this consultancy. - Recommendations: Specific, actionable advice for implementing the guidelines, technical specifications, and environmental criteria in procurement practices.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 5.5 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.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

UNEP´s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

This position is in the Finance and Economic Transformations Unit (FET) at Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) who develops and strengthens green economy and sustainable consumption and production patterns and practices, through its portfolio, which currently includes projects on consumer information, sustainable public procurement, eco-innovation, sustainable finance and green and circular economy. As part of its portfolio, the FET Unit is contributing to the implementation of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) portfolio in the Region.

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), an interagency initiative involving the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports nations and regions in reframing economic policies and practices around sustainability to foster economic growth, create income and jobs, reduce poverty and inequality, and strengthen the ecological foundations of their economies.

Guatemala joined PAGE in 2018, prioritizing changes in economic policies around sustainability to support social inclusion, green jobs and green growth. Notable policy entry points include: (i) Operationalising the¿National Development Plan K’atun Nuestra Guatemala 2032, through implementation of the Environmental Fiscal Strategy; (ii) Assisting development of a public investment strategy for climate change adaptation and mitigation; (iii) Supporting sectoral policy reform concerning greenhouse gas emissions, solid waste and water management, renewable energy and energy efficiency; and (iv) Supporting national commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Ministry of Public Finance (MinFin) is PAGE Guatemala’s focal point. The MinFin is the leading governmental entity to the implementation of the Environmental Fiscal Strategy. The Strategy presents a set of fiscal instruments to improve pricing of harmful economic activities, thus supporting national climate change and sustainability objectives.

An initial effort was made in which four categories of products (bond paper, vehicles, single-use plastic and electrical and electronic equipment) were proposed for implementation in public procurement. From the above, it is appropriate to use these exercises as a starting points for the development of this consultancy.

Against this backdrop, the Finance and Economic Transformations Unit in LACO is looking for a consultant in Sustainable Public Procurement to: 1) Provide technical expertise to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) in the definition of a catalogue of inputs and technical specifications for sustainable procurement; 2) Identify guidelines that serve as a basis for the definition of a National Policy for Sustainable Public Procurement, in alignment with other relevant policies.

The consultant will work home-based from where she/he will implement the tasks mentioned above. He/She is expected to hold weekly meetings with the government counterparts and supervisor. The incumbent will be supervised by the Programme Management Officer of FET Unit for Latin America and Caribbean Office.

Qualifications/special skills Bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, business, political science, public procurement, or related field is required. Master’s degree in economics, business, political science, public procurement, or related field is required. At least 5 years of relevant experience in participatory construction of planning processes in Latin America and the Caribbean region (required) Experience in sustainable public procurement processes (desirable). Experience in writing and designing documents and reports. (desirable). Experience in working with public institutions in Guatemala is desirable. Experience working with international organizations is an advantage.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Competent in computer management. Advanced level in Microsoft Office.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Languages Fluent Spanish is required Basic level of English 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org