The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's 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 environment.
Role Overview
This consultancy supports the implementation of national- and global-level activities under the EC-funded project "Implementation and reinforcement of global water resolutions, preparation and follow-up to UNEA-7 and the UN Water Conferences 2026 & 2028". The consultant will provide technical support across stakeholder engagement, national-level technical assistance, organization of gender-responsive webinars and technical sessions, development of joint project concepts with UN-Water partners, ad hoc south-south and triangular exchanges, and development of technical guidance products.
Specific Tasks & Responsibilities
- Contribute to UNEP's Ecosystems Division work on freshwater and urban ecosystem resilience by providing technical expertise for the EC-funded Global Water Resolutions project (PCA4).
- Support national-level engagement in project focus countries, including the integration of water-related elements into NDCs, NAPs, NBSAPs, and NAPAs/NDPs through targeted technical assistance, gender-responsive webinars, workshops, or dedicated technical sessions held alongside COPs and through the Baku Dialogue.
- Develop 3 joint project concepts with UN-Water partners, including UNEP Divisions/Regional Offices, to integrate urban resilience elements and scale UNEP's contribution to the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) and support implementation of UNEA6 Resolution 6/13.
- Develop and publish 2 gender-responsive guidance documents and related webinars and events alongside major COPs (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD) and other policy fora (G20, WEF, World Water Week, World Water Forum, Ramsar Convention).
- Conduct ad hoc south-south and triangular exchanges documenting best practices and integrated approaches on IWRM, including water-related traditional, local, gender-responsive, and Indigenous knowledge.
- Organize inclusive stakeholder sessions to strengthen participation, inclusion, and diversity in the Baku Dialogue Initiative, with a focus on youth, Indigenous groups, and gender equity.
- Provide resource mobilization support, including preparation of concept notes and funding proposals integrating urban resilience elements.
- Provide technical inputs (background notes, session concepts, logistics inputs) for major global water and climate events.
- Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external partners (including UNECE, WMO, UN-Water, UNEP Cities Unit, and UNEP Regional Offices).
- Maintain and update the project's Indicator Tracking Table and contribute to project reporting and results monitoring.
- Contribute to other water-related projects and programmes within the Freshwater Ecosystems and Wetlands Unit portfolio.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, water resources management, urban planning, ecology, or a closely related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's) with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in freshwater/water resources management, urban ecosystem conservation, and/or drought and climate resilience.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, coordination of multi-country or multi-partner project activities, and support to intergovernmental or policy processes (e.g. UNEA, UN-Water, UNFCCC processes).
- Experience preparing technical knowledge products such as technical briefs, guidance materials, and event/meeting materials.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); familiarity with indicator-tracking or database tools is desirable.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and meet tight deadlines.
- Fluency in oral and written English is required. Basic or intermediate knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.
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