The aim of this consultancy is to support the work of the UNEP Consumption and Production Unit in Paris, France in the area of circularity. In particular, the Consumption and Production Unit provides support to the operations of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE). GACERE is an alliance of governments at the global level willing to work together on and advocate for a global just circular economy transition and more sustainable management of natural resources at the political level and in multilateral fora. More details on GACERE can be found here https://www.unep.org/gacere .The focus of the consultancy is to support the activities of GACERE.
To achieve these objectives in a timely manner, UN Environment Programme requests the services of a consultant to support the work of the Consumption and Production Unit.

Work Location

The position is home-based. Possibility to work from UNEP premises in Paris, France.

Expected duration

6 months, with possibility of extension depending on budget availability and performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Development and dissemination of knowledge products, in the form of short papers, webinars, and/or side events.

Support to mapping of existing circular economy and resource efficiency policies contributing to addressing plastic pollution.

Support the creation of communication materials to disseminate GACERE findings & recommendations on plastic pollution.

Conduct research on market-based instruments to promote a just transition to circularity and resource efficiency in the plastics value chain.

Contribute to the development of partnerships with international organizations working on circular economy.

Support in the organization of GACERE events (high-level meetings, technical meetings).

Qualifications/special skills

Education:
An advanced university degree in environmental economics, environmental or chemical engineering, business administration, social sciences, international development, environmental management, or a related field.

Work experience:
• A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the field of sustainability/ environmental management;
• Proven work experience on circular economy, with a good understanding of life cycle approaches, including experience in working with industry and/or public-sector officials and providing them technical advice on circular economy and sustainable value chains;
• Excellent research skills to analyse and compile relevant information from desktop research and stakeholder interviews;
• Excellent writing skills in drafting technical documents and reports, by summarising critical information from research and consultations, and tailor the language and styles towards policy makers and businesses; proven experience in authoring publications is desirable;
• Work experience at regional and international levels is desirable;
• Knowledge of the UN System is an advantage.

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, 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, Fluency in oral and excellent drafting skills in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is highly desirable.