Result of Service

A report on the role and viability of the regional forums of ministers of the environment and environment authorities as catalytic platforms for international cooperation in tackling prevalent environmental challenges, and a summary of the findings.

Work Location

ETHIOPIA

Expected duration

4 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 Addis Ababa Office is a liaison office to the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Ethiopia, whose aim is to facilitate the participation of UNEP in the provision of inter-agency support to regional institutions and processes. As an accredited entity to Ethiopia, it is a member of the UN Country Team and works with national environmental institutions to enhance public awareness on environmental issues in Ethiopia by organizing and developing environmental outreach programmes, as well as by mobilizing adequate resources to enhance its programme of work in Ethiopia. The sixth session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) adopted a resolution (Resolution 6/3) on enhancing the role and viability of regional forums of environment ministers and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) regional offices in achieving multilateral cooperation in tackling environmental challenges. Currently, UNEP convenes three regional forums as their Secretariat. These are a) the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), b) the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific (Asia-Pacific Forum), and c) the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC Forum). In addition to these three regional forums, UNEP also involved in delivering the session of the Arab Forum for the Environment. A similar structure exists for Europe, known as Environment for Europe, under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Member States under their region-specific structure consider environmental priorities and challenges and adopt decisions on environmental management specific to their regions and/or contributing to the global environmental agenda, including UNEA. These forums also serve as platforms for Member States to engage partners, UN agencies, private sector representatives, scientists, academia, and civil society to share their perspectives on regional and global environmental interests. More specifically, regional forums play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues by facilitating collaboration among neighbouring countries. They provide a platform for sharing information, coordinating policies, and jointly addressing challenges like pollution, resource management, and climate change at a regional level. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of environmental protection measures and promotes sustainable development within specific geographical contexts. The main task of this consultancy is to develop a report based on existing documentation and interviews with relevant stakeholders, including, among others, current and former Chairs of the regional ministerial forums and their teams, focal points for the forums at country level, and UNEP staff responsible for the forums, to identify the elements that make these forums catalytic platforms for international cooperation in tackling prevalent environmental challenges, including success stories and contributions to regional and global environmental processes, including but not limited to UNEA and the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). This position will report to Margaret Oduk, Head, UNEP liaison office to AUC, UNECA and Representative to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development,environmental sciences, development studies 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 an advantage. At least 10 years of experience in international environmental governance processes. Time flexibility to work across different time zones is required. Previous experience in report writing for a United Nations organization is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.