Senior Environmental Specialist

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of the consultancy is the strengthened technical leadership and delivery of UNEP’s freshwater portfolio, with a particular focus on the Global Wetlands Watch initiative, advancing the application and integration of SDG6 delivery, investment in SDG 6.6.1 and 6.5.1 monitoring, and improving application of information through integration of freshwater-related digital tools within UNEP’s platforms such as the World Environment Situation Room (WESR). The Consultant will deliver high-quality technical inputs for the development and customization of the Global Wetlands Watch for use by UNEP’s stakeholders and ensure the design aligns with UNEP’s other platforms, tools and approaches. The Consultant will develop high-quality technical products and tailored project proposals and/or concept notes in response to thematic calls and donor requests, with a focus on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), wetland ecosystems, integrated monitoring, the water continuum and related freshwater ecosystem Earth Observation approaches. The Consultant will contribute to implementation of the UNEA 6/13 Resolution. Finally, the Caribbean SIDs will receive direct technical support to implement regional IWRM commitments and lessons from the integrated delivery will be captured and available to contribute to shaping the expansion of freshwater initiatives globally. These contributions will enhance UNEP’s global role in scaling up support to countries and UN country Teams to deliver large-scale, integrated programmes that combine freshwater monitoring, digital innovation, and ecosystem-based water resource management. The result of the work will support the implementation of the UNEA 6/13 Resolution. Work LocationHome Based Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This position is in Freshwater and Wetlands Unit/ Marine and Freshwater Branch in the Ecosystems Division at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi. The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Freshwater and Wetlands Unit and will be responsible for the following tasks: • Lead UNEP’s technical support to the Global Wetlands Watch initiative, coordinating closely with UNEP-DHI and other stakeholders to enhance global wetland monitoring, conservation, and response to UNEA Resolution 6.13, which calls for scaling up support on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and watershed management models. • Deliver expert technical advice on Earth Observation, data science, and monitoring systems for freshwater ecosystems, including the development of high-quality outreach products and bespoke project proposals and/or concept notes responding to donor requests and thematic calls related to IWRM, wetlands, and freshwater ecosystem management. • Provide technical advice on integrating freshwater ecosystems into national and international climate and development policies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate adaptation strategies, biodiversity frameworks, and sustainable development goals. • Lead and manage implementation of freshwater-related projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, aligned with UNEP’s strategic priorities, and responsive to emerging risks and opportunities in freshwater ecosystem management. • Serve as a technical lead for SDG indicator 6.6.1 within the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6, providing targeted country-level support to at least three programme countries to enhance freshwater monitoring and reporting systems, and to unlock investment and financing opportunities for ecosystem restoration and protection. • Advance IWRM programming in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and lead efforts to replicate and scale successful approaches to other regions. • Strengthen UNEP’s digital transformation by contributing technical inputs to the enhancement of global freshwater tools such as the World Environment Situation Room (WESR) and the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer, supporting improved monitoring, reporting, and decision-making on freshwater ecosystems. • Promote innovation within the Freshwater and Wetlands Unit by engaging International UN Volunteers (UNVs), fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, and introducing cutting-edge approaches to ecosystem monitoring and management. • Support resource mobilization efforts by developing funding proposals, concept notes, and resource strategies in collaboration with the Head of Unit and contribute to strategic donor engagement to secure financial support for UNEP’s freshwater work. • Provide strategic guidance on the integration of freshwater ecosystems into the SDG framework, with a particular focus on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and indicator 6.6.1 (freshwater ecosystem extent and change). • Advise on risks and opportunities related to global freshwater ecosystems, providing actionable strategies to mitigate threats and seize opportunities for ecosystem conservation and restoration. • Collaborate with governments, UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, coherence, and implementation of freshwater-related programmes and policies. • Represent UNEP in international forums and expert groups, advocating for sustainable freshwater ecosystem management and contributing to global environmental dialogue. • Ensure compliance with UNEP’s policies and procedures, including those related to financial management, procurement, and programmatic reporting. • Support strategic planning processes within the Freshwater and Wetlands Unit, working closely with the Head of Unit to strengthen UNEP’s freshwater portfolio and maximize its environmental and societal impact. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental science, international development and/or natural resource management is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental project and programme management, linking science to policy and/or planning of freshwater ecosystem management at the international level is required. A minimum of 7 years working with UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, or international development institutions is required. Strong background with a minimum of 5 years of experience in use of earth observation and data collection to support ecosystem monitoring, metrics and methods, with the ability to translate technical research into actionable tools, guidance materials, policy and programme recommendations is required. A minimum of 7 years of experience in securing funding and mobilizing resources for environmental projects, including through partnerships with international organizations and private sector actors is desirable. Experience overseeing global monitoring of freshwater ecosystems, and publishing global analysis on freshwater ecosystems, is desirable. Experience with the design, development and deployment of internationally approved geo-spatial data platforms relating to freshwater ecosystems, and in particular wetlands ecosystem, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.