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 overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch in UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division gathers, compiles and analyses state-of-the-art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Branch also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as lead in paint.

Home-based / working remotely

11 months - Full time

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Agrifood and Health Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the consultant will support as per the timeline indicated above, including the following tasks: Output 1. One Advisory Council meeting and four coordination meetings organized with increased stakeholder participation • Develop an annual meeting plan, including objectives, agendas, and expected outcomes for the Advisory Council and coordination meetings. • Prepare and circulate meeting documentation (concept notes, agendas, background papers) in advance. • Organize and host one online Advisory Council meeting and four online coordination meetings, including technical set-up and facilitation. • Document meeting outcomes, action points, and follow-up responsibilities, and disseminate summaries to participants. • Track participation and engagement to assess increased stakeholder involvement. Output 2. Ten interventions/activities related to technical backstopping supporting lead-related work in collaboration with GAELP partners • Identify priority countries and thematic areas requiring technical backstopping in consultation with GAELP partners. • Develop a technical support plan outlining the scope and type of interventions (e.g. policy advice, regulatory drafting, standards, awareness materials). • Provide targeted technical assistance through virtual consultations, written guidance, and peer-to-peer exchanges. • Coordinate with GAELP partners to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication of efforts. • Support countries in responding to technical questions related to lead paint regulation, implementation, or enforcement. • Document each intervention, including objectives, partners involved, and outcomes achieved. Output 3. Four knowledge products and three newsletters developed and disseminated • Identify priority knowledge gaps and agree on themes and formats for the four knowledge products (e.g. briefs, guidance notes, case studies). • Draft, review, and finalize knowledge products in collaboration with technical experts and partners. • Design and format products to ensure clarity and accessibility for target audiences. • Develop and publish three newsletters highlighting progress, country experiences, and partner activities. • Disseminate knowledge products and newsletters through relevant platforms and networks. • Monitor reach and engagement to inform future knowledge-sharing efforts. Output 4. Two formal collaborations with global initiatives established to build synergies and elevate the lead paint phase-out agenda • Identify strategic entry points for collaboration with the Partnership for Lead-Free Future and the Global Framework on Chemicals. • Engage in consultations to define shared objectives, roles, and areas of cooperation. • Draft and formalize collaboration arrangements (e.g. joint workplans or agreed action frameworks). • Implement joint activities such as co-branded events, policy dialogues, or advocacy efforts. • Coordinate communication to elevate the visibility of the lead paint phase-out agenda within global chemicals governance processes. Output 5. Six countries supported taking concrete steps towards enactment of lead paint laws • Identify and prioritize six countries based on readiness, demand, and potential impact. • Conduct legal and regulatory gap analyses related to lead paint controls. • Provide technical support for drafting or revising lead paint legislation or regulations. • Facilitate stakeholder consultations at national level to build consensus and political buy-in. • Support governments in aligning draft laws with the best international practices and standards. • Track and document concrete steps taken (e.g. draft legislation prepared, consultations held, approvals initiated). Output 6. Two pilot activities supported to promote enforcement and compliance in two countries • Identify two suitable countries and pilot themes (e.g. market surveillance, testing, compliance monitoring). • Design pilot activity plans, including objectives, methodologies, and indicators of success. • Support implementation of pilot activities in collaboration with national authorities and partners. • Provide technical guidance and capacity-building to enforcement agencies involved in the pilots. • Monitor and document lessons learned, challenges, and good practices. • Develop recommendations for scaling up or replicating successful approaches in other countries. Output 7. Mobilization of resources and development of new partnerships to strengthen UNEP’s global lead management activities supported. • Identify and engage potential donors, funding mechanisms, and financing opportunities relevant to lead management initiatives. • Support the development of funding proposals, concept notes, and partnership pitches aligned with UNEP priorities on lead management. • Map and assess potential partners (governments, international organizations, NGOs, private sector) for collaboration on lead management activities. • Facilitate outreach, coordination, and relationship-building with existing and prospective partners. • Track and report on resource mobilization efforts and partnership outcomes to inform strategic planning and decision-making.

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to environment/health/natural sciences. Two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least five years of relevant experience, in a field related to international chemicals and waste management, including lead management is required. A comprehensive understanding of international and regional regulations related to hazardous substances and lead pollution, including familiarity with UNEP guidelines and tools, is required. Proficiency in utilizing advanced analytical tools and data interpretation relevant to lead pollution is required for conducting accurate assessments and providing informed recommendations. Strong communication skills are required for preparing comprehensive reports and documentation, including clear and concise presentations of findings, recommendations, and progress reports. Capacity to employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from environmental science, public health, policy development, and community engagement to address lead pollution comprehensively is desirable. Work experience in implementing environmental projects involving various partners, clients and stakeholders is desirable. Experience of the United Nations system in particular UNEP is an asset. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build robust relationships with key strategic partners.

English is the working language of UNEP. Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

Not available.

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.