The consultant will contribute to the delivery of the 10YFP Secretariat’s work on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP), providing grounding evidence for prioritized actions under the Global Strategy for SCP (2023 to 2030), advancing tools and standards that enable SPP for circularity and resilience in priority sectors, and supporting UNEP’s mandate as the custodian agency for SDG 12.7.1. Working in close coordination with UNEP and the 10YFP Secretariat, and engaging with Member States, municipalities, 10YFP National Focal Points, and relevant partners, the consultant will support the achievement of the following results: • Common principles and criteria advanced in priority sectors (initial focus on food) through targeted consultations and expert engagement, identifying strategic entry points, aligning with global sustainability goals, and informing the design of actionable tools and standards that support sectoral integration of SPP. • A modular online certification training programme delivered and adopted by public procurement officers, strengthening capacity to apply lifecycle-based approaches and non-cost criteria in real procurement processes, and incorporating iterative improvements based on feedback and data, with tailored content responding to developing country needs and sector-specific sustainability challenges. • Practical decision-support for applying SPP criteria strengthened through analysis and development inputs for an SPP tool that improves the selection, applicability, and standardization of sustainable procurement criteria, enabling consistent use by procurement practitioners across sectors. • SDG 12.7.1 reporting outputs finalized and amplified through support to the finalization of the 2025 SDG 12.7.1 public report and associated narrative products, including synthesized outreach outcomes, country engagement results, capacity-building contributions, and recommendations for future SPP engagement, as well as dissemination through relevant platforms, events, and networks. The consultant will serve as a key technical focal point supporting the visibility, delivery, and advocacy of the 10YFP SPP Global Solution: Key outcomes include: • Strengthened participation and engagement of Member States and municipalities in consultations, online training, and SPP advocacy. • Increased availability and use of practical tools and standardized criteria to support SPP implementation in priority sectors, including food. • Procurement practitioners better equipped to apply lifecycle-based approaches and non-cost criteria through certified training modules. • High-quality analytical and communication products (tools, standards, report outputs, and advocacy materials) produced and disseminated to support uptake, visibility, and impact of SPP and SDG 12.7.1 reporting.

Remote

6 months

The 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP), adopted by the UN General Assembly, is a key implementation mechanism for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its SDG 12, of which it is an integral part. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the Secretariat of the 10YFP, working closely with Member States and other stakeholders engaged in the One Planet network, its global programmes and initiatives (www.oneplanetnetwork.org) to support implementation of SCP policies, solutions and practices globally. Furthermore, the 10YFP Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Global Strategy for SCP (2023 to 2030), approved by the 10YFP Board (UN General Assembly resolution), as a direct contribution to advancing the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) on climate, biodiversity and pollution. The Global Strategy for SCP identifies the uptake of sustainable public procurement (SPP) as one of the core global solutions to accelerate system-wide change across high-impact sectors and value chains. The 10YFP Secretariat’s Results Framework for 2025 to 2026 reflects this strategic emphasis, with concrete implementation targets captured in UNEP’s Division of Industry and Economy workplan for the same period. UNEP as custodian of SDG Indicator 12.7.1, tracks progress on SPP implementation among national governments worldwide according to a methodology that was developed in 2019. Data on SPP implementation is collected on a biennial basis via an Excel-based questionnaire. This questionnaire is completed by officially designated focal points within national governments and submitted to UNEP, along with supporting evidence, for review. Aggregate data for this indicator is published in the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) SDG Global Database, and a report is produced reflecting the main findings and conclusions. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will: • Develop and maintain an implementation plan for the assignment (including timeline, stakeholder engagement plan, and internal coordination arrangements), and provide concise progress updates to UNEP. • Plan, convene, and document targeted consultations and expert engagement to advance common principles and criteria for sustainable public procurement in priority sectors, with an initial focus on food (including preparation materials, agendas, and synthesis notes). • Draft and refine the common principles and criteria package for the food sector, integrating consultation inputs and ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals and relevant One Planet Network and UNEP priorities. • Support rollout and uptake of the modular online certification training programme by engaging Member States and municipalities, promoting participation, and developing user-facing outreach and guidance materials. • Collect, review, and synthesize feedback and available data from training delivery and users, and propose evidence-based refinements, including recommendations for sector-specific modules and tailoring for developing country needs. • Advance analysis for the SPP tool workstream by identifying user needs, relevant criteria sources, and practical options to improve selection, applicability, and standardization of sustainable procurement criteria.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy, data analysis, statistics, sustainable development, economics, engineering or a related field. A first-level degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • At least 5 years of professional experience in the field of public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy, including experience in SPP innovation or monitoring and evaluation (M&E) or results measurement/results-based management (RMB) is required. • Demonstrated experience engaging with governments, including in facilitating stakeholder consultations, reporting or training is required. Strong analytical, research, writing and communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, concept notes, and outreach materials for different audiences, is required. • Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, and working with international, regional, and national organizations, including UN entities, is highly desirable. • Experience in the organization and delivery of events, including capacity-building workshops or policy consultations is highly desirable. • Ability to work independently and proactively in a multi-cultural, remote setting; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Fluency in English, French and Portuguese is required; knowledge of any other languages or UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is 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.