Consultant/Regional Expert for UNEP/MAP to support the MAP Secretariat with the preparation of the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy 2028-2033 (D Level)

The ultimate result of services is: Adequate, high level and timely support provided to the delivery of the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy 2028-2033.

Home based

1.5 working months spread over a period of 8 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. 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. The assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), Athens, Greece. The Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, at their 22nd Meeting (COP 22, Antalya, Türkiye, 7-10 December 2021), through Decision IG.25/1, adopted the Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2027 (MTS) “as key strategic framework for the development and implementation of the Programmes of Work of UNEP/MAP”. The Contracting Parties at their 24th meeting (COP24, Cairo, Egypt, 2-5 December 2025), through Decision IG.27/14, adopted the MAP Programme of Work and Budget 2026-2027, which includes the “MTS 2028-2033 prepared and submitted to MAP FP and COP 25 through a participatory process and under Parties' leadership.”. A Consultant/Regional Expert is required to support the MAP Secretariat with the preparation of the UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy 2028-2033. Under the supervision of the UNEP/MAP Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator, the consultant will work in consultation with the UNEP/MAP Programme Officer (Governance). Tasks and Responsibilities-Reporting Lines Under the supervision of the UNEP/MAP Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator and in consultation with UNEP/MAP Programme Officer (Governance), the consultant will be responsible for the following overall tasks: (1) Develop workplan and timetable; (2) Develop annotated structure of the proposed MTS based on at least two alternative scenarios, substantiated by a rationale based on regional priorities and emerging issues, relevant global and regional agenda and mandates. In doing so, particular attention to be given to, but not only: MED QSR 2023 and the MedECC reports; the MSSD 2026-2035; the Cairo Ministerial Declaration; the UNEP MTS 2026–2029; the Regional Seas Strategic Directions 2026-2029; UNEA resolutions; MEA, UfM and other strategies as appropriate; (3) Prepare the first draft of the MTS based on the agreed structure, including overall objectives, programmes and its specific objectives and strategic outcomes; (4) Prepare the second version of the MTS, including all aspects of the structure of the MTS including products/deliverables, incorporating comments received from the Secretariat and the ECP on the first draft; (5) Deliver the final consultancy report, including analysis of feedback received during the thematic MAP Focal Points meeting on the MTS. (6) Undertake consultations with the Secretariat, directors of the RACs and other key persons, based on a plan agreed with the Secretariat; (7) Attend meetings as required and described in these ToRs

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, environmental sciences/engineering, law or other relevant political or social science areas is required; A bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience in the required field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 15 years of relevant professional working experience is required in the field of strategy preparation and implementation and monitoring, related to environmental and sustainable development issues; Global, regional and or national working experience on addressing strategic matters related to the protection of seas and or ocean governance is highly desirable; Very good understanding of the UNEP/MAP system, and of UNEP at large mandate and its priorities is desirable; Good knowledge of office software is required; Knowledge of and working experience on gender mainstreaming issues is highly desirable.

Fluency (written and oral) in English is required; fluency in French is desirable;

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.