Under the supervision of UNEP´s Regional Coordinator of Resource Efficiency in the Latin America the consultant will assist in the implementation of circular economy activities in particular related to the Regional Coalition of Circular Economy. In addition, the consultant will assist in the implementation of projects and activities on sustainable consumption and production, in particular related to consumer information and ecolabelling and the setting up and coordination of the regional coalition on circular economy.
The main activities to be carried out within the framework of this consultancy are:
1. Provide technical inputs on sustainable management of resources and circular economy including carrying out research and supporting capacity development activities, this will include:
a. Carry out research on circular economy approaches suitable for Latin America and the Caribbean and support the development of a regional vision and strategy on circular economy.
b. Prepare concept notes, background documents, factsheets and other technical documents to communicate the benefits of circular economy and sustainable management of natural resources, this in close cooperation with the International Resources Panel and other UNEP´s Division and teams working on environmental science.
c. Support the design of capacity development tools and workshops on circular economy in close cooperation with UNEP´s teams working on lifecycle assessment and green industry (LCA, GGKP, IRP, PAGE, among others).
d. Identify partners, technical experts and other relevant partners that could support the delivery of workshops and trainings.
2. Support the coordination of the Latin American and Caribbean Coalition on Circular Economy this includes:
a. Assist in the preparation of periodical conference calls and webinars with partners and members of the Coalition, maintaining good cooperation and information flow.
b. Support organization of meetings, conferences and workshops of the Coalition, this including the preparation of the agendas, invitations, background documents, presentations and other key documents.
c. Identify synergies and build cooperation with other relevant countries, partners and initiatives.
d. Support preparation of communication tools for the Coalition such as briefings, newsletters, PPT, website material, social media and other communication tools/reports.
3. Support Resource Efficiency Regional portfolio specially in the area of consumer information and ecolabelling:
a. Provide technical support on SCP, in particular for the development of national and regional ecolabelling schemes, and other consumer information tools
b. Support the work of national implementing partners including national technical institutions and in-country consultants maintaining a good information flow and providing technical inputs.
c. Contribute to the development of project proposals and resource mobilization,
d. Organize consultative meetings, conferences, workshops, including the preparation of the agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations
Panama city
9 months
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UN Environment acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. Its mandate is to be the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimensions of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
UN Environment´s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
UNEP´s Office for Latin America and the Caribbean is located in Panama City. It works closely with the 33 countries of the region - including 16 small island developing States - with a population of about 588 million people. The office works to serve the needs of the region and its activities are integrated into the work programmes approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UN Environment (UNEA).
UNEP´s Sub-programme on resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production aims at promoting government policy reform, changes in private sector management practices, and increased consumer awareness as a means of reducing the impact of economic growth on resource depletion and environmental degradation. UNEP´s work on Resource Efficiency focuses on three expected outcomes: (a) strengthen the scientific basis for decision-making, and support governments, cities and other local authorities in designing and implementing tools and policies to increase resource efficiency, including sustainable consumption and production and green economy practices, in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; (b) promote the application of life-cycle and environmental management approaches, to improve resource efficiency in sectoral policymaking and in business and financial operations along global value chains, using public-private partnerships as a key delivery mechanism; and (c) promote the adoption of consumption-related policies and tools by public institutions and private organizations, and increase consumer awareness of more sustainable lifestyles. UNEP provides guidance and support to interested stakeholders, including businesses, industries and other major groups, in their efforts to develop strategies, programmes, projects and initiative to increase resource efficiency and move towards a sustainable development.
Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in a world of limited resources is an essential requirement for sustainable development, as recognized by the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Rio+20 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) references the sustainable use of good and services. SDG 12 aims at reducing resource use, degradation and pollution along the whole life cycle, while increasing quality of life. There also needs to be significant focus on operating on supply chain, involving everyone from producer to final consumer.
Achieving the envisaged 2030 impact, will require the adoption of life cycle and circular approaches and promotion of sustainable consumption patterns which offer key opportunities for reducing the global resource and environmental footprint.
Circularity and sustainable consumption and production are key to sustainable economies. Discussions at the UN High Level Political Forum on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) clearly highlighted the contribution of circularity in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Sustainable consumption and production and circular economy are highly transversal to the SDGs, with more than 50 of the 169 SDG targets dependent on the shift to more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
The consultant will be supervised by UNEP´s Regional Coordinator of Resource Efficiency in the Latin America. The incumbent will work 40 hours per week full time, from Monday to Friday.
Academic Qualifications: Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional 2 (two) years of qualifying and relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience: At least 5 years of relevant and progressively responsible working experience in the international field on environment/sustainability matters both at technical and political level. Good knowledge on sustainable consumption and production tools and approaches, sustainable use of resources and/or circular economy; practical experience on issues related to resource efficiency. Experience working with or for governments, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs, foundations is requested, including in developing countries. Working experience in Latin America and the Caribbean region is desired. Knowledge of the United Nations System is an advantage.
Language: Fluent written and spoken Spanish and English required. Knowledge of other official languages in the United Nations System is an advantage.
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.