The publishing of the UNEP SPP implementation Guidelines will help policy makers around the world design and develop SPP action plans which are a requirement of SDG 12.7. They will also help public procurers better understand and implement sustainable public procurement.
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The consultancy contract is from1 November 2020 to 15 December 2020. If the final deliverable under this contract is produced before 15 December, the contract will be terminated sooner.
Background information on the SPP Guidelines
The SPP Guidelines were first developed within the framework of the Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement (2005-2009) before being revised by UNEP following a first round of SPP implementation in 2009-2012. The SPP Implementation Guidelines aim to give direction to governments on designing and implementing sustainable public procurement (SPP) policies and action plans. The goal is to provide countries a common vision, language and framework for SPP and to guide stakeholders on how to effectively pave the way towards SPP implementation.
The SPP Guidelines are primarily written for government agencies who wish to take a common stepwise approach to SPP. They’re designed both for countries just beginning to consider SPP, and for those who already have an SPP plan in operation and who would like to improve it. The Guidelines are also designed to be flexible to adapt to specific country circumstances and existing practices. Aside from government agencies, other institutional and commercial purchasers may find the SPP Guidelines of relevance for their purchasing and supply chain management practices. Suppliers and other stakeholders such as those involved in determining the sustainability requirements for products or services may also find the Guidelines of interest and use.
The 2012 UNEP Sustainable Public Procurement Implementation Guidelines can be downloaded in several UN languages here: http://www.scpclearinghouse.org/resource/sustainable-public-procurement-implementation-guidelines
The Guidelines were partly revised in 2017 to integrate the lessons learned from UNEP’s SPP projects conducted between 2013 and 2017. A full revision incorporating the comments from two peer reviewers, and final editing could not take place however due to the lack of funding. The Guidelines will also be updated to integrate the lessons learned from recent UNEP-managed SPP projects.
A consultant is needed to update, finalize and edit the UNEP SPP Guidelines. The UNEP, Economy Division, Resources and Markets Branch currently does not have the relevant expertise in house, to carry out the required tasks.
Specific tasks and responsibilities
The consultant will carry out the following tasks:
a) Consult the managers of the UNEP SPP team to collect proposals of revision and improvement of the Guidelines
b) Draft a short report to outline proposed changes and revision of the Guidelines
c) Address the comments of the peer reviewers of the 2017 Guidelines and incorporate the changes agreed with the UNEP SPP projects managers
d) Submit a final draft to the UNEP SPP team
e) Finalize the Guidelines based on the comments received from the SPP team members.
Skills: • Verifiable knowledge of sustainable public procurement
• Demonstrable communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to write clearly and concisely on technical, socio-economic, and environmental topics. Established track record in drafting SPP documents and publications
• Proven capacity for conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking.
• Proven ability to analyze and communicate complex information at a simpler level to a wide audience.
• Proven organization skills, problem-solving, teamwork and coordination skills.
• Commitment to respect the values advocated by the United Nations.
Academic Qualifications: • A university Masters’ degree in a relevant field: e.g. economics, agroeconomics, environmental economics, public policy, natural resource management, development, environment.
Experience: • At least 3 years of proven professional experience in designing, developing or implementing SPP policies.
Language: • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, excellent written skills in English is required.
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.