• Support the regular meetings of the GlobalABC materials group and/or sub-groups on circularity and other subgroups (organization, reporting and follow up), based on their respective schedules, and provide inputs to other relevant One Planet Network/GlobalABC meetings and events.
• Assist in the effective integration and active engagement of the One Planet Network partners and stakeholders, as well as other new partners and stakeholders, in the GlobalABC materials group and its sub-working group on circularity, with increased engagement of Member States, relevant UN agencies and private sector organizations.
• Keep track of the planned activities, publications, webinars, and conference sessions of the diverse activities of the GlobalABC materials group and sub-group on circularity, and keep track of their competition.
• Facilitate the development and support the management of the One Planet Network flagship initiative on sustainable public procurement in the construction sector, including a call for small-scale piloting projects, in close cooperation with Global ABC.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a framework/plan for the members of GlobalABC and partners of key initiatives to report progress and impacts against SDG12, the Global Strategy for SCP and results framework.
• Prepare and organize technical workshops and project meetings for the materials working group, including note taking and drafting of summaries/key take-aways.
• Ensure swift liaison between the GlobalABC and 10YFP/OPN Secretariats, as well as their communications department, leads and key partners, provide contents and support to knowledge and experience sharing across the One Planet Network and GlobalABC, including through online platforms.
• Participate actively in the preparation, drafting and dissemination of research briefs, presentations, concept notes, agendas, briefings, speaking points or reports of the GlobalABC materials group/sub-group on circularity and One Planet flagship initiative on SPP in construction. Ensure projects and programme deadlines are met.
Remote
6 months (renewable)
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 (2023-2030) 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.
Promoting sustainable buildings and construction has been at the core of the 10YFP and its One Planet Network for over a decade and remains a priority area under the new Global Strategy for SCP (2023-2030) adopted by the 10YFP Board and acknowledged by the UN General Assembly late 2022, as well as of the 10YFP/OPN Secretariat’s results framework (2023-2024) elaborated in response to the Strategy.
The Global Strategy for SCP aims at enabling changes through circularity, transformative multistakeholder and public-private partnerships, tools and solutions across high-impact systems and sectors (pillar II). It calls for the uptake of the key enablers for change – including circularity, social inclusion, digitalization, public procurement, consumer information and sustainable lifestyles solutions - that can help steer and shape markets, practices and behaviors, both from the supply and demand side, towards sustainable models, empowering governments, stakeholders and individuals to trigger long-term, sustainable and fair economic and social transformations across high-impact sectors and value chains. Sustainable Construction and Built Environment is identified as a priority sector in the Strategy, which aims at supporting governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to have access to strategic principles, tools and solutions that can help mainstream a holistic approach to buildings, construction and infrastructures, through a whole-life cycle approach, circularity, material efficiency and low-emission solutions, keeping in mind the opportunity to contribute to multiple SDGs, including SDG 12.5, as well as SDG 9 and SDG11, but also climate objectives as set in the Climate Action Pathways on Human Settlements and Industry and UNEA resolution on Sustainable Infrastructure. The Strategy foresees close engagement of the GlobalABC, under which the work of the Sustainable Buildings and Construction programme of the One Planet Network will be taken forward.
In this context, the 10YFP/OPN results framework (2023-2024), approved by the 10YFP Board, focuses on providing effective oversight and coordination of the One Planet Network programmes and initiatives in high-impact sectors, by securing a strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, while providing backbone support to strengthen governance and delivery models; providing guidance to align programme objectives and activities with the ambitions of the SDGs and the Global Strategy for SCP; engaging with key partners in high-level advocacy efforts to enhance visibility; providing guidance and technical support for monitoring and reporting on progress. In addition, the results framework identifies prioritized flagship initiatives (cross-programmes partnerships) including “Leveraging sustainable public procurement (SPP) in the construction sector: securing, by 2024, commitments from 50 partners, including governments (national & local) and key market players, to adopt and/or implement SPP principles, including circularity/material efficiency criteria, in the construction sector”.
In this context, the 10YFP Secretariat is looking for a Sustainable Built Environment and Construction consultant to 1) support the effective coordination of and participation in the GlobalABC materials group and its sub-working group on circularity, in close cooperation with the One Planet Network leads on sustainable buildings and construction (Finland and RMIT), ensuring swift liaison between the GlobalABC and 10YFP/OPN Secretariats, as well as their communications department, leads and key partners; 2) facilitate the integration and increasing active engagement of the One Planet Network partners and stakeholders, as well as of the legacy and products of the One Planet Network programme on Sustainable Buildings and Construction, in the GlobalABC materials group; 3) facilitate the development and support the management of the One Planet Network flagship initiative on sustainable public procurement in the construction sector, including a call fo small-scale piloting projects, in close cooperation with in close cooperation with the coordination desk of the OPN SPP programme and key partners of the OPN and GlobalABC; 4) assist in the development and implementation of a framework/plan for the members of GlobalABC and partners of key initiatives to report progress and impacts against SDG12, the Global Strategy for SCP and results framework.
• University Degree (Master’s level or BA level) in sustainability, civil, environmental or construction engineering, architecture, urban development/policies, management or another related Degree.
• At least 3 years of professional experience related to sustainability, buildings and construction in the context of international cooperation and development is required;
• Good understanding of sustainable consumption and production, circular economy, sustainable resource use, green economy and/or related concepts is desirable as well as experience with indicators relevant to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement.
• Experience coordinating multi stakeholders groups would be an asset.
• Experience working for an international organization such as UNEP or the UN system would be an asset.
• Experience in organizing, planning and delivering workshops, events, conferences, training is required.
• Excellent research, analytical, written and oral communication skills is required.
• Ability to work independently and support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment to plan, prioritize and organize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work under pressure to meet specific deadlines.
• For this position fluency in written and spoken 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.