DirecciónResult of Service
Under the direct supervision of UNEP Europe Office’s Regional Sub-programme Coordinator for Science-Policy and Air Quality, and in coordination with the Head of UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia, the International Consultant will oversee and provide technical inputs to the implementation of ongoing and planned project activities under UNEP’s Air Quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, with the following expected results:1. Two (2) complete project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) are developed, supported by the identification and exploration of partnership opportunities with UN agencies and other international and/or regional organizations, UN Country Team (UNCT) members, foundations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national government authorities and relevant municipalities in EECCA countries2. Ongoing project activities supporting low-cost Air Quality monitoring networks in Kyrgyzstan are overseen and followed-up, lessons learned are collected, and relevant outreach and visibility opportunities are identified and promoted3. Ongoing awareness raising activities on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan are overseen and followed-up, lessons learned are collected, and relevant outreach and visibility opportunities are identified and promoted4. UNEP engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan is supported5. UNEP engagement with UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UNRC Offices in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for catalyzing action on pollution and mainstreaming environmental considerations in relevant UNCT processes (including annual CCA updates) is supported6. UNEP planning activities for events contributing to the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Clean Air Day 2024) in EECCA countries (including, but not limited to, a dedicated event to be organized on 7 September 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) are supported7. Planned Air Quality assessment, capacity building, awareness raising and partnership building activities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova are designed and implemented in an effective way.
Work Location
UNEP Central Asia Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Expected duration
11 Months
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s 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.At its first and third session, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted resolution UNEP/EA.1/RES.7 and UNEP/EA.3/RES.8, encouraging governments at all levels to take action across sectors to reduce all forms of air pollution while requesting UNEP to support countries to implement the Resolutions through technical support in monitoring and assessing the quality of air; developing air pollution action plans; and providing a platform for cooperation and information sharing, building from regional cooperation fora and intensifying partnerships with e.g. the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Following the third session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEP strengthened the institutional positioning of Air Quality in-house, and started the development of a UNEP- wide Air Quality programme with a view of offering an integrated menu of services to governments at different levels.UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2022 - 2025 sets an ambitious Air Quality target: “By 2025, 30 per cent of the world’s population live in areas where WHO Air Quality Interim Target 3 for outdoor PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) is attained”. Currently, only 19% of the global population lives in areas where concentrations of PM2.5 pollution is below 15 micrograms per cubic meter, and thus locations where an additional 11% of the world population reside must improve the Air Quality significantly in coming years, if the MTS target is to be met. The “UNEP-wide project on Improving Air Quality” mobilizes UNEP’s and its key partners’ collective capacity to reduce air pollution from major sources in high impact sectors, and to strengthen Air Quality monitoring and management capacities of key stakeholders. It contributes mainly to Outcome 3C of UNEP’s Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, “Releases of pollutants to air, water, soil and the ocean are reduced”, and delivers on Direct Outcome 3.4 “Air pollution action, sustainable mobility and clean energy are supported”.UNEP Europe Office helps to implement UNEP's global programmes in the pan-European region by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental challenges and emerging issues. UNEP works closely with UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in the region and other country partners in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) to help deliver the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including through promoting national and local action aimed at supporting the implementation of UNEA1/7 and 3/8 resolutions on air pollution, and at delivering on the expected outcome of the “UNEP-wide project on Improving Air Quality”, so that governments have measures, policies, or frameworks in place to reduce emissions of air pollutants from sources related to human activities for improved Air Quality and human health at national and subnational level through the support of UNEP.UNEP’s Air Quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) includes supporting the development of assessments on Air Quality status and trends made available to decision-makers and relevant stakeholders, promoting the establishment of functional urban Air Quality monitoring networks, promoting tools and methodologies to guide clean air plans and strategies, strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships to address air pollution, and enhancing communication and awareness-raising to encourage action and promote best practices.To assist UNEP Europe Office in the implementation of ongoing and planned activities under its Air Quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA), the support of an International Consultant is required to oversee and provide technical inputs to the implementation of ongoing and planned activities at regional and country level in Central Asian countries, Georgia and Moldova.The International Consultant will work based in UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, under the guidance and oversight of both UNEP’s Europe Office and UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia.Objectives:The overall tasks of the International Consultant to be hired under this consultancy announcement will be to assist UNEP in the implementation of its Air Quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA), with a particular focus on Central Asia, Georgia and Moldova.Outputs/deliverables:1. Two (2) complete project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) supported by the identification and documented exploration of partnership opportunities with UN agencies and other international and/or regional organizations, UN Country Team (UNCT) members, foundations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national government authorities and relevant municipalities in EECCA countries for improved city-level action on air pollution2. Effective project oversight and delivery of end-of-project progress reports on state and results of UNEP project activities supporting low-cost Air Quality monitoring networks in Kyrgyzstan, including collection of lessons learned and identification/promotion of relevant outreach and visibility opportunities3. Effective project oversight and delivery of end-of-project progress reports on state and results of UNEP awareness raising activities on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan including collection of lessons learned and identification/promotion of relevant outreach and visibility opportunities4. Bimonthly deliver of progress reports on state and results of UNEP engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan, including participation in its regular meetings5. Bimonthly deliver of progress reports on state and results of UNEP engagement with UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UNRC Offices in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for catalyzing action on pollution and mainstreaming environmental considerations in relevant UNCT processes, including annual CCA updates6. Finalized agendas/programmes, planning and delivery of UNEP events contributing to the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Clean Air Day 2024) in EECCA countries (including, but not limited to, a dedicated event to be organized on 7 September 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)7. Effective project design/oversight and delivery of end-of-year/end-of-project progress reports (including reports to donors) related to planned UNEP Air Quality assessment, capacity building, awareness raising and partnership building activities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova.Performance indicators:• Quality and completeness of expected reports, work plans and concept notes• Work and deliverables are completed in a timely, logical manner that supports strategic action and creates synergies• Strengthened coordination between existing partners and development of stable new partnerships (including through support to the establishment of partnership agreements as relevant)• Professional correspondence with counterparts in the partner countries and stakeholders• Partners and national stakeholders are well informed and updated, and clear on their roles and expected deliverables.Specific tasks and responsibilities.Under the direct guidance of UNEP Europe Office’s Regional Sub-programme Coordinator for Science-Policy and Air Quality, and in coordination with the Head of UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia, the International Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following activities:Activity 1: Development of two (2) project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA)The International Consultant will develop 2 complete project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA), supported by the identification and documented exploration of partnership opportunities with UN agencies and other international and/or regional organizations, UN Country Team (UNCT) members, national government authorities and relevant municipalities in EECCA countries for improved city-level action on air pollution.The geographic scope and (sub)sectoral focus of each concept note will be agreed with UNEP beforehand.Activity 2: Provision of technical support to the oversight and delivery of UNEP project activities supporting low-cost Air Quality monitoring networks in KyrgyzstanThe International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP towards the effective project oversight and delivery of UNEP project activities supporting low-cost Air Quality monitoring networks in Kyrgyzstan. This will include coordination with other partners, including development partners, technical institutions, government agencies and civil society organizations in Kyrgyzstan.The International consultant will provide UNEP with an end-of-project progress report on state and results of UNEP project activities supporting low-cost Air Quality monitoring networks in Kyrgyzstan, including collection of lessons learned and identification/promotion of relevant outreach and visibility opportunities.Activity 3: Provision of technical support to the oversight and delivery of UNEP awareness raising activities on Air Quality in KyrgyzstanThe International Consultant will provide technical support to the oversight and delivery of UNEP awareness raising activities on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan, including social media and video campaigns planned together with other development partners and government agencies. This will include coordination with other partners, including development partners, technical institutions, government agencies and civil society organizations in Kyrgyzstan.The International consultant will provide UNEP with end-of-project progress reports on state and results of UNEP awareness raising activities on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan including collection of lessons learned and identification/promotion of relevant outreach and visibility opportunities.Activity 4: Provision of technical support to UNEP engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on Air Quality in KyrgyzstanThe International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan, including through participation in its regular meetings and liaising with other DPCC Subgroup members on relevant activities.The International Consultant will provide UNEP with bimonthly reports on progress, state and results of UNEP’s engagement in the DPCC Subgroup on Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan.Activity 5: Provision of technical support to UNEP engagement with UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UNRC Offices in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for catalyzing action on pollutionThe International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP engagement with UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UNRC Offices in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for catalyzing action on pollution and mainstreaming environmental considerations in relevant UNCT processes, including annual CCA updates.The International Consultant will provide UNEP with bimonthly report on progress, state and results of UNEP’s engagement with UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UNRC Offices in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.Activity 6: Provision of technical support to planning and delivery of UNEP events contributing to the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Clean Air Day 2024) in EECCA countriesThe International Consultant will support UNEP efforts and engagement with regional and national partners in EECCA countries for the planning and organization of a joint UNEP/partner events marking the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Clean Air Day 2024), including (but not limited to) a dedicated event to be organized on 7 September 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.The International consultant will provide UNEP with finalized event agendas/programmes developed in coordination with regional and national partners, as well as reports capturing the results of each event.Activity 7: Provision of technical support to project design/oversight and delivery of planned UNEP Air Quality assessment, capacity building, awareness raising and partnership building activities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and MoldovaThe International Consultant will support UNEP Air Quality assessment, capacity building, awareness raising and partnership building activities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova through ensuring liaison and coordination with UNEP institutional and technical partners; implementing UNEP-led activities; supporting management, maintaining oversight and providing basic technical inputs to UNEP Air Quality assessment and capacity building activities to ensure their smooth implementation; liaising and coordinating with potential partners, donors, and relevant government agencies; and where relevant support UNEP representation at relevant country-level donor coordination meetings.The International consultant will provide UNEP with end-of-year/end-of-project progress reports (including reports to donors) on the state and results of Air Quality assessment, capacity building, awareness raising and partnership building activities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova
Qualifications/special skills
Academic qualifications:• advanced university degree in the field environmental sustainability/sustainability studies, Air Quality policy, environmental policy, environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental engineering, sustainable urban development, or related field is required. Experience in international development cooperation and/or coordinating research and awareness raising activities on Air Quality monitoring, policy & management is an advantage.Work experience:• at least 5 years work experience in the field of international development cooperation, environmental policy or management, with work experience in EECCA countries in the fields of environmental sustainability/sustainable development, Air Quality monitoring, policy or management, or sustainable urban development being an advantage.Working experience in coordinating research and awareness raising activities on Air Quality monitoring, policy & management in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan is an advantage• Experience in managing international projects, and ability to oversee and coordinate project implementation is required• Experience with the organization of international and/or national meetings, workshops and conferences with a diverse range of participants is required• Working experience in international organizations is an advantage. Knowledge of/experience in the UN system in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan is an advantage.Skills:• Excellent analytical and reporting skills are required• Excellent writing and communication skills are essential
Languages
• An excellent command of written and spoken English is required• Knowledge of written and spoken Russian is an asset
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
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.
