Chemicals Monitoring Coordination Assistant

Result of ServiceThe 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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division leads UNEP's sub-programme on Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality. UNEP’s programme of work centers around assistance to countries and multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) secretariats to assist in technical-scientific issues related to priority chemicals and implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Governing Council resolutions. The Knowledge and Risk Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The Knowledge and Risk Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Knowledge and Risk Unit is also leading the preparation of the GEF -8 Programme “Global monitoring of POPs and mercury to contribute to the effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention and provide data to support the effectiveness evaluation mechanism of the Minamata Convention (GCMP)” (GEF ID 11534) and will execute the global coordination project of the above-mentioned programme. Work LocationIn-person / based in Geneva Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Officer-in-Charge, Head of Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following duties: • Organize stakeholder consultations to kickstart implementation of the GCMP programme and its global coordination project, including preparing working documents, giving presentations and chairing sessions, and coordinating with meeting participants as needed. • Support the establishment and coordination of the scientific advisory committee for the GCMP and delivering regular progress updates. • Support organizing an international interlaboratory assessment on analysis of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices and in test solutions, including facilitating coordinating meetings, liaising with partners and tracking progress, preparing legal agreements, budgets and workplans, convening consultations for the selection of data generators, among others. • Provide technical support in developing and finalizing guidelines, analytical protocols, standard operating procedures and training workplans and materials for the monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices. • Support global coordination on sampling and generation on persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices in GCMP programme regions, including liaising with regional executing agencies on the procurement and shipment of samples, establishing a digital tool to track sampling progress, and providing timely support to partners as needed. • Provide technical support for the development and finalization of a set of strategies on stakeholder engagement and stakeholder response mechanism according to UNEP and GEF guidelines, knowledge management, and gender integration and communication plans to contribute to the inclusive and successful implementation of the Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme across its six child projects. • Support the establishment of a Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge sharing and information exchange on global monitoring of chemicals. • Initiate the programme monitoring framework and develop programme indicators. • Provide inputs for the preparation and finalization of legal agreements and associated documents. • Support regular coordination with the BRS and Minamata Convention secretariats and ensure smooth collaboration. Output expectations: • Stakeholder consultations to kickstart implementation of the GCMP programme and its global coordination project. • Initiate the programme monitoring framework and develop programme indicators. • Support the establishment and coordination of the scientific advisory committee for the GCMP and delivering regular progress updates. • Support organizing an international interlaboratory assessment on analysis of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices and in test solutions. • Technical support in developing and finalizing guidelines, analytical protocols, standard operating procedures and training workplans and materials for the monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices. • Support global coordination on sampling and generation on persistent organic pollutants and mercury in abiotic and biotic matrices in GCMP programme regions. • Technical support for the development and finalization of a set of strategies on stakeholder engagement and stakeholder response mechanism, knowledge management, and gender integration and communication plans to contribute to the inclusive and successful implementation of the Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme across its six child projects. • Support the establishment of a Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge sharing and information exchange on global monitoring of chemicals. • Provide inputs for the preparation and finalization of legal agreements and associated documents. • Support regular coordination with the BRS and Minamata Convention secretariats and ensure smooth collaboration. Performance indicators: a) Thorough review of the substantive information presented in a comprehensive manner. b) Efficient communication and coordination with partners and stakeholders and timely delivery of outputs. c) Documents are well written and delivered on time. d) Timely and detailed follow-up of the processes for the delivery of expected outputs consistent with the implementation of the project workplan. e) Above listed tasks successfully delivered. A monthly report of accomplishments is also required. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree or equivalent in a field related to chemistry, environmental/atmospheric/earth sciences, environmental engineering or similar is required. Two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, with emphasis on international chemicals and waste management, including management of persistent organic pollutants and mercury is required. Demonstrated expertise on environmental monitoring, toxic chemicals and environmental health is required. A comprehensive understanding of international and regional regulations related to persistent organic pollutants, mercury, the Stockholm and Minamata conventions, including familiarity with UNEP guidelines and tools, is required. Experience in project management, in particular the management of projects involving various partners and stakeholders and benefitting developing countries or countries with economies in transition, is required. Excellent ability to produce high-quality and concise technical notes, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences. Experience in data management and interpretation is desired. Experience of the United Nations system or a similar international organization is an asset. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build robust relationships with strategic partners. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in written and spoken English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.