Consultant – Biogenic carbon UNEP Resources and Markets Branch

Result of ServiceThe selected consultant will support the development and finalization of a consensus-based guidance document on modelling biogenic carbon in LCA, contribute to the coordination of regional stakeholder consultations, ensure the integration of scientific and stakeholder inputs into the guidance, and assist in the dissemination of the final endorsed publication through appropriate channels targeting policy, industry, and LCA practitioners. Work LocationRemote Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. This opportunity is located within the Life Cycle Initiative hosted by the Resources and Markets Branch, Industry and Economy Division of UNEP. The Life Cycle Initiative is a public-private, multi-stakeholder partnership promoting progress towards the achievement of Agenda 2030 through (1) advancing the understanding, adoption and application of life-cycle thinking by private and public decision makers; and (2) building consensus on and facilitating the access to environmental, social and economic life-cycle knowledge (LCA data, methods, indicators, etc.). The Life Cycle Initiative Unit is leading UNEP’s work on Biogenic Carbon, including the development of an expert-led multi-stakeholder guidance report with recommendations to bring harmonisation, stability, verifiability and enhanced credibility of LCA results for bio-based products. In this context, the Life Cycle Initiative is looking for a consultant specifically to support tasks related to the implementation of the phase two of the Biogenic Carbon project, facilitating stakeholder engagement and consensus-building, supporting the review and analysis of phase one findings, and the development and delivery of a guidance report with recommendations on appropriate practices for modelling biogenic carbon in LCA. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will deliver on the following tasks: 1) Support the development and publication of the final guidance report This includes: • Reviewing and analyzing the outputs and findings from Phase 1, identifying key insights, terminology, and sectoral relevance. • Developing a structured lexicon of vocabulary, terms, and definitions to ensure consistency and clarity across the guidance. • Preparing successive working drafts of the recommendations and guidelines, incorporating feedback from UNEP, TAC, and expert stakeholders. • Coordinating the technical review process, consolidating inputs from independent experts, and resolving comments in collaboration with relevant parties. • Ensuring proper documentation and presentation of the comment submission, review, and resolution process. • Supporting the finalization and formatting of the third draft of the recommendations and guidelines report in line with UNEP publication standards. • Performing other related duties as required. Deliverable 1 (a): Summary report – review and analysis of Phase 1 findings; suggested lexicon of terms and definitions Deliverable 1 (b): Completed first working draft of recommendations and guidelines document Deliverable 1 (c): Completed second working draft of recommendations and guidelines document Deliverable 1 (d): Completed third working draft of recommendations and guidelines document 2) Support the Planning and Conduction of Stakeholder Consultations & Regional Workshops This includes: • Developing and updating a reengagement plan and timeline for expert stakeholders in coordination with TAC and UNEP staff. • Organizing and documenting the outcomes of virtual stakeholder reengagement meetings and consultations. • Preparing summary reports from all virtual and physical meetings, highlighting agreements, disagreements, and potential biases in feedback. • Coordinating and participating in a physical workshop and comment resolution meeting to validate draft recommendations. • Engaging with TAC and other expert stakeholders to synthesize inputs, provide technical support, and facilitate follow-up actions. • Performing other related duties as required. Deliverable 2 (a): Summary report – reengagement plan and timeline; outcomes from TAC and UNEP meetings Deliverable 2 (b): Summary report – outcomes from first virtual reengagement meeting Deliverable 2 (c): Summary report – outcomes from second virtual expert stakeholder meeting Deliverable 2 (d): Summary report – outcomes from physical workshop and comment resolution meeting Deliverable 2 (e): Summary report – outcomes of stakeholder meetings and proposed next steps for Phase 3 3) Support Road Testing of Guidelines This includes: • Identifying and refining target sectors for pilot testing in consultation with TAC, UNEP, and other stakeholders. • Supporting the design and development of outreach materials and case studies aligned with the draft recommendations. • Documenting the approach to pilot testing and capturing feedback to inform final revisions of the guidance. • Coordinating with technical experts to review pilot testing outcomes and assess the readiness of sectors for implementation. • Performing other related duties as required. Deliverable 3 (a): Summary report – identified sectors for pilot testing; outcomes from TAC and UNEP consultations Deliverable 3 (b): Summary report – technical expert review outcomes; outreach strategy for pilot testing Deliverable 3 (c): Summary report – development of pilot testing case studies and follow-up plans All deliverables will be submitted electronically in appropriate editable formats (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), using UNEP templates where applicable. Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in environmental science, engineering, life cycle assessment, sustainability, natural resource management, or a related field is required. • A minimum of seven years demonstrated experience in project management, research and coordination, including demonstrated experience in life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, or related environmental assessment methodologies is required. • A minimum of seven years demonstrated experience in project management, research and coordination, including demonstrated experience in life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, or related environmental assessment methodologies is required. • Demonstrated engagement with multi-stakeholder or international standard-setting processes, including experience working across sectors such as academia, industry, government, or civil society is required. • Strong analytical and coordination skills, with experience supporting collaborative processes involving diverse expert and stakeholder input is required. • Previous experience working with international organizations, expert committees, or consensus-based initiatives is desirable. Languages• Fluency in English is required. 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.