Consultant to undertake a full analysis of existing regulatory measures, drivers analysis, and impacts on marine and coastal environment from marine renewable energies (Level B)

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of this assignment is to conduct an extensive analysis encompassing current regulatory measures, key drivers, and consequential impacts linked to marine renewable energies on both the marine and coastal environments, and identify necessary measures to combat and eliminate, to the fullest possible extent, pollution of the Mediterranean Sea Area. Work Locationhome based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its 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. United Nation’s Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This consultancy assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL), Athens, Greece. The Land Based Sources (LBS) Protocol is one of the Barcelona Convention Protocols. It was adopted in 1980 and amended in 1996. It entered into force in 2006. In line with Article 15 of the LBS Protocol, it is important to provide guidelines of a potentially legally binding nature for marine renewable energies in the Mediterranean, based on the assessment of the current situation. This is essential considering the impacts these installations may have on the marine environment. Marine renewable energies include all the technologies that make it possible to produce electricity from different forces or resources in the marine environment. The “Programme of Work and Budget for 2024-2025” adopted by COP 23 (Portorož, Slovenia, 5-8 December 2023), mandated MED POL to develop new regulatory measures in line with article 15 of the LBS Protocol for priority sectors. The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the MEDPOL Programme Management Officer (Head of Unit), under the overall guidance of the Deputy Coordinator. He/she is expected to perform the following tasks: 1. Prepare and submit a detailed work plan for the assignment; 2. Review existing scientific reports, and relevant documents on regulatory frameworks for marine renewable energy to gather comprehensive information about the current regulatory landscape, legal requirements, and policy frameworks that shape the planning, implementation, and management of marine renewable energy initiatives. 3. Analyze data on existing marine renewable energy installations, focusing on their environmental impacts on the marine environment, by: - Mapping marine renewable energy installations in the Mediterranean region/countries (location, status, size, …); - Provide a summary of existing strategies and plans developed by the Mediterranean countries; - Evaluating the impact of marine renewable energy installations on the marine ecosystem, considering factors such as effects on biodiversity, habitat disturbance, and alterations in water quality, including potential disruptions to migratory patterns, breeding grounds, and the food chain; - Assessing the potential influence on climate patterns, sea levels, and other climate-related factors; 4. Identify best practices in regulatory frameworks and environmental impact assessments for marine renewable energy. 5. Identify necessary measures to combat and eliminate, to the fullest possible extent, pollution of the Mediterranean Sea Area. 6. Prepare and submit the final report of deliverables for the consultancy. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in environmental management, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or related discipline is required. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with at least 2 years including environmental impact assessments, and regulatory analysis is required Knowledge of work in sustainable energy projects is desirable Knowledge of UNEP/MAP and of the relevant programmes of measures/ regional plans with related working experience is desirable Languages• Fluency in oral and written English is required • Knowledge of French 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.