Consultant/Regional Expert for an independent mapping exercise including a fully-fledged assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components with a view to define the mandate and integrate

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of services is the delivery of the main text of the independent mapping exercise including a fully-fledged assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components with a view to define the mandate and integrate the newly established CC/RAC within the UNEP/MAP system, so that the Secretariat and the Contracting Parties are provided with substantial inputs for their review, and for possible decision at COP 24 in order to operationalize the CC/RAC. Work LocationAthens, Greece Expected duration4 months over 16 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 level. 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. UN Environment's 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. The assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), Athens, Greece. The Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, at their 23rd Meeting (COP 23, Portoroz, Slovenia, 5-8 December 2023) adopted Decision IG.26/12 on the Establishment of Regional Activity Center on Climate Change. Through this Decision, the Contracting Parties requested “the Secretariat to develop an independent mapping exercise including a fully-fledged assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components with a view to define the mandate and integrate the newly established CC/RAC within the UNEP/MAP system, the results of which shall be submitted in a timely manner to all Contracting Parties for consideration of the MAP Focal Points Meeting of the biennium 2024-2025, then for decision at COP24 in order to operationalize the CC/RAC. Such assessment should be developed in a transparent and inclusive way, taking into account all governance, legal, financial, and administrative aspects and should ensure full complementarity and synergies, for the benefit of the Mediterranean region and the implementation of global and regional commitments”. Furthermore, the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols, at COP 23, adopted Decision IG.26/14 on Programme of Work and Budget for 2024-2025, which includes under key output 5.2.3 an expected deliverable (j) relevant to the implementation of Decision IG.26/12. Following the above, the UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit-Barcelona Convention Secretariat needs the services of a consultant/regional expert to support the MAP Secretariat with the preparation of an independent mapping exercise including a fully-fledged assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components with a view to define the mandate and integrate the newly established CC/RAC within the UNEP/MAP system. Tasks Under the overall guidance of the UNEP/MAP Coordinator and under the direct supervision of the UNEP/MAP Programme Management Officer (Governance), the Consultant will be responsible for the following overall tasks: (1) independent mapping exercise of the climate change related mandates and activities in the Mediterranean, including a fully-fledged assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components in this respect; (2) a proposal on defining the mandate and integrating the newly established CC/RAC within the UNEP/MAP system, taking into account all governance, legal, financial, and administrative aspects and ensuring full complementarity and synergies, for the benefit of the Mediterranean region and the implementation of global and regional commitments. Specific tasks 1. Prepare an inception report with a detailed work plan and timetable; 2. Perform a desk review of related mandates and activities of main actors and initiatives/programmes dealing with climate change in the Mediterranean, including an assessment of gaps and needs, considering both global (e.g. new Climate Change Division in UNEP, work under UNFCCC, etc.) and regional evolutions; 3. Perform a fully-fledged desk review for the assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components in relation to mandates and activities on climate change; 4. Hold consultations/interviews with the Secretariat, including MAP Components, on mandates and activities related to climate change; 5. Hold consultations/interviews with relevant external actors, as appropriate, in complement to task 4 above; 6. Based on the outcomes of specific tasks 2-5 above, prepare an analysis (report) on the assessment of the UNEP/MAP system and its different components as well as on gaps and needs related to climate change action in the Mediterranean, with concrete recommendations on how to address the key outcomes of the recent global and regional documents and processes, including through synergies with key identified actors; 7. Hold consultations on the analysis report with the Secretariat, including MAP Components; 8. Prepare a draft proposal on the mandate of the newly established CC/RAC, including the integration/synergies within the UNEP/MAP system, taking into account all governance, legal, financial, and administrative aspects and ensuring full complementarity and share with the Secretariat for review and submission to the MAP Focal Points meeting; 9. Support the Secretariat in revising the proposal, as appropriate, following consultation with the Contracting Parties (MAP Focal Points Meeting) before final submission for decision at COP24. 10. Preparation of the final report. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, environmental sciences/engineering, law or other relevant political or social science areas is required; At least 7 years of relevant professional working experience is required, including a minimum of 4 years of proven experience related to sustainable development/climate change issues; Very good understanding of the global and regional evolutions in the last 5 years related to climate change challenges of the Mediterranean is highly desirable; Very good understanding of the UNEP/MAP system, its structure and operation is desirable; Knowledge of gender mainstreaming issues is highly desirable. Languages• Fluency (oral and written) in English is required; • Working 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.