Green Buildings and Construction Expert

Result of ServiceUnder the guidance of UNEP’s Climate Change Coordinator and UNEP’s Buildings team leader, the consultant will play a key role for the delivery of: • A CDR policy paper and a project concept based on research and stakeholder consultations and developed by working in collaboration with UNEP-CCC. The consultant will incorporate solutions from the buildings and construction sector, supporting the efforts of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) to promote sustainable practices. • UNEP’s Buildings and Construction activities especially in Kenya and GlobalABC flagship products through the coordination of GlobalABC Hubs and Action Groups. Throughout the process, the consultant is expected to maintain regular engagement with relevant UNEP teams and participate in meetings as needed. Work LocationNairobi Expected duration10 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognises the need to address global environmental concerns in an increasingly urbanising world. It is in this context that UNEP supports and promotes sustainability in buildings and construction, emphasising sustainable buildings’ local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in delivering against the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP hosts the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). A voluntary, international, multi-stakeholder partnership, the GlobalABC serves as the global collaborative umbrella organisation for other platforms, initiatives and actors to increase scale, pace and impact of climate action ‘towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector’. The buildings and construction sector, which consumes half of global material resources can store carbon by using carbon-negative materials like timber and hempcrete, integrating carbon capture technologies during material production, and designing buildings to sequester carbon long-term. Captured carbon can also be transformed into raw materials—such as synthetic aggregates, carbonates, and polymers—for use in construction. This shift turns buildings into carbon sinks rather than sources, especially as demand for housing grows. By combining circular economy practices, innovative materials, and supportive policy frameworks, the sector can help build a carbon-storing infrastructure and contribute to a post–net-zero future. UNEP is initiating a process to explore its potential role in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) governance as the global environmental authority. This process aims to identify the key principles that will guide the development of a potential “post net zero” framework, with the buildings and construction sector playing a crucial role. A consultant with a background in civil engineering and green building solutions is needed to perform tasks of technical, organizational and analytical nature to support the implementation of UNEP’s Buildings and Construction activities, conduct research on CDR and explore how to build on the GlobalABC to initiate CDR related activities in UNEP. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the consultant will report to the lead of the Buildings Team, Cities Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division and will also be guided by UNEP’s Climate Change Coordinator. Objectives of the assignment A key objective of this assignment is to support UNEP to take the first steps towards engaging in CDR related activities using the buildings and construction sector and GlobalABC as an entry point. This includes the mapping stakeholder and existing initiatives mapping, the identification of existing technology solutions and innovations, a series of stakeholder consultations and possibly webinars and events with the GlobalABC. The final output will be a comprehensive policy brief, summary reports from the stakeholder consultations and project concept for UNEP to undertake CDR related activities based on the findings from these preliminary activities on the topic. In addition, the consultant will support the implementation of UNEP’s Buildings and Construction activities in Kenya, the development of flagship products and policy briefs such as the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction and the coordination of GlobalABC Hubs and Action Groups The breadth and quality of work will be monitored by the project team members (UNEP/GlobalABC) with whom the consultant will be working on a day-to-day basis and assessed by his/her supervisor through his/her submission and approval of deliverables. Specific tasks and responsibilities Under the guidance of UNEP’s Buildings and Construction team leader and UNEP’s Climate Change Coordinator, the consultant will perform the following tasks in collaboration with UNEP-CCC: - Support the mapping key stakeholders and existing initiatives to identify leading countries and organizations active CDR projects and initiatives. - Contribute to research on CDR applications, technologies and innovations with special attention to solutions applicable in the Buildings and Construction sector. - Support the organization of a series of stakeholder consultations and thematic roundtables addressing CDR global governance questions with selected key opinion leaders, think thanks, leading governments and highly forward-looking and committed companies. - Draft summary reports from consultations and roundtables, a CDR policy paper that focuses on critical topics across the four thematic areas—policy, industry, science, and technology and a project concept based on the findings of mapping, research and stakeholder consultations. - Facilitate the organization of GlobalABC webinars/events notably on CDR and applications in the Buildings and Construction sector. - Support Buildings and Construction activities in Kenya by coordinating with the national GlobalABC focal point and local partner organizations including UN Habitat. - Support the development of GlobalABC knowledge products and tools including by supporting the coordination of GlobalABC Hubs and Action Groups and interacting with universities, industry partners, national and local governments, and research institutions around the world. - Support the planning and organization of meetings and workshops, preparing background information, suggesting discussion topics, and identifying resource speakers. - Support the development of project proposals and contribute to any other tasks requested by his supervisor. The consultants will submit monthly activity reports along with the outputs delivered during the month.. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in buildings, civil or environmental engineering. A first-level university degree, in combination with eight additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, related to the buildings and construction sector is required including proven experience related to green building solutions, climate change policy and environmental governance with a strong understanding of carbon management strategies in the sector. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations. Prior experience working with international organisations and a deep understanding of multilateral cooperation is desirable. Excellent knowledge and understanding of the buildings and construction sector, with familiarity with whole life cycle approaches, low carbon materials and knowledge on the use of carbon capture, storage and utilization technologies in the sector Excellent analytic research skills and ability to analyse and compile intersectional topics into a coherent manner and present to various stakeholders. Ability to coordinate, engage and incorporate inputs from a broad group of diverse stakeholders. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Additional InformationFunctional Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of sustainable buildings and construction policies, tools and practices. Strong analytical skills and the ability to proactively seek and identify relevant information and solutions. Ability to work on multiple tasks with energy and commitment to due completion. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates proactivity and openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organisational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one's own position Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently; considers outputs achieved according to effectively delivery, as opposed to the amount of time given to tasks. 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.