National Consultant- One UN Strategy

Result of ServiceThe ultimate outcome of the service is the synergistic implementation of UN’s environmental and climate-related activities in Jordan. Work LocationAmman, Jordan Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting, Purpose and Objective: The 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 Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. Environmental sustainability is a national and regional priority for Jordan. The country faces numerous environmental challenges, including water scarcity, air and land pollution, biodiversity loss, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. These environmental pressures have social and economic implications, affecting livelihoods, public health, and long-term development prospects. The Government of Jordan has taken notable steps, including the adoption of the National Climate Change Policy (2022- 2050), a National Adaptation Plan and several other environmental strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and contributing to Jordan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Various UN agencies have been contributing to the country’s environmental outcomes through distinct mandates, projects, and partnerships with national counterparts. However, there is currently no unified UN approach to the environment in Jordan and no clear overarching strategy of what and how the UN is trying to achieve on environment and climate. To improve overall coherence, efficiency, and strategic alignment with national priorities, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Jordan seeks to develop a One UN Strategy on Environment. This will be informed by a comprehensive mapping of current UN agency environmental activities, identification of synergies and gaps, and a coordinated forward-looking approach that leverages the comparative advantages of the UN system in Jordan. This Terms of Reference (TOR) is for a national consultant to: • Map the environmental work currently being undertaken by international partners in Jordan, and • Draft a One UN Strategy on Environment in Jordan through a consultative process. The Consultant will report to the Jordan focal point in UNEP West Asia Office and work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Jordan. Duties and Responsibilities: The Consultant will carry-out the following duties & responsibilities: 1. Mapping: a) Map the environmental work currently being undertaken by international partners in Jordan, including projects, partnerships, thematic areas, geographical focus, and funding; and b) map national strategies, action plans, policies, other partners’ main programmes that are relevant to environment and climate change in Jordan. 1.1 Desk Review of key UN and Government documents including UN agency strategies, the UNSDCF, Jordan’s National Environmental Strategy, National Climate Change Policy, and other national frameworks. 1.2 Identify and compile information on ongoing and planned initiatives and activities of international partners related to the environment in Jordan. 1.3 Identify and compile information on ongoing and planned Government policies, strategies, action plans, programmes related to the environment in Jordan. 2. Consultation: Consult with UN agencies and relevant national partners to identify the comparative advantage of the UN in relation to other actors in the country, opportunities for scaling up, new engagement or further synergy, gaps, and alignment with national strategies. 2.1 Develop Methodology and Tools for structured consultations and data collection (e.g., surveys, interview guides) with UN agencies and select government and non-governmental partners. 2.2 Conduct Stakeholder Consultations: Facilitate bilateral and group consultations with UN agencies, government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water and Irrigation), civil society, and others. 3. Strategy Development: Draft a One UN Strategy on Environment in Jordan, aligned with the agreed UN-Government collective priorities and national frameworks, and reflective of an integrated, coherent, and impactful approach by the UN system. 3.1 Gap and Synergy Analysis: Analyze findings to determine areas of overlap, gaps, comparative advantages, and opportunities for strategic alignment. 3.2 Draft One UN Strategy on Environment: Develop a strategy document with vision, objectives, thematic focus areas, proposed coordination mechanisms, and action points for implementation. 3.3 Present Key Findings and Strategy: Support the RCO in presenting the findings and draft strategy to the UNCT and other relevant stakeholders for validation and finalization. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in International Relations, Economics, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required. Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental policy, climate action, or sustainable development is required. Proven experience in strategy development, stakeholder consultation, and coordination is required Familiarity with the UN system and its programming processes (e.g., UNSDCF) is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of Jordan’s environmental context and national priorities is mandatory. Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic (oral and written) is mandatory. Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills is required. LanguagesProficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory. 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.