Programme Management Expert on Marine Pollution

Result of ServiceThe objective of this assignment will advance implementation of COBSEA’s RAP MALI, the MA-RE-DESIGN project, and related regional initiatives led by COBSEA, including the Indonesia–Viet Nam pilots on integrated solid waste management. The consultant will provide technical and strategic support at national, regional, and global levels, including coordination, reporting, knowledge management, and capacity-building. The post will be part of the Regional Seas Branch of Ecosystems Division, UNEP. Work LocationRemote/Home-based Expected duration10 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. UNEP Ecosystem Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is a regional intergovernmental mechanism and one of 18 Regional Seas programmes with nine participating countries – Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Viet Nam – aimed at the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment. COBSEA focuses on marine pollution, ecosystem-based marine and coastal planning and management, and ocean governance. The COBSEA Secretariat is hosted by Thailand in Bangkok and administered by UNEP. The Twenty-fourth Intergovernmental Meeting of COBSEA (IGM 24) adopted the 2019 Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) to guide regionally coherent action to reduce and prevent marine litter from land-based and sea-based sources, strengthen monitoring and assessment, and create an enabling framework for implementation. The COBSEA Working Group on Marine Litter (WGML) provides guidance on implementation of the RAP MALI and develops respective biennial workplans. IGM 25 established the East Asian Seas Regional Node of the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) as a knowledge and networking hub on marine litter, and the Secretariat launched the web platform of the Node in 2022. The ‘Marine litter prevention through reduction, sustainable design and recycling of plastic packaging’ (MA-RE-DESIGN) project, is implemented in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with funding from the Government of Germany. MA-RE-DESIGN contributes to achieving the RAP MALI, linked to Actions 1, 3, and 4. The project aims at preventing plastic waste leakage through better waste management and strategies to reduce single-use plastic packaging and promote Extended Producer Responsibility in Thailand at national level (Outputs 1-3, led by GIZ and WWF) and to exchange knowledge and build capacity to prevent, reduce and monitor plastic marine litter and promote harmonization across COBSEA countries at regional level (Output 4, led by COBSEA). Under the supervision of the COBSEA Coordinator, Contractor will advance implementation of COBSEA’s RAP MALI, the MA-RE-DESIGN project, and related regional initiatives led by COBSEA, including the Indonesia–Viet Nam pilots on integrated solid waste management. The consultant will provide technical and strategic support at national, regional, and global levels, including coordination, reporting, knowledge management, and capacity-building. The consultant will have the following key responsibilities: 1. Coordinate development and regional knowledge management of the East Asian Seas Regional Node of the GPML, ensuring alignment with RAP MALI objectives and MA-RE-DESIGN outcomes. 2. Coordinate implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS)-funded regional project, including the Indonesia–Viet Nam pilots on integrated solid waste management. 3. Prepare documentation for the 8th Meeting of the Working Group on Marine Litter (WGML-8) and the Twenty-seventh Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM 27) related to marine litter, translating national and regional progress into strategic guidance to support countries in meeting national targets, regional priorities, and global commitments. 4. Support COBSEA institutional strengthening and governance development, including the Regional Activity Centre (RAC) and coordination with partners. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in environmental management, development studies, environmental sciences, or a related field. Equivalent academic qualifications may be considered.  A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in project or programme management related to sustainable development, marine and coastal environment, or environmental policy is required.  Proven experience in knowledge management, including development of web-based platforms and coordination of knowledge-sharing activities is required.  Experience working on marine litter and plastic pollution, Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter (RAP MALI) in the East Asian Seas region is required.  Experience in organizing and facilitating multi-stakeholder events and regional partnership meetings is required.  Experience engaging with government counterparts and stakeholders in the East Asian Seas region is required.  Experience working with UNEP, COBSEA or other Regional Seas programmes is required.  Prior experience with the UN or other international/regional organizations is an asset. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:  In-depth knowledge of the East Asian Seas region, including national policies, legislative frameworks on marine litter, and institutional processes is desirable.  Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports and technical documents is desirable.  Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to work independently with minimal supervision is desirable.  Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural team environment and deliver results under pressure and tight deadlines is desirable.  Creative and solutions-oriented, with strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities is desirable. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other regional languages is an advantage. 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.