Senior Strategic Adviser

Result of ServiceThe overall ultimate objective of the consultancy is to ensure a strategic input to the design of the negotiations process by the secretariat benefiting from extensive experience in negotiations under other MEAs, contributing to the consistency, coherence and soundness of the process, including the negotiations dynamics and effective high-level engagement. An effective training for the presiding officers of the contact groups under the INC is designed and delivered. Strategic advice to the Executive Secretary of the INC in the course of planning and delivering an effective negotiating session. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration20 days Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme 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. Through the resolution \"End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument (UNEP/EA5/L23/REV.1), the United Nations Environment Assembly requested to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), commencing its work during second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. At its fifth session held in November 2024, it was agreed to convene a resumed session in 2025. The resolution established that the INC should develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, taking into account among other things, the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and development, as well as national circumstances and capabilities, including provisions. The Senior Strategic Advisor will work in the INC secretariat on Plastic Pollution in the UNEP Executive Director's Office supporting the implementation of UNEA resolution 5/14 \"Ending plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument\" and specifically support strategic planning for negotiations set up and provide guidance on negotiating tools and approaches to the presiding officers within the process. The consultant will also provide strategic advice and support to the Executive Secretary of the INC and the Secretariat in planning and organizing the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2), including any high-level engagement. The Consultant will undertake tasks and responsibilities, in close collaboration and consultation with the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) Secretariat. The tasks associated with each specific deliverable are outlined below: 1. With respect to the training and guidance for the INC presiding officers. a) Provide inputs to the design of the training program, including the overall program planning and design of specific sessions, building on the relevant experiences in other processes. b) Provide inputs to the background materials for the session. c) Deliver the relevant sessions of the in-person training during the meeting of the presiding officers of the INC (27-28 May 2025). 2. With respect to the provisions of strategic advice to the Executive Secretary of the INC: Ad-hoc advice on the strategic issues in the planning for the session and during the session, as appropriate. The advice would primarily be provided in the form of inputs to the strategic planning meetings online, as well as on the margins of the meeting of the Co-Chairs in May 2025. Should the need to provide in-person input during INC 5.2 be required, the costs associated with the consultant’s participation in the session will be processed separately. The consultant will report directly to the Executive Secretary, INC on Plastic Pollution and Head of the Secretariat. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced degree in economics, international relations, environment or natural resource management, law and/or the equivalent in related fields. A first level university degree in combination with five additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum of 15 years of professional experience relating to strategic planning, intergovernmental negotiations and treaty processes, including intergovernmental drafting, and extensive networks and client orientation is required. Demonstrated competence in political and analytical skills and experience in engaging relevant critical stakeholders is required. Experience with respect to the Rio Conventions, particularly on strategic planning, is desirable. Experience at ministerial, senior or executive levels in developing pertinent policy, at international or national settings, is desirable. Proven experience in strategic planning, intergovernmental negotiations and treaty drafting and other related norm setting processes related to the Rio Conventions, particularly on the interfaces at national, regional and global levels, as well as mobilization of non-State actors is required. Demonstrated experience in coordinating organization of work under different working modalities and representing national delegations in intergovernmental processes is required. LanguagesFluency in English (both oral and written) is required. 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.