Sustainable Public Procurement Expert

Result of ServiceThe consultant will support the effective reporting of SDG 12.7 target, contributing to the programme of work of the 10YFP/One Planet Network and UNEP’s role as the custodian of the SDG 12.7.1 Indicator. The consultant will engage closely with national governments including those engaged in the One Planet Network and associated programmes, initiatives and partnerships; 10YFP National Focal Points and designated government focal points to UNEP for SDG 12.7.1 Indicator reporting to measure progress toward the achievement of SDG Target 12.7. This will involve and facilitate: a) Outreach and engagement through regional commission and global networks and platforms to promote awareness and collaboration on SDG 12.7.1 Indicator reporting b) Capacity-building efforts to strengthen country-level capabilities for data collection, reporting, and implementation c) the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data gathered through the 2025 data drive from national governments on the status of their Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) implementation. d) the increased participation of Member States in the reporting exercise of SDG 12.7.1 Indicator e) Identification of gaps and opportunities in national SPP implementation to support the monitoring and achievement of SDG Target 12.7. The consultant will serve as the key contact point at the 10YFP in connection to SDG 12.7, contributing to the visibility, delivery, and advocacy of the 10YFP Global Solution: “Public procurement leads to more efficient use of public resources while improving social well-being and minimizing environmental impacts.” Work LocationRemote Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as custodian to SDG Indicator 12.7.1, tracks progress on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) implementation among national governments worldwide according to a methodology that was developed in 2019. Data on SPP implementation is collected on a biennial basis via an excel-based questionnaire. This questionnaire is completed by officially designated focal points within national governments and is submitted to UNEP, along with supporting evidence, for review. Aggregate data for this indicator is published on the Statistical Division of the United Nations (UNSTAT) SDG Global Database and a report is produced reflecting the main findings and conclusions. The first data collection exercise on SDG indicator 12.7.1 was launched in October 2020. Completed questionnaires were received from 40 national governments (out of 55 that had designated focal points). The second data collection exercise was launched in September 2022. The excel questionnaire was shared with 101 national governments that had designated focal points for this exercise. 67 national governments completed the questionnaire. The third data collection exercise was launched in July 2025 under the programme of work of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP). Adopted by the UN General Assembly, the 10YFP is a key implementation mechanism for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its SDG 12 on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), including the SDG indicator 12.7.1, “Number of countries implementing Sustainable Public Procurement policies and action plans.” The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the Secretariat of the 10YFP, working closely with Member States and other stakeholders engaged in the One Planet network, its global programmes and initiatives (www.oneplanetnetwork.org) to support and monitor the implementation of SCP policies, solutions and practices globally. Furthermore, the 10YFP Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Global Strategy for SCP (2023–2030), approved by the 10YFP Board (UN General Assembly resolution), as a direct contribution to advancing the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) on climate, biodiversity and pollution. The 10YFP Secretariat’s Results Framework for 2025–2026 identifies the uptake of sustainable public procurement (SPP) as one of the four global solutions to accelerate a system-wide transformation towards sustainable, competitive, resilient and circular, with concrete implementation targets captured in UNEP’s Division of Industry and Economy’s workplan for the same period. Starting in 2025, the 10YFP/One Planet Network Secretariat has been officially designated to lead the management of SDG 12.7.1 indicator monitoring and reporting. The Secretariat aims to re-energize global data collection efforts, enhance consistency and quality of reporting, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable public procurement practices worldwide. Building on its global network and proven track record in advancing sustainable consumption and production (SCP), the Secretariat is uniquely positioned to manage the 12.7.1 indicator, streamline the data collection process, and strengthen the capacity of governments to integrate sustainability principles into procurement. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will: 1. Validate and update the list of designated focal points and implement an outreach plan to increase participation in the 2025 SDG 12.7.1 Indicator reporting exercise. 2. Coordinate with UN Regional Commissions and key partners (e.g., OECD, World Bank) to promote visibility and political support for SDG 12.7.1. 3. Conduct targeted capacity-building sessions and provide technical support to selected Member States to strengthen reporting capabilities. 4. Develop and disseminate awareness materials to promote Sustainable Public Procurement and the importance of SDG 12.7.1 reporting. 5. Compile, validate, and analyze data from the 2025 reporting exercise, comparing with previous years to identify trends and gaps. 6. Produce visuals and country scorecards to highlight performance, progress, and areas for improvement. 7. Draft and support the finalization of the global report on the 2025 SDG 12.7.1 Indicator, including methodological recommendations. 8. Prepare communication materials and contribute to advocacy efforts through presentations, events, and global platforms. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy, data analysis, statistics, sustainable development, economics, engineering or a related field. A first-level degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • At least 5 years of professional experience in the field of public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy, including experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) or Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) or Results Measurement or Results-Based Management (RMB) is required. • Demonstrated experience engaging with governments, including in facilitating stakeholder consultations or training is required. • Strong analytical, research, writing and communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, concept notes, and outreach materials for different audiences, is required. • Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, and working with international, regional, and national organizations, including UN entities, is highly desirable. • Experience in the organization and delivery of events, including capacity-building workshops or policy consultations is highly desirable. • Ability to work independently and proactively in a multi-cultural, remote setting; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure. LanguagesFluency in English is required; knowledge of any other languages or UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset. 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.