Sustainable Public Procurement Expert – Latin America

Result of ServiceThe consultant will support the effective coordination and implementation of UNEP’s work under the 10YFP/One Planet Network to scale up SPP in the Latin America and Caribbean region, in coordination with LAC Regional Sub-Programme Coordinator for FET, with a focus on the built environment and sustainable food systems (school meals). The consultant will engage with national governments, regional partners, and networks to facilitate the endorsement and implementation of key global and regional SPP frameworks and identify country-level opportunities for project development. The consultant will act as a contact point for the SPP programme of the One Planet Network in the region, contributing to the visibility, support, and delivery of the SPP agenda in LAC. Work LocationRemote Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP), adopted by the UN General Assembly, is a key implementation mechanism for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its SDG 12, of which it is an integral part. 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 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 Global Strategy for SCP identifies the uptake of sustainable public procurement (SPP) as one of the core global solutions to accelerate system-wide change across high-impact sectors and value chains. The 10YFP Secretariat’s Results Framework for 2025–2026 reflects this strategic emphasis, with concrete implementation targets captured in UNEP’s Division of Industry and Economy’s workplan for the same period. The consultant will: • Coordinate bilateral engagement with LAC Member States to promote the Global Framework for Action on Circular and Sustainable Public Procurement in the Built Environment, including the organization of bilateral meetings with Ministries of Public works and procurement agencies, follow-up communications, and technical dialogues to secure official endorsement by at least six countries. • Deliver a regional workshop on the technical components of the Global Framework for Action on Circular and Sustainable Public Procurement in the Built Environment, engaging relevant institutions such as Ministries of Public Works, procurement agencies, and other key ministries (e.g. finance, environment, planning). The workshop should present the Framework's key principles, implementation pathways, and available tools and practices to support national implementation. It will serve as a platform for peer exchange, capacity building, and dialogue to accelerate endorsement and uptake across the region. • Facilitate regional engagement and support for the LAC Framework for Action on Sustainable Public Procurement in School Meals, including outreach to at least five countries, coordination of a regional launch event in collaboration with strategic regional partners (procurement, SFS, SCP networks, and development banks) and UNEP’s LAC Regional Office, the Eco Advance project’s SPP workstream, and the Environmental Alliance of America. • As part of the engagement process, identify national needs, priorities, and enabling conditions for implementing SPP in the built environment and sustainable food systems, through consultations and at least one national level workshops with interested countries, and support the co-development of country-specific project concepts or implementation proposals in line with their institutional contexts and policies. • Support capacity building efforts by contributing to the translation and contextualization of technical SPP online training modules for the built environment and food systems sectors in the LAC region, ensuring materials are accessible, in line with EcoAdvance project materials, and aligned with regional priorities. • Contribute to strategic outreach and communication efforts by preparing briefings, updates, and advocacy materials (in English and Spanish), and supporting the dissemination of relevant knowledge products and tools that promote the uptake of SPP in the region. • Monitor and report on progress toward engagement and endorsement targets, including documentation of bilateral meetings, workshop outcomes, current SPP practices and national level and project development milestones. Prepare a final summary report with recommendations for sustaining engagement and implementation beyond the consultancy. • Collaborate closely with UNEP’s LAC Regional Office and SPP team, ensuring alignment with the SPP programme, the Council of Government Experts on Sustainable Consumption and Production, the Environmental Alliance of America, the EcoAdvance project, and the broader delivery of UNEP’s 2025–2026 Programme of Work and the 10YFP Results Framework. Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy, international relations, business administration, sustainable development, economics, or a related field. A first-level degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. • At least 7 years of professional experience in the field of public procurement, international cooperation, or public policy, including experience with sustainable public procurement (SPP), food systems or infrastructure is required. • Experience in the organization and delivery of events, capacity-building workshops, or policy consultations is required. • Demonstrated experience engaging with governments and regional stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean, including in facilitating policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations, or regional initiatives, is highly desirable. • Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, and working with international, regional, and national organizations, including UN entities, is an asset. • Experience in the organization and delivery of events, capacity-building workshops, or policy consultations is required. • Ability to work independently and proactively in a multi-cultural, remote setting; strong organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure. Languages• Fluency in English and Spanish is required; knowledge of Portuguese 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.