Result of Service

The primary purpose of this assignment is to support the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sectoral Transition Section in accelerating the decarbonization of emissions-intensive sectors, including Buildings and Construction, Energy (Demand-Side Management), Cooling, and Food Loss and Waste; and supporting Subnational Climate Action, through strategic partnership development, strengthened private sector engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

5.5 months, with the possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) addresses global environmental concerns through implementation of its Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) which outlines the organization’s vision for addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution. The Sectoral Transition Section supports acceleration of implementation of those solutions for high impact sectors under its mandate, through translating UNEP-led science into concrete innovative solutions, strengthening political commitment of the governments to implementation, providing them, when necessary, with technical assistance, policy advice, engaging key stakeholders; supporting governments and stakeholders in generating resources, including funding and finance. The section works to facilitate implementation of the solutions in the sectors to support the UNEP Climate Change Division (CCD) strategic objective of achieving the climate stability through reducing the carbon emissions and enhancing adaptation and resilience. The section works on five strategic pillars: 1. Near-zero-emission and resilient buildings and construction 2. Sustainable cooling and extreme heat resilience 3. Integrated energy transition with a focus on demand-side flexibility 4. Food waste reduction and prevention 5. Subnational and multilevel climate action, including nature-based solutions. Through its activities under these five strategic pillars which are managed as one coherent portfolio, the section works to facilitate implementation of those solutions. Each of the pillars connects science and knowledge, intergovernmental (when applicable) and multistakeholder platforms, policy, finance and implementation. In addition, the subnational climate action pillar will also serve as a vehicle to accelerate the implementation of the sectoral transitions through local action. The section also includes secretariats of intergovernmental and multistakeholder platforms, including:

The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC),
The Cool Coalition
The Food is Never Waste Coalition As a result, UNEP Sectoral Transitions Section is active at UNFCCC events including at COPs where each year it hosts a Buildings and Cooling Pavilion. It hosts the Global Forum on Buildings and Climate, Intergovernmental Ministerial meetings in buildings and cooling as well as the related Intergovernmental Technical Focal points meetings, GlobalABC Annual Assemblies, Cool Coalition Assemblies, Cities and Regions Summit and the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The section is also active with other Rio global conventions. All these policy processes and events have a potential of high-level strategic impact to facilitate and scale up partnerships, visibility, fundraising and more effective achievement of programme objectives. Accelerating the sectoral transition to meet the Rio conventions, and especially the Paris climate agreement, also relies on mobilizing the private sector players to facilitate international cooperation, implementation and deployment of sustainable solutions and feed positively the ambition of UN parties to act. A senior contractor with solid experience in organization of high-level events and engaging with partners, especially the private sector, and with extensive knowledge of the sectors on which the section is working - buildings, cooling, food waste, urban energy – is needed to support the section in accelerating sectoral solutions, mobilising funds and developing pipelines of projects backed with financial resources. The success of UNEP Sectoral Transitions section is in part being measured by impact of technical cooperation and partnership activities to the emission reduction, the quality and impact of partnerships established, the level of private sector engagement achieved, the successful delivery of strategic and political events, and the contribution made towards advancing the decarbonization of emissions-intensive industries through collaborative action. The consultant will conduct the following activities: 1. Support the development a long-term strategy with specific milestones for the engagement with the global and regional fora (UNEA, COPs for Rio Conventions, World Urban Forums and other); and will coordinate organization and fundraising for those events. She or he will liaise with the section chief and programme managers to ensure seamless connection to achieving programmatic objectives of the section five workstreams. It includes to identify new partnership opportunities, funding schemes (including foundation creation) support the negotiation of partnership agreements, maintain an active stakeholder engagement pipeline, coordinate bilateral meetings with senior executives, facilitate participation of private sector representatives in organizational initiatives, promote collaborative projects aligned with organizational priorities 2. Support the elaboration of the Section's strategy for the engagement with the private sector partners to implement the section programmatic objectives. It includes to identify new partnership opportunities, funding schemes (including foundation creation) support the negotiation of partnership agreements, maintain an active stakeholder engagement pipeline, coordinate bilateral meetings with senior executives, facilitate participation of private sector representatives in organizational initiatives, promote collaborative projects aligned with organizational priorities 3. Lead the planning, production and delivery of the Sectoral Transitions Section's engagement in thematic high-level conferences, ministerial dialogues, technical workshops, international summits, side events and stakeholder engagement activities. The incumbent will ensure that these events contribute to the Section's policy objectives, enhance UNEP Section's visibility, strengthen partnerships and facilitate collaboration among Member States, the private sector and other key stakeholders. It includes the support in production, operations and coordination of events: programme, sponsorships, contractors, logistics, technical set-up including audio, visual, and live streaming 4. Coordinating with the Global communications lead to ensure successful and impactful communications 5. Elaborate an action plan for the events to meet sustainability practices 6. Perform other tasks as may be requested by UNEP Sectoral Transitions Chief (supervisor) such as preparing concept notes, agendas, speaking points, briefing packages, meeting reports and communication materials; coordinating speakers and partners; facilitating stakeholder consultations The consultant will work in close collaboration with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) Secretariat, the Cool Coalition Secretariat, the Energy team, the Food Loss and Waste team, and other colleagues across the Sectoral Transitions Section, as well as with external partners, Member States, international organizations, financial institutions, civil society and private sector representatives including industry leaders, investors, technical experts and partner organizations.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, public policy, economics, environmental or social sciences, or engineering with a buildings, cooling, energy and construction focus. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

At least 5 years of experience in partnerships development, events production, resource mobilization. Experience in sustainable buildings, cooling, environment, climate change, urban energy, food loss and waste or related field is mandatory. Relevant experiences of working with international organizations and with intergovernmental bodies are an asset.
Excellent organizational and logistical skills.
Excellent diplomatic and communication skills.

Languages

Excellent English and French writing skills are essential, particularly regarding communicating political and scientific insights in a clear manner.

Additional Information

Professionalism: Knowledge of sustainable buildings, cooling, environment, climate change, urban energy, food loss and waste policies, tools and practices. Ability to proactively seek and identify relevant information and solutions. Ability to work on multiple tasks with energy and commitment to due completion. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates proactivity and openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently; considers outputs achieved according to effectively delivery, as opposed to the amount of time given to tasks.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across institutions to achieve organizational and strategic goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

No Fee

THE 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.

Senior Private Sector Partnerships and Events Lead Consultant