Result of Service
The ultimate result of this assignment is to ensure effective implementation of the EU-funded Marine Litter MED PLUS Project and related marine litter activities under the PoW and Budget 2026-2027, as demonstrated by the achievement of agreed project milestones, delivery of all planned outputs within established deadlines, submission of required technical and financial reports, and effective coordination with Contracting Parties and relevant partners.
Expected duration
10 months over 11 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. United Nation’s Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL), Athens, Greece. UNEP/MAP and its MED POL Programme are executing the EU-funded Marine Litter MED PLUS Project (2024-2027) having an important contribution to the implementation of UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2027 (MTS) (Decision IG.25/1), as well as the Programme of Work and Budget for 2026-2027 adopted at COP 24 (Decision IG.27/14). The Marine Litter MED PLUS project’s objective is to support further and expand the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean, the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for Marine Litter (EO10) including its upgrade, as well as enhance interregional cooperation for improved and effective marine litter management across the seas. The Marine Litter MED PLUS project is to reduce and prevent the generation of marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea through an expanded implementation of key reduction and prevention measures as provided for in the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean. The project aims to enhance the implementation of the selected measures regarding geographical scope and impact. The project will also support the upgrade of IMAP EO10, including IMAP Candidate Common Indicator 24., as well as advance the implementation of IMAP Ecological Objective 10 (EO10) on Marine Litter. The Regional Expert will work under the direct supervision of UNEP/MAP MED POL Programme Management Officer, in close coordination with the QSR Programme Officer, under the overall guidance of the UNEP/MAP Senior Officer. The tasks and responsibilities of the consultant will be as below: 1. Prepare a detailed work plan for performance of the tasks accompanied with a timetable for completion of each task over a total period of the present assignment including a synopsis of work to be undertaken for each task and means for achieving the prescribed outputs of this consultancy. 2. Follow-up and support project’s activities, oversee the implementation of legal agreements with Implementing Partners, and review the relevant deliverables, interim/final reports including expenses reports. 3. Review consultants’ deliverables and ensure quality of deliverables. 4. Collect, review, analyse, and provide inputs on data deriving from the implementation of marine litter pilots in the framework of the project, in cooperation with MAP Components and Implementing Partners. 5. Provide substantive support to the organization of project’s Meetings including document presentations and post-meeting actions. 6. Support MedPol in the development of training workshops, seminars, regional and best practices meetings, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. 7. Supports UNEP/MAP - MED POL in drafting working and information documents for consideration of the Meetings of CORMON on Marine litter Monitoring to be held in 2026 and 2027. 8. Provide technical inputs and scientific support to UNEP/MAP - MED POL during the Meeting of CorMon on Pollution Monitoring that will be held during the online Meeting of CorMon on marine Litter Monitoring that will be held in July 2026, as well as during the April Meeting in 2027, as needed. 9. Support the organization of the Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Platform on Marine Litter, prepare a joint workplan and establish links with the Action Tracks of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), and enhance synergies with its Digital Platform. 10. Participate up to 5 sub-regional, regional, and international meetings related to marine Litter and Plastic pollution and propose follow up actions. 11. Provide input and support the process for the preparation of a follow-up project proposal, including the preparation of a concept note to secure resources mobilization to support CPs in the implementation of the updated Regional Plan on Marine Litter as well as for IMAP EO10 (Marine Litter). 12. Support the development of the updated national IMAP-based monitoring programmes for IMAP EO10 (Marine Litter) for the respective eligible countries. 13. Perform any other duties as requested. 14. Draft the final report for the implementation of activities under this assignment.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental management, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field is required. A bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience in the required field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, or related areas is required. Within the required 5 years of work experience, a minimum of two (2) years of experience in marine environmental management, with a strong focus on marine litter, solid waste management, circular economy, or pollution prevention is required. Experience with marine litter data collection methodologies, indicators, and assessment tools is required. Working experience in implementing national, regional or multi-country environmental projects in Mediterranean Region is required.
Languages
Fluency in English is required (both oral and written). Working knowledge of French is desirable
Additional Information
Not available.
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.
