United Nations Environment Programme is looking for an Environmental Expert

Environmental Expert

Organization: United Nations Environment Programme

Location: GENEVA

Level: CON - CON

Job Family: ENV

Application Deadline: 01 April 2026 at 03:59 UTC

Job Opening Number: 26-United Nations Environment Programme-274280-Consultant

Apply via: UN Inspira Portal

Result of Service

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in governments, local authorities, and industries to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals, and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices, and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories, and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Unit executes projects and covers topics related to heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides, chemicals in products, among others. Technical environmental expertise is provided to the Unit’s projects, activities, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality outputs on the interface of chemicals science and policy. These contributions enhance knowledge, communication, and efforts to reduce mercury pollution in mining and healthcare sectors, while also strengthening synergies across biodiversity and pollution clusters within the scope of ongoing activities.

Work Location

Office-based, Geneva, Switzerland.

Expected duration

12 months - Full-time.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemical Science and Policy Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the consultant will be responsible for supporting Unit’s work as per below:

1. Support the work on healthcare sector, including a project on phasing out dental amalgam and mercury-added medical devices:

• Attend regular check-in meetings with countries and executing agency, document the discussions, and coordinate required follow-up actions.
• Support the execution of the UNEP’s activities and coordination with the executing agency and other experts.
• Document case studies on mercury waste management in 3 pilot countries under dental amalgam project.

2. Support the work on the mining sector, with a focus on artisanal and small-scale gold mining:

• Coordinate with the countries and the project partners for the assessment, curation and development of technical knowledge products assisting the implementation of national RIAs.
• Develop the training package for the regional workshops (in English, French and Spanish).
• Support the logistical and substantive organization of the RIA trainings workshops by liaising with relevant counterparts for the organization of venue, catering and room logistics and agenda.

3. Advance work on synergies across biodiversity and pollution clusters:

• Support the creation of the knowledge hub on pollution and biodiversity.
• Support finalization and dissemination of the guide to incorporate pollution aspects into NBSAPs.

Qualifications/special skills

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to environment/natural sciences or environmental engineering.

Experience:

A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying' experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of two years of relevant experience in environmental domain, including sound management of chemicals, pollution or biodiversity is required.
Strong knowledge and understanding of the environmentally sound management of metals, from a technical as well as policy/regulatory perspective is desirable.
Experience working with multi-sectoral partners in developing or executing projects is desirable.
Strong analytical, research and drafting skills, as well as ability to tailor language and styles to relevant audiences, including policy makers and the private sector is desirable.
Experience in data analysis, reporting and capacity building in different settings is desirable.
Working experience(s) in a multicultural environment, particularly in the UN System, is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

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