United Nations Environment Programme is looking for an Expert on Measurability and Indicators for Chemicals and Waste (Remote)

Organization: United Nations Environment Programme

Location: GENEVA

Level: CON - CON

Job Family: ENV

Application Deadline: 08 June 2026 at 03:59 UTC

Job Opening Number: 26-United Nations Environment Programme-278433-Consultant

Apply via: UN Inspira Portal

Result of Service

A scientifically robust and policy-relevant proposal for the global environmental burden high-level indicator (HLI), supported by validated data, tested methodology and pilot results, is finalized and submitted to the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals, along recommendations to support next steps and operationalization, as well as substantive technical contributions to related workstreams under the GFC measurability structure.

Work Location

Home-based / Working remotely

Expected duration

6 months - Full time.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 position is located in the Chemicals and Health Branch, which is part of the Industry and Economy Division at the Geneva Duty Station. The Chemicals and Health Branch in UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, 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 Branch also supports the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals and relevant resolutions of the International Conference on Chemicals Management, including with respect to the Measurability Structure of the Framework and the work of the open-ended ad hoc group on measurability and indicators. Objectives: The consultant will support the implementation of ICCM Resolution V/9 on the measurability structure of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), with a particular focus on the development and operationalization of the global environmental burden high-level indicator (HLI). The consultant will contribute to the methodological development, piloting, and validation of the HLI, ensuring scientific robustness and policy relevance. The role includes coordination of technical processes, engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and preparation of key outputs for consideration by the first International Conference of the GFC (November 2026, Geneva). The consultant will also provide substantive technical inputs to other workstreams related to the GFC measurability structure. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, the consultant will:

• Lead the consolidation, validation, and analysis of data relevant to the development of the global environmental burden HLI.
• Ensure day-to-day coordination of activities related to the development of the HLI proposal, including to test and refine the methodological framework of the proposed HLI, its constituent elements, aggregation and modelling approaches, ensuring coherence and technical robustness.
• Support the piloting of the HLI, including coordination with partners and synthesis of pilot findings.
• Facilitate the work of the task force, including preparation of agendas, technical documentation, facilitation and technical input during the discussions and consolidation of meeting outcomes.
• Engage with internal and external experts and stakeholders to ensure high-quality technical inputs into the development of the HLI.
• Develop and revise the proposal for the HLI, incorporating feedback from consultations, for submission to the GFC International Conference.
• Contribute technical expertise to related workstreams on indicators and the broader GFC measurability framework.
• Present the ongoing work in relevant internal and external meetings.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Output expectations

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

• Coordinated implementation of activities related to the development and piloting of the HLI, ensuring methodological robustness and consistency.
• Validated datasets and analytical outputs supporting the development of the HLI.
• Draft and final proposal of the HLI for submission to the first International Conference of the GFC.
• Synthesis report of piloting results, including key findings and recommendations for operationalization.
• Documentation of task force and expert consultations, including summaries of discussions and key outcomes.
• Technical contributions to the operationalization of the HLI.
• Substantive inputs to related GFC measurability workstreams.
• Presentations and dissemination materials delivered at relevant events and meetings.
• Participation in relevant internal and external meetings.
• Support with other relevant tasks as requested.

Performance indicators

The relevant outputs and related activities are delivered in line with the specific tasks, responsibilities and deliverables outlined below. the consultant shall provide a monthly summary of outputs achieved and activities undertaken.

Qualifications/special skills

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in a field related to environmental or chemical sciences, chemistry, sustainable development, economics, econometrics, statistics, mathematics, data science/analysis, or a related field is required. PhD in relevant field is an asset.

Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in a field related to chemicals, waste management, socio-economic research, data analysis, applied statistics, or data science is required. Working experience(s) in knowledge management, data collection and analysis and/or development of indicators or monitoring frameworks is required. Working experience on composite indicators is an asset. Experience working in an international and multicultural environment is desirable.

Special skills

Fully proficient computer skills and knowledge of relevant software e.g., including knowledge management and data visualization tools, as well as data collection and analysis methods. Strong communication skills.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

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