United Nations Environment Programme is looking for a Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Specialist

Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Specialist

Organization:
United Nations Environment Programme

Location:
GENEVA

Level:
CON - CON

Job Family:
ENV

Application Deadline:
16 April 2026 at 03:59 UTC

Job Opening Number:
26-United Nations Environment Programme-275043-Consultant

Apply via:
UN Inspira Portal

Result of Service

The ultimate result of services is to support finalization of the execution of the GEF-funded project “Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) (EDCs, EPPPs)”, particularly through the development and dissemination of project deliverables, implementation of knowledge management and engagement activities, including events/webinars, and communication/knowledge products. The individual contractor will also contribute to preparatory work on issues of concern in the context of the Global Framework on Chemicals, including support to consultative processes with relevant stakeholders and preparation of background documents ahead of the first International Conference (November 2026, Geneva). Finally, the contractor will identify future opportunities to support the sustainability of the project’s deliverables.

Work Location

Working Remotely /Home based

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments and assists in implementing mandates received through UNEA. The Branch supports UNEP’s work on issues of concern under the Global Framework on Chemicals, including activities related to environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants (EPPPs). The Branch requires the services of an individual contractor to support ongoing work on pharmaceuticals in the environment, including in the context of the GEF-funded project “Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) (EDCs, EPPPs)” as well as preparatory work on issues of concern (EPPPs and EDCs) at the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals. The consultant will : Assist in the finalization and dissemination of project deliverables, including technical report and communication materials.

• Prepare summaries and communication products based on technical deliverables of the project.
• Support outreach activities through the organization and delivery of events, including liaising with speakers and partners, preparing agendas and technical content, and facilitating discussions.
• Provide technical backstopping to background documents related to issues of concern ahead of the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals.
• Support stakeholder consultations and engagement processes from organizational and technical perspectives.
• Provide technical inputs for new project concepts to leverage project insights to inform policy integration and initiatives.
• Provide substantive input to reporting processes, including contributions to the monitoring of indicators in the project results framework.
• Support additional tasks related to pharmaceuticals in the environment and chemicals/waste issues of concern, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to chemistry, environmental or chemical engineering, biology, health or natural sciences, environmental management, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. PhD in relevant field is an asset.

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of environmental or public health policy, chemical safety, environmental management/ environmental impact assessment/life cycle assessments/hotspots analysis working with academia, public or private sector, with particular focus on releases of pharmaceutical residues into the environment.
• Strong technical expertise in environmental impact assessment, with a solid understanding of life‑cycle approaches and their application to pharmaceuticals.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and outreach in relation to pharmaceuticals in the environment, including at global level is required.
• Familiarity with global chemicals and waste governance, including the Global Framework on Chemicals, is desirable.

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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