Expert –Identifying opportunities for high-potential intervention areas to apply NBS and green technologies to port infrastructure in Africa

Result of ServiceTo strengthen resilience against weather extremes, apply innovations that drive economic growth potential, while creating jobs. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that 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. 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. UNEP's Climate Change Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. To promote sustainable development and tackle the decline of nature, nature-based solutions (NBS) should be integrated into many more sectors than is happening at present. Nature and bioeconomy solutions have a significant opportunity to drive future sustainable growth. From fighting climate change through actions to improve water quality and reduce flood risks, to planting urban forests to sequester carbon, mitigate urban heat island effects, to wise deployment of solutions based on nature using bacteria in concrete to improve ‘self-healing’ of cracks in real estate and infrastructure, to using NBS to tackle water pollution, waste and damage to marine and coastal ecosystems from ports and other infrastructure, to using innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water use (e.g. methane-reducing feed additives such as 3-NOP and seaweed), to upgrade existing grey infrastructures, there is a need to see investment opportunities and innovation using NBS targeted to improve infrastructure and urban and peri-urban climate resilience. Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Climate Finance Unit the individual contractor will lead on the desk study with the following specific tasks: Phase I – Mapping the current Sea-Land Logistic system in the African countries of the Mattei Plan and the key components into which it is articulated. Activities Following agreement with UNEP and the Ministry of Environment on key target countries : • Data gathering and analysis of data from open-source dataset and international databases such as: African Development Bank (AfDB), HS SeaWeb, Myshiptracking, SeaRates, Alphaliner and similar databases. • Recognition and mapping of the main points of origin and destination of logistical flows and consumption centres in each target country; • Recognition and mapping of the main logistics and port infrastructures in each target country; • Recognition and mapping of the main energy and mining infrastructures in each target country and their supply chains; • Georeferencing and functional classification of the examined infrastructures; • Study of the flows of commodities (energy and non-energy) and containerised goods in import/export and analysis of the related supply chains; • Analysis of the relations between the relevant economic-financial dimensions of energy and sea-land logistics with particular focus on the role of ports (incidence of the cost of energy on the cost structures of sea-port companies; incidence of the cost of sea-port logistics on the cost of energy in imports and exports). Phase II: Identification of priority intervention areas and development of three case studies. • Study of best practices and international solutions with a particular focus on the combination of nature-based solutions and infrastructure for purposes of strengthening resilience to climate impacts; • Definition of functional guidelines to support port managers and institutional policy makers in the processes of choice and \"local adaptation\" of the above-mentioned best practices; • Collating and mapping climate risks and vulnerabilities, based on existing studies, assessments and models • Mapping of green finance instruments and funding opportunities to support the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions and broader green strategies in port areas, including analysis of relevant mechanisms and alignment with international sustainability frameworks (e.g., SDGs). • Definition of priority criteria for the identification of high-potential areas (e.g. environmental criticalities, infrastructure gaps, funding opportunities, leapfrogging opportunities and retrofitting options); • Identification of 3 port infrastructures that are suitable to implement green strategies and nature-based solutions to improve resilience and/or mitigate emissions in port infrastructure. Qualifications/special skillsA Master or PhD in law, economics, environmental science, natural resource management or a related study. At least 7 years of experience working on economic incentives, modeling, legal incentives, green technologies, sustainable transport and/or infrastructure solutions in different geographies – either in academia, with think tanks, non-governmental organisations or government agencies. An excellent network with government officials and relevant companies on the African continent to facilitate the research is desirable. Should be autonomous and computer literate in standard software applications; have excellent writing and communication skills; good analytical skills with an interest in the topic of sustainable infrastructure and green finance; have good interpersonal skills. It is essential that the chosen candidate can work in an independent manner to complete the given assignments. LanguagesFor this consulting position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Being able to speak, write and communicate in other UN languages is a distinct advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.