International Consultant to support Jordan’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Implementation

Result of ServiceA more strengthened, accurate and enhanced performance in Jordan’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Work LocationAmman, Jordan Expected durationthree months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting, Purpose and Objective: 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 Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI), published biennially by Yale University, provides a comprehensive assessment of countries’ environmental health and sustainability. It is based on three main components: 1- Ecosystem Vitality, 2- Climate Change and 3- environmental Health and Air Pollution Reduction. The EPI further encompasses 58 sub-indicators, offering a data-driven analysis of global environmental performance. Recognizing its importance, the Government of Jordan has prioritized the EPI within the Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision. The Ministry of Environment has established a dedicated committee that includes internal directorates and representatives from: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Administration, Greater Amman Municipality, Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Ministry of Health To support this national priority, UNEP ROWA seeks to hire a qualified expert/consultant to examine the EPI ranking for Jordan, analyse the underlying data sets used for such ranking, and propose a strategy and action plan with view to improve Jordan’s EPI and contribute to the overall Executive Program for the Economic Modernization Vision. In doing so the consultant will work closely with the Committee established at the Ministry of Environment and facilitates engagement with the EPI team at Yael University. The Consultant will report to the Science Coordinator in UNEP West Asia Office and coordinate closely with the EPI focal point in the Ministry of Environment of Jordan. Duties and Responsibilities: The Consultant will carry-out the following duties & responsibilities: • Analysis and assessment oExamine the status of Jordan in the global EPI, analyze historical trends, prepare an initial assessment of policy and gaps for Jordan within the EPI global framework. • Data Collection, Updating, and Validation o Gather, validate, and update data for all 58 EPI indicators in close collaboration with official national entities. o Assess consistency with Yale University’s methodology and data requirements. • Collaboration with Yale University o Establish and maintain communications with the Yale EPI team. o Provide requested information and clarifications. o Assess how Jordan’s authoritative official data is dealt with by Yale University to establish EPI ranking. • Institutional Coordination o Work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Administration, Greater Amman Municipality, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, and Ministry of Health. o Serve as a focal point to consolidate inputs across ministries and agencies. • Reporting o Prepare monthly progress reports aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision’s Executive Implementation Plan. o Present regular updates to the Ministry of Environment and the EPI committee. • Monitoring & Evaluation o Establish monitoring mechanisms to track progress, identify challenges, and adjust actions. o Provide recommendations to improve Jordan’s EPI ranking over successive reporting cycles. • Implementation Plan o Based on the above tasks, develop a detailed strategy and action plan with clear activities, resources, milestones, and timelines for strengthening Jordan’s EPI performance. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in International Relations, Economics, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required. Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental policy, climate action, or sustainable development is required. In-depth knowledge of global environmental indicators and sustainability metrics, especially those included in the EPI is required. Familiarity with Yale University’s EPI methodology and data requirements is an asset. Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills is required. Proven experience in environmental data analysis and reporting at national or international level is required Ability to coordinate with high-level institutions and maintain effective partnerships is an asset. Demonstrated knowledge of Jordan’s environmental context and national priorities is mandatory. LanguagesFluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken) is mandatory. 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.