Senior Technical Consultant

Result of ServiceThe successful implementation and coordination of a capacity development project on water quality monitoring and management in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR), jointly implemented by the Cartagena Convention Secretariat and UNEP’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit. Work LocationHome-Based Expected duration6.5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of global consensus on environmental issues by keeping the environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat is seeking a consultant, ideally based in Jamaica, to support the implementation of a capacity development project on water quality monitoring and management in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR), jointly implemented by the Cartagena Convention Secretariat and UNEP’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit. The project seeks to: (a) Build capacity at the national and regional level to scale up sustainable water quality monitoring and management programmes and pollution reduction and prevention programmes, (b) Support countries implement national actions and strengthen their reporting capacity for relevant global and regional frameworks and mechanisms, including the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol) to the Cartagena Convention, and (c) Promote knowledge sharing on water quality management and monitoring. Scope of Assignment The proposed activity under this assignment include: 1. Support the implementation of project activities and provide substantive and administrative support for the day-to-day management of the overall project and communication with implementing partners. 2. Organize periodical meetings with implementing partners and other project stakeholders and assist in coordinating national focal points, government agencies, regional institutions, and other actors. 3. Support the management and coordination of activities conducted by regional implementing partners. 4. Organize and facilitate capacity development workshops, training sessions and knowledge exchange activities, and guide the development of training materials. 5. Provide technical input to knowledge materials, online courses and communication materials to be developed as part of the overall capacity development project. 6. Identify implementation challenges and risks and propose mitigation strategies. 7. Update the overall project workplan and timeline where needed. 8. Support the documentation of best practices, case studies and lessons learned from the project. 9. Provide input to internal and external reporting, including donor reporting, and track progress of project activities. 10. Assist in the selection process of scalable projects to be implemented within the framework of the overall capacity development project on water quality through the review and assessment of project concept notes and detailed proposals. 11. Support the implementation of scalable projects by assisting the preparation of agreements with respective implementing partners (including work plans and budget), supporting the management of the implementing partners and relevant activities and facilitating periodical progress and financial reporting. 12. Review and provide technical input to the deliverables from pilot projects. The consultant responsible for this assignment will report directly to the AMEP Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat on a weekly basis regarding the status of deliverables as outlined in the Terms of Reference, and will also work in close coordination project team in UNEP’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit. Payment will be remitted subject to the approval of deliverables by UNEP. Qualifications/special skillsA university degree (master’s or equivalent) in applied natural sciences or engineering (e.g. Environmental science, water engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, water and wastewater management, environmental management) or a similar field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least 5 years of work experience in water quality monitoring and management, marine pollution reduction and prevention, natural resource planning and management, environmental health, water and sanitation or any closely related field is required. Demonstrated experience in project development and management and stakeholder coordination is required. Proven experience working with projects in the water sector is required. Demonstrated experience in capacity development on water quality monitoring and management in the Wider Caribbean Region is required. Experience working with projects relevant to regional environmental frameworks (including conventions and protocols) and action plans is desirable. Experience working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, or UN agencies in the Wider Caribbean Region is desirable. Good project coordination skill is desirable. Good organizational and interpersonal skills are desirable. Good understanding of region-specific challenges on water quality monitoring and management is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. 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.