Result of ServiceUnder the direct supervision of UNEP Europe Office’s Regional Sub-programme Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution Action, and in coordination with the Head of Industry and Economy Division’s Pollution and Health Unit, the International Consultant will oversee and provide technical inputs to the implementation of ongoing and planned project activities under UNEP’s air quality project portfolio in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, with the following expected results: 1. UNEP’s air quality-related contributions to UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Offices in the EECCA region are coordinated, and analytical inputs are provided to ensure integration of air quality issues into the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and associated processes and tools (Common Country Analyses, joint work plans and reporting) in selected EECCA countries. 2. UNEP’s engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on air quality in Kyrgyzstan is supported, and UNEP’s coordinating role on air quality in Uzbekistan is strengthened through collaboration with the UN Country Team. 3. The planned city-level air quality assessment in the city of Namangan (Uzbekistan) is designed and implemented together with national and international partners, and it is led through the UNEP publication process. 4. Project closure, evaluation and reporting activities of the UNEP/UN-Habitat UNDA14T project on air quality and nature-based solutions are implemented, ensuring accountability and timely delivery of project reports. 5. UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the ongoing UNDA15T project on sustainable urban mobility (with UN-Habitat and UN ESCAP) are delivered, ensuring effective implementation and reporting in coordination with project partners. 6. UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the ongoing UNDA16T project on enhanced clean air policies (with UNECE) are delivered, and UNEP’s planned contributions are implemented and reported on schedule, including a sub-regional webinar on communicating air quality information to non-expert audiences in Eastern Europe and Caucasus. 7. UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the ongoing UNDA16T project on agricultural and municipal waste management for better air quality are delivered, with a focus on technical support to project coordination and reporting activities. 8. UNEP’s air quality project portfolio activities in Uzbekistan are implemented and reported on schedule. 9. At least two awareness-raising events with national partners in the EECCA countries for the 2026 celebration of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September) are organized, and national partners in the EECCA region are supported in year-round awareness raising on air quality. 10. At least three project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in the EECCA region, each addressing different aspects of air quality (e.g. data, policy, monitoring, integration with urban wellbeing and health, nature-based solutions, energy and other), are developed; and inputs to UNEP’s internal resource mobilization strategies on air pollution in EECCA region are provided; 11. Project documentation for UNEP concept notes promoting clean air action in the EECCA region that have been approved for funding by donors is prepared. 12. At least two national or regional air quality policy dialogues in the EECCA region, engaging key government partners, international and expert organizations, and civil society stakeholders are organized. 13. Timely technical and analytical support provided to UNEP Europe Office and to UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia in line with UNEP’s mandate and the objectives of the above-mentioned projects. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. At its first and third sessions, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted resolutions UNEP/EA.1/RES.7 and UNEP/EA.3/RES.8, encouraging governments at all levels to take cross-sectoral action to reduce all forms of air pollution. These resolutions also mandated UNEP to support countries by providing technical assistance in air quality monitoring and assessment, developing air pollution action plans, and creating platforms for cooperation and knowledge exchange. This work builds on existing regional cooperation fora and strengthens partnerships with initiatives such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). At its sixth session, UNEA adopted resolution 6/10 on regional cooperation on air quality, which further emphasized the need to strengthen subregional and regional collaboration in addressing air pollution challenges. This resolution reinforces UNEP’s role in catalyzing cross-border initiatives and regional platforms to share knowledge, promote harmonized approaches, and support countries in collective action to improve air quality. Under UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2026–2029, air quality action is anchored within the Chemicals and Pollution Action sub-programme. This sub-programme aims to reduce pollution of air, water and soil, while enhancing environmental quality and human health. Outcomes for 2026–2029 include measurable reductions in pollutant releases, greater uptake of policies and action plans targeting pollution prevention and control, and stronger intersectoral strategies addressing the environment–health nexus. The strategy emphasizes coordinated delivery across thematic, foundational and enabling sub-programmes, including science-policy, governance, finance and digital transformation, to ensure mutually reinforcing progress towards a pollution-free planet. The “UNEP-wide Project on Improving Air Quality” continues to mobilize UNEP’s in-house expertise and the capacities of its partners to reduce emissions from major sectors, strengthen monitoring and management systems, and build stakeholder capacities. This initiative contributes directly to UNEP’s 2026–2029 outcomes on pollution reduction, sustainable mobility, clean energy, and improved health resilience. The UNEP Europe Office plays a critical role in translating these global commitments into regional action. In the pan-European region, and particularly in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA), UNEP works with UN Country Teams and national partners to deliver the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes supporting governments in implementing UNEA resolutions 1/7, 3/8 and 6/10 on air pollution, and in advancing the outcomes of the “Improving Air Quality” project. The goal is for governments to have the policies, frameworks and measures needed to reduce emissions from human activities, thereby improving both air quality and human health at national and local levels. UNEP’s air quality portfolio in EECCA includes: supporting the development of assessments on air quality status and trends for decision-makers; promoting functional and reliable urban air quality monitoring networks; providing tools and methodologies to guide clean air strategies and action plans; strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships to address air pollution collectively; enhancing communication and awareness-raising to inspire action and promote good practices. To ensure delivery of these activities, the UNEP Europe Office requires the support of an International Consultant. The consultant will provide oversight and technical inputs for the implementation of ongoing and planned initiatives at regional and national level, with a focus on EECCA countries, support country requests for assistance on air quality matters, and contribute to UNEP’s resource mobilization efforts in relation to UNEP Europe Office’s air quality portfolio in the broader region. The International Consultant will work based at home and at UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, under the guidance and oversight of both UNEP Europe Office and UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia, in coordination with the Head of UNEP Industry and Economy Division’s Pollution and Health Unit. Specific tasks and responsibilities: Activity 1. Contributions to UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Offices in EECCA countries, including analytical inputs for integration of air quality into UNSDCFs The International Consultant will support UNEP’s engagement in UNCT Results Groups on Environment and UN Resident Coordinator Offices across EECCA countries by providing analytical inputs for the integration of air quality issues into UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and its associated processes including Common Country Analyses and joint work plans. The consultant will prepare regular progress reports documenting UNEP’s contributions, analytical deliverables, and outcomes achieved in selected EECCA countries. Activity 2. UNEP’s engagement in the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) Subgroup on air quality in Kyrgyzstan, and on UNEP’s strengthened coordinating role on air quality in Uzbekistan through collaboration with the UN Country Team. The International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP’s active participation in the DPCC Subgroup on air quality in Kyrgyzstan and strengthen UNEP’s role in air quality coordination in Uzbekistan through engagement with the UN Country Team. This will include liaising with subgroup members, preparing inputs for joint discussions, and documenting UNEP’s contributions. The consultant will deliver regular reports summarizing progress, outcomes, and lessons learned. Activity 3. Project design, oversight and delivery of an end-of-project report on the city-level air quality assessment in Namangan, Uzbekistan, developed together with national and international partners and finalized through the UNEP publication process. The International Consultant will support UNEP in designing, overseeing and finalizing the city-level air quality assessment for Namangan, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. This includes ensuring adherence to UNEP quality standards, liaising with technical experts, and coordinating the publication process. The consultant will provide UNEP with an end-of-project report capturing results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future replication. Activity 4. Project oversight and delivery of end-of-project evaluation and reports on the UNEP/UN-Habitat UNDA14T project on air quality and nature-based solutions, including documentation of lessons learned, ensuring accountability and timely donor reporting. The International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP in overseeing the closure and evaluation of the UNEP/UN-Habitat UNDA14T project, ensuring accountability and timely reporting to donors. This includes documenting lessons learned, coordinating inputs from project partners, and ensuring compliance with UNEP reporting standards. The consultant will assist in preparation of the end-of-project report and the final evaluation report. Activity 5. Delivery of UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the UNDA15T project on sustainable urban mobility (with UN-Habitat and UN ESCAP), demonstrating effective implementation in coordination with project partners The International Consultant will support the delivery of UNEP’s 2026 workplan under the UNDA15T project on sustainable urban mobility, implemented with UN-Habitat and UN ESCAP. The consultant will coordinate with project partners, monitor progress, and ensure that activities are completed effectively and on time. The consultant will prepare quarterly progress reports documenting state and results of UNEP’s contributions. Activity 6. Delivery of UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the UNDA16T project on enhanced clean air policies (with UNECE), including documentation of UNEP’s contributions, implementation of planned activities, and successful organization of a sub-regional webinar on communicating air quality information to non-expert audiences in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus The International Consultant will support UNEP’s 2026 workplan under the UNDA16T project on enhanced clean air policies in cooperation with UNECE. This will include coordinating planned activities, documenting UNEP’s contributions, and organizing a sub-regional webinar on communicating air quality information to non-expert audiences in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. The consultant will deliver annual progress reports and provide inputs to donor reporting. Activity 7. Delivery of UNEP’s 2026 workplan activities under the ongoing UNDA16T project on agricultural and municipal waste management for better air quality, with a focus on technical support to project coordination and reporting activities. The International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP in coordinating and reviewing inputs from in-country teams for the purpose of delivering the 2nd annual progress report on UNEP’s UNDA16T project on agricultural and municipal waste management. The consultant will compile and organize documentation on project progress and implementation for timely delivery of the 2nd annual progress report. Activity 8. Delivery of UNEP’s air quality project portfolio activities in Uzbekistan. The International Consultant will provide technical support to UNEP in managing and delivering its air quality project portfolio in Uzbekistan. This includes coordinating with national partners, monitoring activity implementation, and ensuring synergies across related UNEP initiatives. The consultant will provide UNEP with progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening the portfolio. Activity 9. Delivery of at least two events organized with national partners in EECCA countries for the 2026 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September), along with reporting on UNEP’s year-round support to partners in air quality awareness raising. The International Consultant will support UNEP and its partners in planning, organizing and delivering at least two events marking the 2026 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (to be held on 7 September) in EECCA countries. This includes preparing agendas and programmes, coordinating with partners, and documenting outcomes. The consultant will provide UNEP with finalized event materials and post-event reports capturing participation and results. Activity 10. Three (3) complete project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in EECCA countries, each addressing different aspects of air quality (e.g. data, policy, monitoring, integration with urban wellbeing and health, nature-based solutions, energy and other) and inputs to UNEP’s internal resource mobilization strategies in EECCA region, supported by documented consultations with partners. The International Consultant will develop three complete project concept notes for future UNEP work on air pollution in EECCA countries, each addressing different aspects of air quality such as data, policy, monitoring, urban wellbeing, health, nature-based solutions, energy and other. The consultant will conduct consultations with partners to inform the notes, ensuring alignment with UNEP priorities. The consultant will provide UNEP with finalized concept notes for internal and donor use. The consultant will also provide inputs to UNEP’s internal resource mobilization strategies on air quality. Activity 11. Project documentation for UNEP concept notes on clean air action in EECCA countries that have been approved for donor funding, including drafting, technical inputs and quality assurance. The International Consultant will support UNEP in preparing detailed project documentation for concept notes on clean air action in EECCA countries that have received donor approval. This includes drafting technical inputs, ensuring quality assurance, and coordinating with partners for required information. The consultant will provide UNEP with finalized project documents meeting donor and UNEP standards. Activity 12. Delivery of at least two national or regional air quality policy dialogues in the EECCA region, engaging key government partners, international and expert organizations, and civil society stakeholders. The International Consultant will support UNEP in the planning, organization and delivery of at least two national or regional policy dialogues on air quality in the EECCA region. This includes coordinating with government partners, international organizations, and civil society stakeholders, preparing agendas and background materials, and documenting outcomes. The consultant will provide UNEP with finalized programmes and reports capturing the results of each dialogue. Activity 13. Delivery of technical and analytical support to UNEP Europe Office and to UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia in line with UNEP’s mandate and the objectives of the above-mentioned projects. The International Consultant will provide UNEP Europe Office and UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia with technical and analytical support in line with UNEP’s mandate and the objectives of the above-mentioned projects. The International Consultant will report to and will be evaluated by UNEP Europe Office’s Regional Sub-Programme Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action and the Head of UNEP Industry and Economy Division’s Pollution and Health Unit, in coordination with the Head of UNEP’s Sub-regional Office for Central Asia. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in sustainable development, environmental sustainability, air quality policy, environmental policy, environmental sciences, environmental management, sustainable urban development, or a closely related 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 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in international development cooperation, environmental policy or management, with direct experience in the EECCA region is required. Demonstrated experience in managing projects on air quality, including assessments, policy development and partnership building is required. Experience in overseeing and coordinating project implementation at regional and national levels, including organizing international and national meetings, workshops and conferences with diverse stakeholders is required. Experience in developing project proposals and resource mobilization documents for international partners, including concept notes, funding applications and technical reports is required. Experience working in international organizations such as the UN at country and regional level in the EECCA region is desirable. Experience in working with UN Country Teams (UNCTs), UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) and in providing environmental-related inputs to UNCT processes is desirable. Excellent analytical and reporting skills are required. Excellent writing and communication skills are essential. LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English and Russian 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.