Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of this assignment is the timely and effective delivery of an assessment report with a focus on the inputs of marine litter coming from aquaculture and fisheries in the Mediterranean, towards addressing and advancing the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture sector in the region and minimizing marine litter generation. Work Locationhome-based Expected duration2.5 months over 8 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional levels. 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. United Nation’s Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This consultancy assignment is for the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) - Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MED POL), Athens, Greece. The Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean (RPML) was adopted in 2013 by COP17 of the Barcelona Convention, entered into force in July 2014, and was significantly updated in 2021 and adopted by COP 22, to include a number of additional elements and provisions related to circular economy, land- and sea-based sources of marine litter, marine litter removal technologies, chemical additives, microplastic reduction, reduction of marine litter in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and those coming from fisheries/aquaculture sector. In addition, the Regional Plan on Aquaculture Management in the Framework of Article 15 of the Land Based Sources and Activities Protocol (Decision IG.26/7) was adopted in 2023 by COP 23 (Portoroz, Slovenia, 5-8 December 2023) UNEP/MAP and its MED POL Programme are executing the EU-funded Marine Litter MED PLUS Project (2024-2027) (hereunder referred to as ML MED PLUS) having an important contribution to the implementation of UNEP/MAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2022-2027 (Decision IG.25/1), as well as the Programme of Work and Budget (PoW) for 2024-2025 (Decision IG.26/14). The ML MED PLUS Project includes a strong component linked with enhancing interregional cooperation, including with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and aims to further advance knowledge with regards to marine litter generating from aquaculture and fisheries, towards supporting the preliminary phase of implementation of the new Regional Plan on Aquaculture Management. The latter assessment will incorporate elements, including from the methodology developed for hotspot identification delivered during the first phase of the project, which was further used and upgraded for the needs of preparation of the 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report (MED QSR). The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNEP/MAP MED POL Programme Management Officer, in close collaboration with the QSR Programme Management Officer, and under the overall guidance of the deputy Coordinator. The Consultant will perform the following tasks: 1. Prepare a detailed work plan for performance of the tasks accompanied with a timetable for completion of each task over a total period of the present assignment including a synopsis of work to be undertaken for each task and means for achieving the prescribed outputs of this consultancy. 2. Prepare a layout structure/table of contents of the report, consult with MEDPOL and agree upon it based on which the assessment report will be prepared. 3. A comprehensive assessment of current practices used in aquaculture and fisheries, including and identifying sources and types of marine litter in the Mediterranean is prepared, including the following information: a) An analysis of the distribution and types of aquaculture and fisheries in the Mediterranean, including offshore and nearshore farms, trawlers, purse seiners, and small-scale fisheries, as well as the regions where these activities are most prevalent, supported by maps based on the SOMFI 2022 and 2023 and other relevant sources. b) A comprehensive overview on the main types of equipment used in aquaculture and fisheries in the Mediterranean, often contributing to ML and plastic waste generation (types, quantities, size classification etc.), along with details on their lifespan, management, and disposal practices , etc., based on GFCM’s Catalogue of Fishing Gear in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. c) Contribution of aquaculture and fisheries in marine litter generation in Mediterranean (types, quantities, sizes, etc.). d) Propose and develop a number of management tools, measures and best practices aimed at effectively managing waste coming from aquaculture and fisheries promoting a sustainable approach to marine and coastal resources management, in line with the Regional Plan on Aquaculture Management in the Framework of Article 15 of the Land Based Sources and Activities Protocol (Decision IG.26/7) and the Resolution GFCM/46/2023/8 on the reduction of plastic use and best management of waste in aquaculture. 4. Attend up to 2 technical/institutional/coordination meetings organized by UNEP/MAP MED POL and/or GFCM to present the relevant work as described under the present ToR. 5. Prepare a final report of deliverables for the consultancy with details on the methodology for performance of tasks and activities to achieve the deliverables under this assignment. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, marine sciences, or other closely related disciplines is required. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work and experience in environmental consulting, marine conservation, with a focus on aquaculture and/or fisheries sectors is required. A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible work and experience in the management of fisheries/aquaculture-generated waste, including marine litter, is desirable. Good knowledge of regional (Mediterranean) and international policy, regulations and tools related to the ML, fisheries and aquaculture management is required. Experience in developing reports, thematic/assessment reports, with a particular focus on aquaculture and fisheries is desirable. LanguagesNot available. 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.