Result of ServiceThe primary objective of the assignment is to coordinate follow-up activities under the Southeast European Sub-Regional Platform to Beat Pollution (SEEPP) initiative. Work LocationVienna Expected duration12 months part-time (13 days per month) 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. UNEP’s 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 – Vienna Programme Office is the entity responsible for activities in the Southeastern Europe (SEE), through a strong local presence and a capillary network of partners is implementing an increasing number of projects and activities in the Western Balkan region (WB). UNEP – Vienna Programme Office is managing the execution and development of a number of Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded projects in the Western Balkans and works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. UNEP - Vienna Programme Office is also in charge of representation of UNEP in UNCT and UNDAFs/UNSDCFs development, as well as preparing political analysis on the SEE Region for UNEP HQ and other offices. The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (former Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition) through UNEP is funding and co-funding several initiatives to support Southeast Europe and specifically countries from the Western Balkans to address the increasing levels of environmental pollution. The aim is to provide guidance to national governments at various levels, by actively engaging in and facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the civil society, the private sector and governmental authorities, on environmental issues. The main aim of the Southeast European Sub-Regional Platform to Beat Pollution (SEEPP) is to provide guidance to national governments at various levels, by actively engaging in and facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the civil society, the private sector and governmental authorities, on environmental issues, through several projects and initiatives. The platform's activities in recent years have garnered significant interest from additional donors and funding sources, leading to an expansion of its initiatives. This growth has also highlighted the need to strengthen engagement with donors, other UN agencies, and stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. Consequently, the scope and complexity of the platform's work have increased both qualitatively and quantitatively. The consultant will coordinate the SEEPP work closely with various stakeholders to maintain a thorough understanding of UNEP’s portfolio dynamics and to successfully implement it. The consultant is also expected to participate to the meetings with the UNEP’s team and the main beneficiaries’ institutions at country and regional level, monitor trends, other similar projects, government and donor initiatives at national, regional and international level. To support the development of the SEEPP, the expert will perform the following activities and services under the supervision of the Head of UNEP - Vienna Programme Office: 1. Management, Coordination, and Implementation The expert will lead the management and implementation of initiatives related to the South Eastern Europe Pollution Platform (SEEPP), including: • “Strengthening the capacity in the management of contaminated sites in the Western Balkans to reduce pollution into the environment.” • “Accelerating policy action for mitigating the health impacts of air pollution emissions from high-impact sectors in the Western Balkans.” • “Enhancing enforcement capacities and public awareness to improve the management of contaminated sites resulting from non-compliant and illegal landfills in the Western Balkans.” Key tasks include: • Establishing and maintaining regular communication with relevant stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society. • Identifying challenges and recommending corrective actions to address them. • Conducting research, including collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical data and other relevant information. • Providing substantive and logistical contributions to meetings, conferences, and consultations, including agenda preparation, participant identification, and development of background materials and presentations. • Supporting field missions by providing technical, administrative, and logistical support, including data collection and analysis. • Coordinating budgetary and funding-related activities, such as project preparation, financial reporting, and drafting progress reports. • Preparing concept notes for inclusion in the SEEPP projects hub. 2. Advisory Services The expert will provide strategic advisory support to UNEP initiatives, with a focus on compliance with international and EU environmental standards. Responsibilities include: • Developing and contributing to environmental policies and strategies aligned with global and EU standards. • Supporting the design and implementation of projects related to UNEP's key pillars, including biodiversity and climate change. • Participating in capacity-building programs under UNEP’s regional initiatives. • Managing cooperative relationships between UNEP and national/international partners, including ministries, OSCE, UNDP, WHO, and others. • Representing the UNEP Vienna Programme Office in meetings and forums, advocating UNEP’s positions, and preparing/presenting outreach materials. • Facilitating the organization of workshops and maintaining effective communication with international organizations, national stakeholders, academia, and civil society organizations. 3. Technical Support • The expert will deliver technical expertise and policy analysis in areas relevant to pollution prevention and environmental governance. Key tasks include: • Monitoring developments in climate and environmental law/policy at the EU and international levels. • Providing technical and policy services on request in areas relevant to the assignment. • Contributing to written outputs, including drafting legal documents, analytical reports, background papers, studies, and inputs to publications. • Undertaking outreach activities, such as organizing and participating in training workshops, seminars, and presentations on assigned topics. • Building and maintaining networks with international and national organizations focused on climate and environmental policy, particularly on pollution prevention and control mechanisms. Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in law, international relations or political sciences is required. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in international affairs, multilateral environmental cooperation, and the EU accession process related to environment and climate change. A minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience in environmental policy development and implementation is required. Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting, is essential. Proven experience in managing and implementing EU-funded programs is required. Demonstrated experience in engaging with institutional donors, coordinating and facilitating communication with international partners, and managing operational activities involving relevant stakeholders is essential. Prior experience working with international organizations is essential. Familiarity with the Western Balkan region and previous work experience in these countries is highly desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English 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.