Result of Service

The incumbent will provide support to the GFC Secretariat in executing its additional needed functions during the transitional period from SAICM to GFC. The functions of the secretariat are listed in Section X.C of the Framework. These services will contribute to the achievement of reporting tasks and the early implementation of the GFC workplan.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

10 months part-time

Duties and Responsibilities

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 overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm (GFC) is an inclusive, voluntary global policy framework on the sound management of chemicals and waste and is hosted by UNEP, Chemicals and Health Branch in Geneva. UNEP is invited to provide continuity of effective secretariat services and administrative support for the implementation of the Framework and of the ICCM5 resolutions. The aim of the Framework is to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health, including that of vulnerable groups and workers. It is cross-sectoral and action-oriented, with strong governance and measurability structures that facilitate transparency and ownership of roles and responsibilities to assess progress and promote international standards. The Global Framework on Chemicals consists of five strategic objectives developed around legal and institutional frameworks; knowledge and data; issues of concern; safer and sustainable solutions; and enhanced implementation, and includes 28 targets to be reached, where indicated, by either 2030 or 2035. The Framework introduces the possibility to establish implementation programmes which will support greater uptake and involvement from key industry sectors. The Framework confirms an integrated approach to financing: mainstreaming, private sector financing, and dedicated external financing and establishes the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund. Notes to Consultants and Individual Contractors: As per UN policy, Consultants and Individual Contractors may not apply for or be appointed to any position in the Professional or above categories and for positions at the FS-6 and FS-7 levels in the Field Service category within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. This restriction does not apply to associate experts (Junior Professional Officers) appointed under the Staff Rules. ST/AI/2013/4 – 5.8 In order to limit the repeated use of the same consultant, either to perform different tasks within the workplan or a series of tasks within the same project, no consultant shall provide services for more than 24 months in a 36-month period, whether continuous or not, and irrespective of the cumulative months of actual work. Specific tasks and responsibilities • Provide OEWG workplan for discussion at the GFC Secretariat retreat on 24 September 2024; • Draft meeting documents, strategized prior to meeting and attend the in-person and online Bureau meetings, when requested, and well in advance to the relevant Bureau meetings; • Collate provision of inputs to the OEWG workplan and its necessary revised/reviewed tasks, updates and follow up; • Support to drafting of the meeting documents for the OEWG meeting by February 2025; • Follow up documentation and actions of the Bureau, through its meetings; • Oversight of documents and webpages prior their posting on the GFC website; • Draft president notes and any other GFC Secretariat’s internal meeting documents for the OEWG meeting in June 2025; • Participate and support the GFC Secretariat during the OEWG meeting in June 2025; • Follow up documentation and actions of the OEWG by 15 July 2025, and • Perform other duties related to the early implementation of the GFC Secretariat and the follow up to ICCM5 Resolutions, as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, or International Relations with a corresponding demonstrated professional experience is required. Knowledge of the broad range of programmes, activities, information resources, and events relating to international chemicals management as reflected in the scope of the Framework is required. Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in report writing with proven records of report writing for the UN. 12 years of experience with drafting and editing pre-session documentation for regional workshops, and international meetings, as well as finalizing meeting reports, ideally for SAICM and the Global Framework on Chemical Processes.

Languages

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.