MTS International Consultant for NOWPAP MTS 2026-2029/30 Update

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads the global environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development within the UN system. The Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) is a UNEP Regional Seas Programme adopted by four member states to manage the marine and coastal environment for long-term benefits and sustainability.

Job Purpose

This role is to update and finalize the NOWPAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2026-2029/30. The purpose is to enhance strategic coherence and evaluability of NOWPAP's delivery by developing a strategy that incorporates lessons learned, stakeholder input, and aligns with Regional Seas and global policy frameworks. The consultant will lead the inception phase, conduct desk reviews and stakeholder consultations, analyze strategic alignment and gaps, and refine the MTS structure and content. The final output will be a validated MTS package, including an executive summary and presentation, ensuring the strategy effectively guides NOWPAP's future work and contributes to global marine and coastal sustainability goals.

Responsibilities

The consultant will lead the update and finalization of the NOWPAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2026-2029/30. Key responsibilities include: conducting an inception phase to define scope and methodology; performing a desk review of relevant documentation; engaging stakeholders through consultations to gather perspectives; analyzing strategic alignment and identifying gaps with global and regional frameworks; developing and refining the MTS structure, content, objectives, and expected outcomes; clarifying institutional roles; and supporting the validation and finalization process with stakeholders, delivering a comprehensive MTS package and presentation.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme/project management, coordination, and monitoring/evaluation is required. Demonstrated international/regional consulting experience in marine sciences or ocean governance is essential. Experience evaluating international environmental projects, particularly within UNEP-coordinated Regional Seas Programmes, is advantageous.

Skills

• International/regional consulting experience • Marine sciences and/or ocean governance expertise • Reviewing and evaluating international environmental projects • English writing and communication skills • Ability to assess complex situations and distill critical issues • Ability to assess policy, governance frameworks, and institutional capacity • Understanding of transboundary water issues in the Northwest Pacific region

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