Senior Consultant - Low carbon and climate resilient buildings and construction

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Senior Consultant to support its Buildings and Cooling Unit. This role focuses on implementing UNEP's portfolio for low-carbon and climate-resilient buildings, particularly in Africa and South/South-East Asia. The consultant will provide technical, coordination, and project implementation support for country-level initiatives.

Job Purpose

This role aims to accelerate the transition towards low-emission, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient buildings and sustainable cooling solutions. The Senior Consultant will contribute to UNEP's expanding activities in these areas, focusing on project development, coordination, implementation, and stakeholder engagement across Africa and South/South-East Asia. The position is crucial for supporting country-level projects that advance low-carbon and climate-resilient buildings, promote circular and sustainable construction materials, enhance thermal comfort, and accelerate sustainable cooling solutions. The consultant will play a key part in designing and implementing projects and partnerships, ensuring effective coordination with implementing partners and advancing UNEP's strategic goals in the buildings and construction sector.

Responsibilities

The Senior Consultant will provide comprehensive project coordination and administrative support, including managing day-to-day activities, organizing meetings and workshops, preparing documentation, and coordinating with governments and partners. Responsibilities also include project implementation support, such as monitoring activities, tracking deliverables, and quality control of outputs. The role involves conducting research on sustainable buildings, construction materials, and climate resilience, and supporting the development of technical briefs and knowledge products. Additionally, the consultant will assist in communications and outreach, documenting project successes and supporting stakeholder engagement efforts. This includes facilitating communication with national and local governments, partners, and experts, and supporting engagement with relevant networks. The role also encompasses monitoring and reporting, including preparing progress reports and tracking project indicators, as well as supporting event and knowledge management activities like capacity-building sessions and maintaining resources.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required in project management and technical assistance at national or city levels, focusing on sustainable building and construction policies. Experience in Africa and South Asia, understanding the building materials value chain, and multistakeholder consultations are essential. Familiarity with the building and construction sectors, climate change, and energy efficiency policies is also required.

Skills

Excellent communication and writing skills. Strong knowledge of the building and construction sector and sustainability issues. Research and analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Collaborative work approach. Project management and technical assistance experience. Understanding of sustainable buildings, construction materials, climate resilience, and cooling solutions.

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