Functional Review Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) supports three multilateral environmental agreements. This consultancy supports the BRS Secretariat's 2026-2027 Programme of Work, specifically focusing on staffing and ensuring its structure, functions, and resource allocation align with core mandates and strategic priorities.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive functional review of the BRS Secretariat to ensure its organizational structure, functions, staffing, systems, and resource allocation are fit for purpose, financially sustainable, and aligned with its core mandates and strategic priorities. The review will identify practical and implementable measures to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability, while safeguarding the Secretariat's capacity to effectively deliver COP mandates and serve all three conventions equitably. The consultant will examine the Secretariat’s structure, functions, staffing, systems, and financial resources in an integrated manner, providing a diagnostic report and actionable recommendations for improvement, including an implementation roadmap.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a functional review of the BRS Secretariat, assessing its organizational structure, distribution of functions, reporting lines, job descriptions, and post levels. This includes a comprehensive staffing analysis covering post numbers, types, grades, funding sources, and alignment with functional needs, with particular attention to voluntary funds and programme support costs. The review will analyze the alignment between functions and the approved programme of work, identifying opportunities for streamlining, consolidation, or automation. Key business processes, including programme implementation, governance, administrative support, IT services, knowledge management, and conference servicing, will be assessed for efficiency improvements, including digital solutions. The consultant will also examine the implications of new UN and UNEP administrative arrangements and ensure financial sustainability is a central consideration. Deliverables include a diagnostic report with findings and recommendations, and an implementation roadmap.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic management within an international organization, including 5 years at a senior level, is required. Experience coordinating programmatic, legal, political, and/or administrative functions is essential. Desirable experience includes working with UNEP Multilateral Environment Agreements, leading change management initiatives, familiarity with UN Secretariat administrative/financial/HR regulations, conducting functional reviews, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Strategic management, organizational assessment, functional review, staffing analysis, business process analysis, financial sustainability assessment, change management, coordination, leadership, report writing, consultation, knowledge of UN/UNEP administrative and financial regulations.

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