Textile Research Associate

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading environmental entity of the UN, tackling global and regional environmental challenges. The Textiles Unit, within the Industry Innovation Branch, drives the UNEP Textile Initiative, fostering collaboration for a sustainable and circular textile value chain. This role supports UNEP's mandate to coordinate environmental policy and inform international action.

Job Purpose

The Textile Research Associate will provide comprehensive support to the UNEP Textile Initiative, focusing on advancing a sustainable and circular textile value chain. This role is crucial for implementing key UNEP projects, including supporting global policy dialogues and private sector convenings on overproduction and overconsumption. The associate will contribute to research, communications, and stakeholder engagement, helping to inform governments and industry on critical environmental issues within the textile sector. The position aims to facilitate sector-wide collaboration and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable practices, aligning with UNEP's broader environmental mandate.

Responsibilities

The Textile Research Associate will support the implementation of private sector convenings on overproduction and overconsumption, including research, meeting coordination, and minute-taking. Responsibilities include supporting Global Textile Policy Dialogues and private sector engagement through meeting organization, agenda setting, and speaker identification. The role involves conducting research to inform UNEP's textile work, curating and distributing the UNEP Textile Initiative's monthly newsletter, and preparing presentations for various forums. Additionally, the associate will provide substantive support and reviews for project documents, onboard and manage interns, and assist with project monitoring and reporting within UNEP's internal systems. Other tasks as required by the textiles unit will also be undertaken.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant experience in sustainability or a related role within the fashion or textile sector is required. Experience in curating newsletters is also necessary. Experience engaging with textile companies on sustainability, research on overproduction and overconsumption in textiles, prior international environmental work, and familiarity with the UN system (preferably UNEP) are considered assets.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication skills, ability to convey technical information simply, experience curating newsletters, experience engaging with textile companies on sustainability, research skills, experience in international environmental work, familiarity with the UN system, strong private sector network in textiles.

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