Textile Research Associate

Organizational Context

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN's environmental authority, coordinating global and regional policy. Its Industry and Economy Division promotes sustainable practices. The Textiles Unit, within this division, leads the UNEP Textile Initiative, fostering collaboration for a sustainable and circular textile value chain, supporting governments and industry with evidence-based decision-making.

Job Purpose

The Textile Research Associate will support the UNEP Textiles Unit by conducting and informing research on relevant topics. This role is crucial for advancing the UNEP Textile Initiative's goals, which include accelerating a just transition towards a sustainable and circular textile value chain. The associate will contribute to informing governments, assisting SMEs in adopting circular business models, promoting industry standards, and addressing issues like overproduction and overconsumption. The position supports evidence-based decision-making through thought leadership reports and contributes to the unit's overall mandate of environmental policy coordination and action.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of private sector convenings on overproduction and overconsumption, including research, meeting organization, and minute-taking. Assist with the Global Textile Policy Dialogues and private sector engagement, managing meetings, agendas, presentations, and speaker invitations. Conduct research to inform UNEP's textile-related work. Coordinate the curation and distribution of the UNEP Textile Initiative monthly newsletter. Deliver presentations on assigned topics in various forums, including webinars and conferences. Provide substantive support, technical input, and reviews for documents, reports, and project proposals. Onboard, train, and manage interns for the UNEP Textile Initiative. Support project monitoring and reporting, including internal UNEP systems. Assist with other tasks as required by the textiles unit.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of experience in sustainability or a related role within the fashion/textile sector is required. Experience in engaging with textile companies on sustainability is desirable. Prior experience in international environments, particularly with developing country actors, is an asset.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication skills; ability to convey technical information simply. Experience curating newsletters. Experience engaging with textile companies on sustainability. Research experience on overproduction and overconsumption in textiles. Experience in international environments. Experience with the UN, preferably UNEP. Strong private sector network in the textile sector.

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