Environmental Management Expert

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), based in Panama City, supports 33 countries, integrating activities with the Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work. This role focuses on strengthening engagement in the Southern Cone and advancing regional initiatives.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to provide technical, operational, and coordination support to UNEP's work in Latin America and the Caribbean. The role will focus on enhancing UNEP's engagement in the Southern Cone sub-region and driving the implementation of regional waste management, circular economy, and sustainable food systems initiatives. The consultant will collaborate with UN Country Teams, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to facilitate program delivery, contribute to policy development, strengthen engagement, and advance projects promoting environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, waste reduction, methane mitigation, and food systems transformation across the region.

Responsibilities

Contribute to UNEP's agenda in the Southern Cone by identifying environmental project opportunities and providing technical advice to the Sub-regional office and relevant officers. Support the Head of the Southern Cone Office in advancing UNEP's mandate and aligning activities with the Medium-Term Strategy and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Provide advice to design policies, strengthen institutional frameworks, and build capacity through new environmental projects. Lead technical guidance for the Regional Cooperation Programme on methane emissions reduction and dumpsite closure in LAC. Guide capacity building and awareness campaigns, and support the LAC University Consortium on Sustainable Waste Management. Contribute to the UNEP Zero Waste programme rollout, focusing on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and project proposal development, including resource mobilization. Provide technical guidance for the 'Powering the Dominican Republic’s Food Systems Transformation' project and facilitate UNEP's participation in the LAC Foodsystems Task Force.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of professional experience in environmental science, natural resources management, waste management, and capacity building. Experience with waste management projects and capacity-building initiatives is desired. Prior working experience in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and familiarity with regional/national stakeholders are preferred. Knowledge of the UN System is an advantage.

Skills

Professionalism, including strong analytical and problem-solving skills, efficiency, and persistence. Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, with the ability to draft reports and publications. Teamwork capabilities, working collaboratively in multicultural environments. Proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software packages. Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

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