Quick Start Programme and SAICM Consultant

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.  The overall objective of the UN Environment’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.

This position is located in the UN Environment/Economy Division/Chemicals and Health Branch in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Secretariat for the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is administered by the UN Environment and co-located with the Chemicals and Health Branch in Geneva. The Secretariat is implementing Resolution IV/5 of the fourth session of the International Conference of Chemicals Management, including the intersessional process to prepare recommendations regarding the Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020.

The incumbent will be principally working in two different units:

Quick Start Programme:

Over the lifetime of the QSP, countries have received assistance for projects from the QSP Trust Fund. Under the overall supervision of the Principal Coordinator, the incumbent will assist with the administration of the SAICM QSP Programme and will be responsible for the day to day management of the Trust Fund. This will primarily include reviewing documents of ongoing projects, preparing documents for the Executive Board meeting and following up with partners for closure of projects, which have completed their activities.

SAICM Secretariat

The incumbent will also support the SAICM Secretariat in its main functions. The functions of the secretariat are listed in paragraph 28 of the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy, as well as in ICCM resolution I/4.

• Facilitate meetings and intersessional work of the International Conference on Chemicals Management, as well as regional meetings, with maximum multi-stakeholder participation, and to disseminate the reports and recommendations of the Conference;
• Report to the Conference on SAICM implementation by all participants;
• Support the team in the establishment and maintenance of a network of SAICM stakeholders at the national, regional and, in the case of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, international levels;
• Facilitate the development and dissemination of guidance materials to support SAICM implementation stakeholders;
• Support in providing guidance to stakeholders in the initiation of project proposals;
• Assist the team in providing information clearing house services such as provision of advice to countries on SAICM implementation, referral of requests for information to relevant sources, and facilitation of access to information and expertise in support of specific national actions;
• Ensure that recommendations from the Conference are conveyed to relevant global and regional organizations and institutions;
• Assist in the exchange of relevant scientific and technical information; and
• Support the Unit in establishing and maintaining a working relationship with participating organizations of IOMC in order to draw upon their sectoral expertise.

The incumbent will work for 6 months full-time, and be responsible for the following deliverables:

Quick Start Programme: 30%

a)      Coordinate the organization of meetings of the SAICM QSP Executive Board, including drafting and providing input to meeting documents and coordinating logistical arrangements.

b)      In cooperation with the Administrative Officer of the Chemicals and Health Branch prepare project closure documents and coordinate the timely delivery of remaining payments or the reception of unspent funds by the partner.

c)      Provide inputs for preparing documents/presentations for major meetings.

d)      Support to finalize the closing of all the ongoing QSP projects by requesting, receiving and reviewing the final project reports (including final narrative, financial, monitoring and evaluation and deliverables) and consolidating information for the consideration of the QSP Governing Bodies.

SAICM Secretariat: 70%

Assist with the planning, organization and servicing of the Open-Ended Working Group 3.

a)      Assist the team to follow up on the implementation of the Host Country Agreement and Conference Center relations.

b)      Follow up in registration system and relation with Conference Services (UNON)

c)      Preparation of documents and organisation of the web page related to OEWG3

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• below listed tasks successfully delivered, including satisfactory acceptance by Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Economy Division
• Deadlines successfully met

a)                  The QSP Executive Board meeting is held and all documents are uploaded on the website two months in advance of the meeting. 15 days

b)                  All remaining payments to project partners are made on time. All unspent funds are returned to the QSP Trust Fund. 15 days

c)                  Input to the documents concerning SAICM regional meetings and the open ended working group is provided as and when requested. 10 days

d)                  All project documents of ongoing/completed projects are received and reviewed in order to close the agreements on time i.e. date of expiry of the agreement. 40 days.

e)                  Documents and reports are well written, according to UN standards and on time.

f)                   The SAICM website is updated with timely and relevant information

g)                  Well organized and professionally conducted meetings

h)                  Overall meeting cost kept within budget

i)                   Timely prepared arrangements in accordance with the Host Country Agreement and host governments/local

a. Education

Required: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in environmental sciences, environmental management, economics or a related field.

A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b. Work Experience

A minimum of two years with a master's degree or four years with bachelor's degree of progressively responsible experience in project/programme. management, administration or related area. Experience in the field of environmental science or environmental management is an asset.

c. Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Contract type:  Individual Contractor Agreement

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.


This position is based in Switzerland and the fee is subject to taxes levied by the Swiss authorities.