MEA Orientation and Negotiations Consultant

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recruiting a consultant for its West Asia Office, under the Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The consultant reports to the Project Manager of the Saudi Environment Sustainability Programme (SESP) and works on technical, reporting and programme-development outputs that close the SESP Third Workplan and support the Fourth Workplan. The expected duration is 13 months.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiators' Training Programme (Phase II): develop concept notes, agendas and programme design for a negotiation-skills course and thematic workshops on MEWA's priority multilateral environmental agreements; coordinate training materials and resources; oversee logistics, venue coordination and on-site facilitation; write post-workshop reports.
• Environmental Orientation Programme: lead concept and programme design, coordinate with experts and partners, oversee logistics and facilitation, and prepare post-training reports for MEWA and National Environmental Centres.
• Project reporting and communications: prepare SESP workplans, periodic progress reports, and executive presentations and briefing notes for high-level engagements with MEWA and the Project Steering Committee.
• Cross-cutting duties: coordinate data collection across teams and partners, and provide technical and analytical support to the Project Manager.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Environmental Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in project coordination, reporting, research or technical support for environmental or sustainable development projects.
• Proven experience preparing technical reports, policy briefs and project proposals for international organizations or governments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-stakeholder engagements and organizing training programmes and workshops.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Familiarity with the Saudi environmental landscape and initiatives such as Vision 2030 and NES is desirable; experience with UN agencies is an asset.