Consumer Information Specialist
Result of Service
Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the consultant will support the implementation of activities related to how product sustainability information can support sustainable consumption and production through consumer information tools, with a particular focus on ecolabels and digital product information systems.
Work Location
Remote
Expected duration
13 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environment 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. UNEP’s Economy and Industry Division addresses environmental issues at global and regional levels, provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The Industry and Economy Division also works with many partners, including Member States, national and local governments, business and industry and non-governmental organizations, to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of conventions and international agreements. The 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP), adopted by Heads of State at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012, is a global framework for action to accelerate the shift towards Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) worldwide. As reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 10YFP plays a central role in achieving the shift to SCP: its implementation is the first target of Sustainable Development Goal 12 on "Ensuring sustainable consumption and production". The 10YFP is also recognized as the Framework of reference for decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation in SDG8. The 10YFP generates impact through multi-stakeholder programmes and partnerships, which develop, replicate, and scale up SCP policies and practices at all levels and which form together the One Planet Network. UNEP was mandated by the UN General Assembly to serve as the Secretariat of the 10YFP. UNEP, serving as 10YFP Secretariat, supports the implementation of the Global Strategy for SCP (2023-2030) with a strategic focus on the key enablers for change that can help steer and shape markets, practices and behaviors, both from the supply and demand side, towards sustainable models, empowering governments, stakeholders and individuals to trigger long-term, sustainable and fair economic and social transformations across high-impact sectors and value chains. This includes partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and circularity information sharing and disclosure, as well as at empowering consumers to make informed decisions based on transparent and reliable information, working in close cooperation with UNEP’s core partners through the One Planet Network Consumer Information Programme and other key initiatives. The Consumer Information Programme serves as a global platform to support the provision of quality information on goods and services, and the identification and implementation of the most effective strategies to engage consumers in sustainable consumption. The Programme is co-led by Germany through the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, and Consumers International. The consultant will work with the 10YFP Secretariat, Materials and Systems Innovation Unit, Industry Innovation Branch, Industry and Economy Division. Specific tasks and responsibilities The consultant will have the following responsibilities: • In collaboration with UNEP's high-impact sector teams, starting with the textile sector, support the development of a common approach to defining product sustainability information (a common minimum data set), building on UNEP's existing work on ecolabels and voluntary sustainability standards. • Coordinate with relevant UNEP teams to promote consistency and alignment of sustainability criteria across initiatives. • Provide recommendations on how product sustainability information can be integrated into existing and emerging tools and systems, including Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS), Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) and ecolabels. • Conduct research and analysis on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to consumer information and sustainability information systems, particularly in high-impact sectors. • Draft and contribute to reports, technical papers, publications, briefs, guidance materials, and other technical outputs. • Support stakeholder consultations and engagement with standards organizations, industry representatives, researchers, policymakers, and other relevant partners. • Identify opportunities for UNEP to strengthen its thought leadership and contribute to international discussions on product sustainability information. • Prepare presentations, consultation materials, and other communication products to support UNEP's work on consumer information. • Participate in weekly team meetings and other meetings as required.
Qualifications/special skills
Education - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, environmental management, international relations or related field. - A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with at least 2 (two) years of qualifying and relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - At least 4 years of progressively responsible working experience in development/sustainability related projects. - At least 1 year of working experience in Ecolabels. - At least 1 year of working experience at the international level is required. - Proven record of drafting or editing articles, reports or publications is required. - Knowledge of the textile sector would be an asset. - Knowledge of digital product passports would be an asset. - Experience working for UNEP, the UN system, or an international organization would be an asset.
Languages
Language - Fluency in oral and written English is required. - Knowledge of other official languages in the United Nations System is an advantage.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.