Environmental Governance at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

• The incumbent will support the South African G20 Presidency on the priorities of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), provide technical support for the development and implementation of the workplan of the ECSWG in alignment with the priorities of the African Union and multilateral environmental processes, and substantive support for ECSWG meetings, including preparatory meetings with partners, stakeholders and other WGs to support the Presidency in accelerating the objectives of the ECSWG. The consultant will report to the Senior Programme Manager, in RoA coordinating UNEP’s G20 engagement.
• Provide technical support, through review, research and analysis, on South Africa’s priorities in the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group
• Support the benchmarking of G20 policies to identify best practices that shape South Africa’s contributions in the ECSWG
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for enhanced policy coherence within ECSWG workstreams and advancing South Africa’s objectives within the G20, in alignment with national, AU, and global environmental priorities.
• Support coordination across government departments, international organisations, and key stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective representation of South Africa’s interests in ECSWG discussions.
• Support coordination with other Working Groups for recognition and integration of environmental aspects across different G20 tracks.
• Develop technical briefing materials, analytical notes, position papers, and strategic communication products to support ECSWG meetings and ministerial events.
• Support strengthening of institutional knowledge on G20 and ensuring continuity in G20-related work from the previous presidencies
• Support collaboration with international and domestic stakeholders to align initiatives, foster partnerships, and strengthen South Africa’s leadership role in the ECSWG.
• Support overall planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting for the effective delivery of ECSWG priorities by tracking progress, preparing regular updates, and ensuring deliverables align with South Africa’s G20 Presidency objectives.

Qualifications/special skills

• First university degree in a field related to environment science, conservation, natural resource management, economics or related field.
• At least 7 years experience at the national level in sustainable development and implementation of environmental related programmes, projects and activities is required.
• Experience in the development sector of South Africa is required.
• The incumbent should possess a good understanding of the political landscape and environmental issues in the region.
• Analytical/drafting/writing skills, communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as part of a team.
• A first University Degree in a field related to the environment science, conservation, natural resource management, project management, economics or related field is required.