Result of Service

1. Successful organization of 4 stakeholder meetings on the UN Framework on Just Transitions for Critical Energy Transition Minerals. 2. Support provided for the preparation of phase 2 of the UN SG initiative ‘Harnessing Critical Energy Transition Minerals for Sustainable Development’. 3. Assistance to the project management as needed (background research; preparation fo presentations; assistance in outreach)

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP/New York Office is a bridge builder, specialized in establishing and maintaining critical links with the UN Secretariat, UN organizations and entities headquartered in New York, Permanent Missions to the UN, civil society organizations, academic institutions and others. The New York Office (NYO) provides strategic policy guidance in the context of the UN’s work on sustainable development. The NY Office is also responsible for coordinating UNEP’s input to the Secretary General’s Working Group on Transforming the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development. The Secretary General’s Working Group on Transforming the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development, co-chaired by UNEP, UNDP, and the Regional Economic Commissions, was created in 2021 to coordinate UN’s work on extractive industries. In 2023, the Working Group launched an initiative entitled ‘Harnessing Critical Energy Transition Minerals for Sustainable Development in Least Developed and Land-Locked Developing Countries – Just Transitions in Low Carbon Technologies’. The main objectives of this initiative are two-fold: (a) support and accelerate a just energy transition through minerals; and (b) identify and support the implementation of measures that can enable structural economic transformation in these countries; promote sustainable development, maximizing benefits for local communities along the supply chain, while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts. This guidance will be in line with the priorities outlined by the UN Secretary General to Transform the Extractives Sector for Sustainable Development. In the initial phase of the initiative, the Working Group will develop a knowledge hub, a toolkit, and a UN Framework on Just Transitions for Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The Framework will be developed by the Working Group, under the coordination of UNEP, and with inputs from UN agencies and other partners. The UN Framework will include three elements: a. Global Common Voluntary principles on critical energy transition minerals to be developed by a Panel announced by the UN Secretary-General at COP28. b. Policies that could be implemented to develop a responsible and sustainable energy transition minerals sector in developing countries with these minerals. These policy recommendations would help strengthen production capacities; trade competitiveness; environmental and social stewardship; and regulation. c. Just Minerals partnerships, communities of practice and networks on critical minerals that could enable the development of durable institutional capacities in mineral-rich developing countries. To develop the Policies, a set of papers are currently being prepared under the leadership of UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UN Regional Economic Commissions, the World Bank and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development. Key questions emerging from these papers will be raised in a series of meetings to be organized with different stakeholders (experts, countries, non-state actors) between April and September 2024. Based on the papers and feedback received, a draft UN Framework will be finalized by December 2024. In the initiative’s second phase, the UN Framework will be customized and tested in a set of LDCs/LLDCs. This phase will involve developing tools, enhancing capacity, addressing legal aspects, and building skills, along with exploring options for leveraging funds. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer of the Interagency and Intergovernmental Affairs of UNEP/New York Office. Specific tasks and responsibilities include: 1. Participate in timely preparation of the UN Framework on Just Transitions for Critical Energy Transition Minerals as needed. 2. Contribute in the preparation of the second phase of the initiative, including in resource mobilization efforts. 3. Produce background documents, briefings, presentations, summaries and meeting documents. 4. Organize logistics for successful stakeholder meetings

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, geology, industrial or environmental engineering, ecological economics or a related field is required. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience working at the international level in areas related to mineral resources and sustainable development is required. Relevant experience in conducting research, writing, and working in coordination with governments, UN agencies and private sector actors on mineral-related initiatives is highly desired.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language 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.