Technical Consultant – Ecosystem Protection, Pollution and Climate Resilience

The ultimate result of the service is contributing to the successful implementation of the project titled ‘’Resilient and Circular Wastewater Solutions for Post-disaster Recovery in Mozambique’’, with the delivery of the outputs defined below.

Mozambique

8.5 Months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s Source-to-sea Pollution Unit is seeking a consultant to support the implementation of a project focusing on wastewater pollution reduction, enhancement of freshwater and coastal ecosystems protection as well as promotion of climate resilience for post-disaster recovery in Mozambique. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), the project will be implemented in close collaboration with other key national and international stakeholders. Background UNEP 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. 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP’s Source-to-Sea Pollution Unit plays a crucial role in identifying and acting on the challenge of land-based pollution. The Unit focuses on issues including but not limited to wastewater and nutrient management, plastic pollution and marine litter, and physical alteration and destruction of habitat and its activities serve to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically SDG 6 and 14. It also contributes to UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026-2029. The work of the Unit also contributes to the implementation of numerous United Nations Environment Assembly’s (UNEA) resolutions. Located in a region prone to extreme weather conditions, Mozambique has been frequently affected by a series of natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and inundations. In December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido severely impacted several provinces of the country, causing partial or total destruction of infrastructure, including significant loss of life and damage to sensitive coastal ecosystems, infrastructure, and agriculture. Damaged infrastructure includes schools, access roads, and sanitation facilities, which were flooded and became dysfunctional, increasing the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases in already vulnerable communities. As the country continues to recover from the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the disaster, it is essential to support the development and implementation of sustainable, circular, and climate-resilient solutions for wastewater management. In this regard, the project seeks to: (a) Support the identification of solutions for pollution reduction and ecosystems protection through sustainable wastewater management and paving the way for their wider application through a jointly developed solutions pathway. The pathway will prioritize low-cost, climate-resilient decentralized wastewater approaches for pollution reduction, while integrating circular opportunities such as safe wastewater reuse and the recovery of energy and nutrients to support post-disaster recovery. (b) Strengthen national capacities to access financing opportunities through the development of fundable project proposals based on identified country-specific needs. (c) Promote knowledge sharing on resilient circular wastewater management solutions to enhance ecosystems protection and climate resilience. The consultant responsible for this assignment will work under the strategic guidance provided by MAAP and will be supervised by the Source-to-sea Pollution Unit within UNEP’s Ecosystems Division on a weekly basis regarding the status of deliverables as outlined in the Terms of Reference, and will also work in close coordination with the relevant national counterparts. Duties and Responsibilities The Technical Consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities: - Conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment of existing wastewater management system, including legislative and policy review as well as institutional, technical, and financial capacity analysis. - Perform stakeholder mapping and develop a stakeholder engagement plan to support inclusive and participatory consultations. - Assess capacity gaps and environmental, social, and economic risks related to wastewater pollution impacts on freshwater and coastal ecosystems in post-disaster contexts. - Prepare and submit a consolidated baseline assessment report with key findings and recommendations. - Design, organize, and facilitate at least two multi-stakeholder consultation workshops, including delivery of a short training on climate-resilient decentralized wastewater systems and circular solutions to reduce wastewater pollution and enhance ecosystems protection. - Draft and finalize an actionable wastewater solutions pathway document focusing on resilient decentralized systems, safe reuse, nutrient and energy recovery, and institutional strengthening. - Conduct a donor mapping and analysis identifying funding opportunities aligned with national priorities and resilient wastewater investments. - Develop and deliver capacity development training for government stakeholders on preparing fundable project proposals. - Prepare at least one draft fundable project proposal and finalize at least one submission-ready proposal based on the agreed solutions pathway. - Support and ensure continuous coordination with UNEP and MAAP, integrate gender and climate resilience considerations across outputs, and incorporate feedback into all final deliverables.

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental, Civil, Water Engineering, Environmental Management, or in a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree At least 5 years of experience in wastewater management and pollution prevention and reduction, including decentralized wastewater management systems is require Excellent writing and communication skills and an in-depth understanding of pollution and wastewater management issues and experience in project development and management and stakeholder coordination are required. Demonstrated experience in circular wastewater management systems, including energy and nutrient recovery as well as safe wastewater reuse is desirable. Good understanding of country and region-specific challenges on wastewater management is desirable. Experience in capacity development on wastewater management and protection of freshwater and coastal ecosystems in Africa is desirable Experience in supporting green recovery in a post-disaster context is desirable and experience working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, or UN agencies is an asset

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English and Portuguese is required

Not available.