Event Design and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Switzerland
Recruiter: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an environmental organization working to protect and restore natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable practices. Through research, advocacy, and on-the-ground programs, it addresses pressing environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, working to secure a healthy planet for present and future generations.
Job Summary
This consultancy provides an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mission in safety management. Working in Switzerland, you will apply your professional skills to address complex challenges in safety management and support the organization’s programmatic objectives. This role offers the flexibility of consultancy work while contributing to meaningful international development outcomes with global impact.
Full Job Description
Result of Service
The consultant will assist the Chemicals and Health Branch in executing the Supply Chains Integrated Programme by: – Delivering a fully aligned event programme that integrates UNEP priority themes and clearly communicates the objectives of the Integrated Programme. – Curating a balanced crosssector group of speakers and stakeholders to enable meaningful dialogue between governments, industry, innovators, NGOs, and finance actors. – Producing a highlevel event structure and runofshow that enables UNEP to execute a credible, engaging event and associated fashion show during the Global Forum.
Work Location
Home-based / Working remotely.
Expected duration
124 working days over 8 months.
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (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. The overall objective of the UNEPs Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The Branch gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Branch executes projects and covers topics related to chemicals in products, lead in paint, persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides, mercury among others. The Branch also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as antimicrobial resistance, and assists in implementing mandates received through the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) on green and sustainable chemistry, issues of concern, high impact sectors and the Sustainable Development Goals, among others. UNEP is leading the GEF-8 Integrated Programme (IP) titled Eliminating hazardous chemicals from supply chains. This is a full-size project (FSP) for which the Chemicals and Health Branch is executing the Global Coordination Project, Global Replication to Eliminate Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains, (GEF ID 11177). Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemicals Science and Policy Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the tasks and responsibilities of the consultant will be as follows:
- Programme design and narrative development o Provide strategic guidance on how the event can position the Integrated Programme within the broader sustainability and circularity landscape. o Develop a high-level event programme that integrates the IPs priority themes and communicates the objectives of the Integrated Programme. o Shape the event narrative, ensuring coherence across sessions, speakers, and thematic elements. o Integrate crosscutting themes (gender, youth, Indigenous Peoples, regional balance) into the programme narrative. o Recommend session formats that enable meaningful cross-sector dialogue. o Prepare session briefs (objectives, guiding questions, expected outcomes).
- Stakeholder and speaker curation o Identify, assess, and shortlist speakers and participants from governments, industry, innovators, NGOs, finance actors, and Indigenous/local community representatives. o Ensure balanced representation across regions, sectors, and perspectives. o Document key outcomes from stakeholder consultations to inform programme refinement. o Map stakeholder influence and relevance to ensure strategic balance and provide rationale for selections and highlight gaps or risks in representation. o Draft speaker briefing notes (session purpose, key messages, expectations) and Identify opportunities for high-impact engagement with senior-level actors and thought leaders. o Support speaker engagement, such as preparing background notes for invitations.
- Event structure and coordination o Produce a high-level run-of-show with timing, transitions, and responsibilities. o Ensure the event structure supports strategic messaging, narrative flow, and high-level engagement. o Draft a sessionbysession flow including coordination notes for internal teams and partners o Outline operational considerations to support integration of the fashion show. o Coordinate with UNEP teams and partners to refine programme elements and ensure alignment with logistical constraints.
- Provide support in stakeholder consultations and meetings as required.
- Support other tasks as required. Qualifications/special skills Education: Advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in business management, environmental or sustainability studies, events management, or relevant social sciences (including law, psychology, or communications). A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in sustainability, circularity and circular economy, or related area is required. Demonstrated experience with event programme design and strategic content development. Demonstrated capacity to synthesize complex sustainability themes into clear narratives and engage diverse audiences, including senior-level stakeholders. Experience working on topics related to chemicals and waste management and to sectors such as fashion and construction is a strong asset. Experience working in/with the GEF or with UN agencies is an advantage. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner. Ability to translate programme objectives into coherent event structures, runofshow plans, and stakeholder strategies. Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage timelines, deliverables, and iterative review processes across multiple partners and internal teams. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. 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.
Key Details
- Job Title: Event Design and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
- Grade: CON
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Department: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Contract Type: Consultancy
- Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually
Qualifications
- Not specified in the official posting
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. It is encouraged that applications be updated in the case where new skills or experience are obtained from the time of the initial application so that programme managers will have the most up-to-date information to aid them in their recruiting.