Job Description
Position(s): Multiple Consultation
Organization: UNEP
Deadline: Ongoing
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is currently hiring for 44 consultancy positions, with applications open until May 8, 2025.This is a major opportunity for professionals worldwide to contribute to meaningful environmental work through short-term but impactful roles. Whether you’re an early-career specialist or a seasoned expert, UNEP offers a chance to work at the forefront of global environmental efforts — and make a real difference.
About UNEP: A Global Environmental Leader
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment. Established in 1972, UNEP’s mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. It plays a critical role in setting the global environmental agenda, promoting sustainable development, and coordinating the United Nations’ environmental activities.
UNEP works across seven key thematic areas:
- Climate Action
- Nature and Biodiversity
- Pollution-Free Planet
- Chemicals and Waste
- Environmental Governance
- Resource Efficiency
- Science-Policy Interface
With offices in Nairobi (headquarters), Geneva, Bangkok, and several other hubs, UNEP implements programs and partnerships globally — and increasingly supports remote and consultancy roles to harness international talent.
Why These Consultancy Roles Matter
Unlike traditional full-time UN staff contracts, consultancy positions at UNEP are typically short-term, project-based roles designed to provide expert support, research, coordination, or advisory input for specific programs. Here’s why these roles are especially important:
- Agility: Consultants allow UNEP to respond quickly to emerging issues and scale up technical capacity.
- Expertise-Driven: Roles are filled based on specific skill sets, from environmental law to data analytics, water resources, or circular economy.
- Global Access: Many of these consultancies are home-based or hybrid, making them accessible to professionals around the world.
- Impact-Oriented: Consultants often work directly on policy design, scientific assessments, or international negotiations that shape global environmental governance.
What Roles Are Currently Open?
As of late April 2025, UNEP is advertising 44 consultancy opportunities across a variety of professional areas. These include but are not limited to:
🌍 Environmental Science & Research
- Climate adaptation modeling experts
- Biodiversity researchers
- Environmental impact assessment advisors
📊 Data & Digital Tools
- GIS specialists
- Environmental statisticians
- Data visualization and knowledge management consultants
🧑⚖️ Policy, Law & Governance
- Environmental legal consultants
- Policy analysts for multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)
- Sustainable finance and regulation experts
📣 Communications & Outreach
- Strategic communications consultants
- Social media and campaign specialists
- Content writers and knowledge dissemination experts
🔧 Project Coordination & Support
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists
- Capacity building and training advisors
- Stakeholder engagement coordinators
🧾 Economics & Sustainable Development
- Environmental economists
- Circular economy advisors
- Green recovery analysts
Each posting specifies required qualifications, duties, contract length, and whether the role is remote, office-based, or involves travel.
Who Can Apply?
UNEP’s consultancies are open to all nationalities, and requirements vary based on the seniority and focus of each role. Most consultancies require:
- A university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD depending on role) in a relevant field
- Professional experience ranging from 3 to 15+ years
- Fluency in English (French, Spanish or other UN languages are an advantage)
- Demonstrated expertise in the thematic area
- Strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills
UNEP actively encourages applications from women, people from developing countries, and underrepresented regions in the UN system. It fosters a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward, but attention to detail is key. Here’s how to navigate the process:
✅ Step 1: Visit the UNEP Careers Portal
Visit Official Website
For more opportunities such as this please follow us on LinkedIn Page or LinkedIn Group and Telegram
✅ Step 2: Review the Vacancy Notice
Each listing includes:
- Terms of Reference (TOR)
- Required qualifications
- Work location (many are home-based!)
- Deadline (most are May 8, 2025)
Read the requirements carefully before applying.
✅ Step 3: Register and Apply Online
Create an account on the UN Inspira recruitment platform (if you don’t already have one). Submit your Personal History Profile (PHP), along with your resume and a tailored cover letter.
✅ Step 4: Track Your Application
UN recruitment can be competitive. Be sure to monitor your Inspira account for updates and emails from UNEP.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific role — reference the Terms of Reference directly.
- Highlight your achievements, not just duties — show impact in measurable terms (e.g., “designed a climate vulnerability index used by 3 government agencies”).
- Demonstrate your UN values — integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
- Include publications or samples of work when relevant (especially for writing, research, or legal consultancies).
- Apply early — don’t wait until the May 8 deadline in case of technical issues or changes.
Why Work with UNEP as a Consultant?
✔ Global Reach, Local Flexibility
Many UNEP consultancies are remote, allowing you to work from anywhere while contributing to international projects.
✔ Short-Term, Big Impact
Consultants often work on high-stakes deliverables like technical reports, environmental strategies, or intergovernmental dialogues. Your work can shape policy, funding, or public awareness.
✔ Exposure to the UN System
Even short-term roles open doors within the UN ecosystem. Many consultants go on to secure longer-term contracts, staff positions, or roles with other UN agencies.
✔ Professional Growth
You’ll collaborate with some of the world’s leading experts in climate science, biodiversity, policy, and sustainability — an excellent opportunity for mentorship and learning.
Final Thoughts
As the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the work of UNEP has never been more urgent. These 44 consultancy opportunities represent a chance to bring your skills, vision, and energy to the heart of global environmental solutions.
Whether you’re a technical specialist, creative communicator, legal mind, or data expert — there’s likely a consultancy that matches your experience and passion.
But don’t delay — applications close on May 8, 2025.
