National expert on low carbon buildings - Ghana

Under this assignment the consultant will perform the following tasks: • Facilitate engagement and coordination with relevant national authorities, including ministries, regulatory bodies, industry associations, academic institutions and civil society organizations involved in the buildings and construction sector in Ghana. • Provide technical support to the implementation of project activities in Ghana, including research, analysis and documentation related to sustainable construction materials and circular economy approaches in the built environment. • Contribute to the development of a compendium of locally available low-carbon construction materials, including data collection, technical analysis and stakeholder consultations. • Review and provide technical inputs on documents, reports and outputs produced under the project, including research reports, training materials, technical guidance documents and communication products. • Provide technical advice and recommendations to UNEP and partners on the integration of sustainable construction materials into national policy frameworks, standards and building regulations. • Support the development and review of a low-carbon design prototype for green and affordable housing, working in coordination with technical partners and the UNOPS country office. • Conduct research on emerging trends, innovations and best practices related to the decarbonization of building materials supply chains in Ghana and the wider West African region. • Support the planning and implementation of capacity-building activities, stakeholder workshops and technical trainings. • Contribute to project communications and outreach activities, including preparation of summaries, presentations and background materials. • Prepare and submit monthly activity reports summarizing tasks completed, outputs delivered and key recommendations. • Perform other related tasks as requested by UNEP within the scope of the assignment.

Ghana (Remote)

Initial 6 months with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognizes the need to address global environmental concerns in an increasingly urbanizing world. It is in this context that UNEP supports and promotes sustainability in buildings and construction, emphasizing sustainable buildings’ local and global benefits and the role of the built environment in delivering against the Paris Agreement, New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UNEP has been granted funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) to implement the project titled "Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials". This project is operating in four countries including Ghana and aims to support governments and construction value chain stakeholders in promoting circularity in buildings through the creation of an enabling framework for the responsible acquisition of building materials and the development of a sustainable construction materials market. In Ghana, the project will support national efforts to promote sustainable construction practices through policy support, technical guidance, pilot projects and capacity building for stakeholders in the building and construction sector. To support the effective implementation of the project at the national level, UNEP requires a Senior National Consultant with expertise in sustainable and low-carbon buildings and construction policies. The consultant will provide technical, analytical and coordination support to advance project activities in Ghana, including engagement with government counterparts, research and analysis on sustainable construction materials, and support to pilot and capacity-building initiatives. The consultant will work under the Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, specifically within the Sectoral Transition Unit, and will collaborate with UNEP teams, national authorities and implementing partners

The consultant should have Postgraduate/Graduate qualifications in disciplines related to Climate change and Sustainable development, civil engineering, passive buildings design, energy efficiency, thermal comfort performance, building materials, environment planning etc. A minimum of ten years professional experience in the industry in relevant field of work, preferably with at least 8 years of multi-functional experience with a focus on drafting green building policies, buildings energy efficiency, passive design energy, cities, embodied carbon, building LCA, and good understanding of related Government policies and processes. Familiar with NDC formulation processes. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another language would be an advantage

Not available.

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.