Result of Service

The tasks under this consultancy will ultimately contribute to assisting in achieving the following objectives: • finalize the process of establishment of the independent entity to oversee the implementation of the Standard, in close coordination with PRI as co-convener of the Standard; • ensure close coordination with the co-conveners on other initiatives promoted in relation to mine tailing facilities.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Improving the environmental performance of the extractives industry, including artisanal and small-scale mining, is vital to safeguarding human health and well-being. While working toward greener and more inclusive economic models, UNEP supports positive change in the extractives sector’s governance and business practices. UNEP aims to make the mining sector address climate change, water use, biodiversity, deforestation, energy demand and human health issues while maximizing benefits for people. The work of UNEP in the area of extractives is organized around five core areas: strengthening laws and institutions; informing policy with science; promoting sustainable business practices, innovation and the circular economy; harnessing public and private financing; and supporting better planning. Within the context of UNEP’s work on the extractives, the organization stepped up its efforts on the agenda of mine tailings management in 2016 in response to a request from more than 30 civil society organizations to help improve the safety around tailings facilities following several failures. This led to the development of a Rapid Response Assessment of the problem and a report titled “Mine Tailings Storage: Safety is no accident” launched at the third session of the UN Environment Assembly in 2017. This work was followed by the development of recommendations which were captured in a roadmap for action in 2018. Following the most recent tragedy of the catastrophic failure of a tailings’ storage facility at Vale’s Corrego do Feijão mine in Brumadinho, Brazil, on 25 January 2019 which led to the death of 259 people and devastated huge forest and agricultural areas, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI, supported and represented by the Church of England Pensions Board and the Council on Ethics of the Swedish Public Pension Funds) joined hands in March 2019 to co-convene the process of development of a global industry standard on sustainable management of mine tailing facilities, the Global Tailings Review (GTR). The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), which is the outcome of the Global Tailings Review process, was launched in August 2020 and is an important milestone towards the ambition of zero harm to people and the environment from tailings facilities. With the objective of finalizing the process to establish an independent entity to oversee the implementation of the GISTM, UNEP seeks a consultant to support this work. The tasks will be conducted under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Extractives Value Chains, Consumption and Production Unit of the Resources and Markets Branch and in close coordination with the Head of the Consumption and Production Unit and the Chief of the Resources and Markets Branch. Workplan Aim of the consultancy work The overall objective of this consultancy is to: a) finalize the establishment of the independent entity that will oversee the implementation of the Standard, in close coordination with PRI as co-convener of the Standard; b) promote close coordination with the co-conveners on other initiatives they promote in relation to mine tailing facilities. Indicators for evaluation of outputs • Timely delivery of outputs • Achievement of goals outlined by UNEP • Quality of work

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (or equivalent) in a field related to international law, environmental affairs, environmental policy, environmental or geological sciences or a field related to the work of the global industry standard on tailings management. At least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of environmental management or environmental governance with specific expertise in the mining / extractive sector. Substantial and demonstrated experience in dealing with extractive industries with specific focus on compliance / accountability to sustainable development objectives is required. Former engagement in mining sector related frameworks, certifications and standards would be desirable. Former exposure to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management would also be desirable. Professional experience working with a diverse range of organizations including governments, private sector, academia, NGOs and foundations or charities, including in developing country context is required .

Languages

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

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.