JOBS

Tight Deadline: Join UNEP as a home-based Science Writer for the International Resource Panel

Ednah Carrick July 17, 2025

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Closing Date: 1 July 2025 23:59PM (New York time)

Tight Deadline: Join UNEP as a home-based Science Writer for the International Resource Panel

Result of Service

The ultimate result of these services is to strengthen the science-policy interface by ensuring that the report delivers clear, credible, and policy-relevant evidence to inform global, regional, and national strategies that promote inclusive, resource-efficient, and circular economies. The consultant’s contributions will support the IRP’s role in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG targets related to sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. Located within the Industry and Economy Division, the Resources and Markets Branch (RMB) Branch examines how economics, trade, and finance interact with the environment and contribute to sustainable development at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

Within the RMB, the International Resource Panel (IRP), hosted by UNEP, is a global science-policy platform that provides independent, authoritative scientific assessments on the sustainable use of natural resources and their environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The IRP brings together leading global experts in resource management and government representatives to support evidence-based policymaking, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, and global sustainable consumption and production and decoupling. Within its 2022–2025 Work Programme, the IRP is developing a scientific assessment report on the socioeconomic impacts of resource efficiency and circular economy.

This report aims to enhance understanding of how resource-efficient and circular approaches can contribute to social and economic outcomes, including equity, wellbeing, employment, and just transitions, particularly in the context of sustainable development. In this context, to support the timely and high-quality delivery of this report, the IRP is recruiting a science writer consultant.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Programme Management Officer, Secretariat of the International Resource Panel, and in close consultation with the IRP Lead Author and Working Group, the Science Writer will help finalize the report in line with IRP policies and procedures.

This includes: Revising the first draft based on comments received at the 33rd Meeting of the IRP and peer review comments; developing a second draft for consideration and approval at the 34th IRP Meeting; finalizing the second draft based on comments received at the 34th Meeting of the IRP; revising the first draft of the summary for policymakers based on feedback from IRP members; developing a second draft of the Summary for Policymakers; and finalizing the summary for policymakers based on IRP member feedback; and finally, developing ‘fact-sheets’ as communications tools for the report.

The consultant will ensure scientific clarity, policy relevance, and accessibility of the report’s content for diverse stakeholders. This work will contribute directly to the IRP’s mandate of strengthening the science-policy interface and supporting sustainable resource governance at global, regional, and national levels.

Qualifications/special skills

Post Graduate Degree (Masters level or above) in international law, international affairs, international development, environmental governance, economics, social science or related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in developing science-based research outputs or policy-relevant documents, including on sustainable development, resource efficiency, circular economy, environmental economics, or related areas is required.
Demonstrated experience in translating complex scientific information into accessible, policy-relevant language, particularly for global and intergovernmental policy audiences is required.
Proven track record of authoring or contributing to high-profile scientific or policy reports, publications, or assessments with multilateral bodies, international organizations, or national governments is required.
Experience working with or for intergovernmental organizations, UN bodies, national governments, or international scientific panels is required.
Familiarity with the work of the International Resource Panel (IRP) and its role within the global science-policy interface on natural resource use is desirable.
Strong understanding of science-policy dynamics, including the development of summaries for policymakers, key messages, and knowledge products tailored to a range of stakeholders (e.g., governments, civil society, private sector) is desirable.