Youth Officer Consultant – Nature, Youth & Advocacy

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Youth Officer Consultant to join its Nature, Youth and Advocacy team based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a six-month consultancy engagement focused on advancing UNEP's flagship youth and environmental education initiatives, including the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge, Sport for Nature, and Playing for the Planet programmes.

Working within the Education and Youth Unit under UNEP's Ecosystems Division, the consultant will play a pivotal role in scaling up youth engagement across formal and non-formal education channels — from higher education institutions to youth organisations such as Girl Guides, Scouts, and the video gaming sector. This role offers a rare opportunity to drive global environmental impact through innovative youth programming at one of the world's most influential environmental bodies.

• Lead and support the implementation of the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge, leveraging a new two-year funding investment to scale the programme globally.
• Coordinate delivery of work related to Sport for Nature and Playing for the Planet initiatives, ensuring timely execution of project milestones.
• Design and manage youth-focused projects that generate measurable environmental outcomes and secure stakeholder buy-in from diverse partners.
• Engage and convene formal and non-formal education partners, youth organisations, and mass-reach institutions to align on collective programmes of work.
• Produce high-quality reports, proposals, and communications materials that articulate programme impact and support future funding efforts.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with youth organisations, NGOs, educational institutions, and private sector actors involved in environmental education.
• Support programme monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes to ensure continuous improvement across all youth-facing projects.
• Contribute to UNEP's broader education outreach strategy by identifying innovative approaches to engage young people in environmental action.

• Design and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects of a global nature, delivering results on time and within scope.
• Bring together diverse groups of partners and youth organisations to co-create and commit to a shared programme of work.
• Write compelling, high-quality reports, funding proposals, and stakeholder communications tailored to international audiences.
• Apply deep understanding of youth psychology, behaviour, and organisational culture to effectively engage young people and youth-led institutions.
• Think creatively and introduce innovative programme approaches that expand the reach and impact of environmental education.
• Demonstrate a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management within an international or development context.
• Hold an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communications, political science, environmental management, or a related discipline — or a Bachelor's degree with two additional years of qualifying experience.

This is a short-term consultancy contract with UNEP for a duration of six months. Consultancy fees are competitive and commensurate with experience, in line with UN remuneration standards for individual contractors. Exact daily or monthly rates will be communicated during the selection process. The role is based at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, with access to a professional UN working environment.

This role is ideal for a passionate, experienced youth programme professional who combines strong project management credentials with genuine enthusiasm for environmental education and advocacy. You are a natural convener, a clear communicator, and a creative thinker who thrives in international, multicultural settings. You have hands-on experience working with or for youth organisations and understand how to translate global environmental goals into compelling programmes young people want to join.

You should NOT apply if you have no prior experience managing multi-stakeholder projects, if you are seeking a permanent staff position, or if you are unavailable to commit to the full six-month engagement period beginning in 2026.

• Prepare an up-to-date CV highlighting relevant project management and youth programme experience.
• Draft a brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your motivation and specific experience relevant to the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge, Sport for Nature, or similar programmes.
• Submit your application through the official UNEP/UN Inspira careers portal at https://careers.un.org before the closing date of 30 June 2026.
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded — incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment or interviews.