Result of Service

A more strengthened, accurate and enhanced performance in Jordan’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

Work Location

Amman, Jordan

Expected duration

42 days within 6.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) delivers advisory services and capacity building support to countries to achieve environment and sustainable development objectives. As part of implementing national environmental priorities, the Ministry of Environment in Jordan (MoEnv.) strives to improve Jordan’s standing in global environmental indices, most notably the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) issued by Yale University. The EPI, published biennially by Yale University, provides a comprehensive assessment of countries’ environmental health and sustainability. Jordan’s remarkable 23-place leap in the 2026 EPI is not only an environmental achievement but also a strategic enabler of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV). To support this national priority, UNEP ROWA seeks to hire a qualified expert/consultant to review and assess the methodology of the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), analyse Jordan’s performance and ranking across EPI indicators, conduct comparative and gap analyses, develop a coordinated action plan and institutional framework for improving data availability and reporting, and support the Ministry of Environment in strengthening the systematic collection, updating, and communication of environmental data with relevant national entities and global databases.. The Consultant will report to the Science and Policy Regional Coordinator in UNEP West Asia Office and coordinate closely with the EPI focal point in the Ministry of Environment of Jordan. Duties and Responsibilities: The Consultant will carry-out the following duties & responsibilities:

Working methodology and action plan (Deliverable 1) -Review the methodology employed by the entity producing the Global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report (Yale University) for the 2026 edition; identify the sub-indicators included within the three main components; and propose a working methodology (an action plan for the EPI report).
Analytical comparative report on Jordan’s ranking and performance (Deliverable 2) -Conduct an analysis on Jordan’s ranking in the 2026 report compared to previous years. -Compare Jordan’s performance across the indicators with neighboring countries and countries sharing similar circumstances.
Comparative and gap analysis (Deliverables 3 and 4) -Identify gaps related to data, whether related to outdated information or a lack of data covering specific report indicators, to enable the Ministry of Environment to formulate a plan to address them. -Analyze the interlinkages between EPI indicators and other global indices utilized by the Ministry of Environment (such as the Legatum Index, the Future of Growth Index, and the Global Green Growth Index) and identify shared sub-indicators.
Update of the report and communication on the global databases (Deliverables 5 and 6) -Align the report’s three main components (Environmental Health, Ecosystem Vitality, and Climate Change) and their sub-indicators with the data update cycles of the global databases used by Yale University. -Assist in communicating with the administrators of these global databases to ensure the information covering the sub-indicators is kept up to date.
Matrix of local partner entities (Deliverable 7) -Develop a proposed matrix identifying local partner entities (a task force) —such as ministries and institutions— to compile the data required for the report’s sub-indicators within their respective scopes of work.
Quarterly Progress reports (Deliverable 8) -Prepare progress reports. -Present regular updates to the Ministry of Environment and UNEP ROWA.
Final Report (Deliverable 9) -A final comprehensive report including all previous deliverables, summaries of correspondence, exchange, matrix, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in International Relations, Economics, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. PHD degree is also desirable Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental policy, climate action, or sustainable development is required. In-depth knowledge of global environmental indicators and sustainability metrics, especially those included in the EPI is required. Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills is required. Proven experience in environmental data analysis and reporting at national or international level is required. Demonstrated knowledge of Jordan’s environmental context and national priorities is required. Familiarity with Yale University’s EPI methodology and data requirements is an asset. Ability to coordinate with high-level institutions and maintain effective partnerships is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.

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.

International Consultant to support Jordan's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Implementation