Introduction and Terms of Reference

As established in the UN General Assembly resolution 2997( XXVII), enhancing collaboration and coordination in the UN system in the field of environment is a core element in UNEP's mandate and undeniably essential, both in terms of the implementation of its programme of work and in furthering the wider sustainable development objectives of the UN system. At the present time, the need for co-coordinated and effective linkages between UNEP and sister UN agencies is particularly strong. As the Global Ministerial Environment Forum and Environment Management Group (EMG) begin to develop roles, with UNEP in a central role, and preparations intensify for World Summit on Sustainable Development, it is crucial that inter agency transparency and cooperation are increased.

UNEP has established its Inter-agency Liaison Office in Geneva in May 2000 to capitalize on the number of other UN agencies with a strong presence there, and on the richness of ad-hoc international, intergovernmental, and UN meetings.

Terms of Reference:

Responding to the UN Secretary General reform program, the UN agencies are already committed to further develop joint programs and activities through which common objectives are realized effectively and duplications are avoided. In this context UNEP Liaison Office assists UNEP divisions in developing joint programmes with the Geneva-based agencies. Such programmes link the environment to such areas as environmental health, refugees, human rights, labour rights and working conditions, economics and trade, energy, and such projects as the UN Global Compact for Business.

The aim, therefore, is to ensure continuing and effective UNEP collaboration with its sister agencies in Geneva, providing the core UNEP divisions with information, analysis on collaborative opportunities, and assistance with implementation of joint programmes. The liaison office in consultation with the focal points, clarifies the areas of ongoing cooperation, monitors and assesses the effectiveness of the ongoing cooperation and initiates new areas of cooperation.

The office terms of reference basically is defined as follows:

1- Undertaking regular liaison functions

   Major activities include:

• Monitoring and providing substantive reporting on and policy analysis of the developments in meetings of the governing bodies of the Europe based Agencies, funds and programs of relevance to UNEP,
• Providing assistance in the substantive coverage of the inter-governmental meetings and events in Geneva from the inter-agency perspective,
• Providing UNEP program managers with relevant information on programmatic activities of the Geneva and other Europe - based UN agencies, funds and programs,
• Facilitating an enhanced flow and exchange of timely information between UNEP divisions/units and the Geneva and other Europe - based Agencies, Funds and programs.
  
  2-Assisting UNEP divisions in their collaborative activities with the Geneva based UN Agencies

  Major activates include:

• Representing the focal points to the meetings of the bodies of the agencies
• Providing support to the further development of the partnership
• Providing substantive policy and project proposals to implement MOUs and other strategic bilateral collaborative agreements at the request of UNEP divisions.

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