Solheim, who quit last year, suggests Inger Andersen from the International Union for Conservation of Nature is in pole position to take over at UNEP
The UN Environment Programme looks to have chosen a new Executive Director to replace Erik Solheim, who resigned from the global green body late last year in controversial circumstances.
Solheim himself announced on social media this morning that Inger Andersen, currently director-general at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been chosen to take over as Executive Director of UNEP.
My warmest congatulations to Inger Andersen as new Executive Director of UN Environment!👍
— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) February 15, 2019
Inger brings both a lot of passion for Mother Earth and deep understanding of science and political processes. I am very much looking forward to working with her and supporting her! pic.twitter.com/Rkw1t2gKxk
However, neither UNEP, the UN nor IUCN have confirmed the announcement, nor announced when a permanent successor to Solheim is likely to take over. All have been contacted for comment.
"At present, we do not have any announcement to make about the next head of UNEP," a spokesman for UN Secretary General, António Guterres, told BusinessGreen. "We'll provide the name of the successor once the decision has been made."
Nominations for Solheim's successor at UNEP closed at the end of December.
But Iyad Abumoghli, principal policy advisor at UNEP, also appeared to suggest Andersen was in pole-position for the appointment on social media this morning, describing her as a "great leader".
You do not need to search for great leaders, they just shine. Congratulations my dear Inger @andersen_inger director of @IUCN for being nominated to lead @UNEnvironment. It will be an utmost honor to work with you again.#Faith4Earth
— Iyad Abumoghli (@iyadabumoghli) February 15, 2019
Andersen previously held various sustainability leadership roles at the UN and World Bank before taking over at the helm of IUCN - a network of around 1,300 government and civil society environmental membership organisations - in January 2015.
She has more than 30 years of experience in international development economics, environmental sustainability and policymaking, covering issues such as water management, deforestation, drought, desertification, and "hydro diplomacy", according to her biography on the IUCN website.
Andersen also has a degree from London Metropolitan University and an MA from London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), both on international development economics.
The news follows Solheim's resignation as UNEP Executive Director in November after around two years in the role. The Norwegian diplomat and former politician resigned following criticism over his apparent globe-trotting.
A draft internal UN audit leaked to the Guardian in September found Solheim had spent almost $500,000 (£390,000) on air travel and hotels in just 22 months, and was away 80 per cent of the time. The audit said the level of travel represented a "reputation risk" for an organisation dedicated to fighting climate change.