Consultant for UNEP Textile Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 8,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is mandated as a central resource for the UN, implementing around 1,000 projects at any given time, contributing significantly to results on the ground, especially in challenging environments. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is part of this initiative, serves as the leading global environmental authority, setting the global environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. UNEP's mission includes advocating for the environment and encouraging decision-makers to adopt sustainable practices across industries, particularly in the textile sector.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on providing technical inputs from a textile supply chain and industry perspective to the UNEP Textile Initiative. The role involves supporting UNEP’s country projects that apply life cycle approaches, eco-innovation, and strategies to eliminate hazardous chemicals, particularly targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The consultant will engage with various stakeholders in the textile supply chain, including raw material manufacturers and industry associations, to promote sustainable practices. The position requires designing and conducting training sessions on life cycle assessment (LCA), guiding partners in developing circular business models, and supporting sustainable product design initiatives. The consultant will also be responsible for identifying innovative solutions to address environmental challenges in the textile industry and facilitating partnerships to enhance project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering technical inputs and advisory services for the UNEP Textile Initiative projects. Key responsibilities include leading the development and delivery of training workshops on eco-innovation and life cycle assessment methodologies, supporting partners in conducting life cycle modeling and eco-innovation assessments, and reviewing project deliverables to ensure realistic solutions are identified. The consultant will assess information related to innovations in reducing textile pollution, generate surveys and data collection tools, and analyze data to provide insights for decision-making. Additionally, the consultant will engage with the textile private sector in developing countries to foster partnerships, support resource mobilization through project proposals, and provide substantive backstopping for consultations and meetings related to textile industry engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in textiles or fabric engineering, chemical engineering, fashion design or technology, chemistry, material sciences, environmental science or engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in the private sector implementing sustainability solutions in the textile sector is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting life cycle assessments and providing technical advisory services to textile producers, particularly SMEs in developing countries. Experience in rolling out sustainability training in the textile industry is also essential. Strong organizational skills and the ability to provide concise, actionable feedback on technical reports are required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as textiles, chemical engineering, fashion design, chemistry, material sciences, or environmental science is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the textile supply chain and the environmental challenges associated with it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working with the private sector to implement sustainability solutions in the textile industry. This includes experience in sustainable product design, green chemistry, and conducting life cycle assessments. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical advisory services to textile producers, particularly in developing countries, and experience in delivering sustainability training on technical topics within the industry.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN Official Language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to international projects effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.