Consultant for Hazardous Air Emissions

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates through various regional offices, including the West Asia Office, which delivers advisory services and capacity-building support to countries to achieve environmental and sustainable development objectives. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in addressing global environmental challenges. The organization employs thousands of staff across multiple countries, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Hazardous Air Emissions is focused on updating the standards-setting process for hazardous air emissions in Saudi Arabia. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the framework of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with UNEP. The consultant's primary responsibilities will include assessing current air quality legislation, developing guidelines for hazardous air emissions, training relevant staff, and finalizing an implementation plan for the guidelines. This role is crucial for enhancing air quality management and ensuring compliance with international standards, thereby contributing to the overall environmental health of the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Air Quality Legislation Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of existing legislation on hazardous air emissions in Saudi Arabia, review international guidelines, and benchmark current monitoring strategies against best practices. Identify weaknesses in the legislation and propose improvements.
• Guideline Development: Create comprehensive guidelines for setting hazardous air emission limits, incorporating control measures, health and environmental risk assessments, emission limits, and institutional cooperation. Ensure that the guidelines are practical and aligned with international best practices.
• Training and Capacity Building: Provide training to MEWA and NCEC staff on the developed guidelines, ensuring they understand the scientific rationale and implementation strategies. Equip them with the necessary tools for effective guideline application.
• Finalization and Implementation Plan: Refine the guidelines post-training and develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines enforcement and compliance steps for the government. Provide recommendations for legislative updates regarding hazardous air emissions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy and Law, or Environmental and Public Health. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with two qualifying years of experience may be accepted. A minimum of 10 years of experience in air quality management, environmental policy, and regulations, or air pollution control is required. A strong background in hazardous air emissions monitoring, assessment, and control technologies is essential, along with experience in air dispersion modeling and health risk assessments related to air pollution. Previous experience in environmental research and providing technical guidance to government agencies is highly desirable. Knowledge of environmental issues specific to Saudi Arabia is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy and Law, or Environmental and Public Health. In lieu of an advanced degree, a bachelor's degree with two years of relevant experience may be acceptable. This educational background ensures that the consultant has a solid understanding of environmental principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in air quality management, environmental policy, and regulations, or air pollution control. This extensive experience is crucial for effectively assessing current legislation, developing guidelines, and providing training to government staff. Experience in hazardous air emissions monitoring and control technologies, as well as air dispersion modeling and health risk assessments, is required. Previous practical experience in similar environmental research tasks is desirable, as is experience in providing technical guidance and capacity-building support to government agencies and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy position, as it is essential for communication and documentation. Fluency in Arabic is desirable, as it will facilitate better interaction with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training and capacity-building efforts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 11 months, and the position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to pay for application, interview, or training processes. This commitment to a no-fee policy reflects the UN's dedication to transparency and fairness in recruitment.