Consultant for HCFC Verification

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s OzonAction Branch, which operates under the Law Division, is one of the four Implementing Agencies of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The organization focuses on providing policy and technical support to countries to ensure compliance with international environmental agreements, particularly in the area of ozone-depleting substances. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees dedicated to various environmental initiatives.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves undertaking a verification of Bahrain’s national HCFC consumption for the year 2024, ensuring compliance with the Multilateral Fund verification requirements. The consultant will be responsible for preparing a final verification report that confirms Bahrain's HCFC consumption and assesses the effectiveness of the country's licensing and quota control system. This role is crucial as it supports Bahrain's commitments under the Montreal Protocol and contributes to the global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances. The consultant will work closely with the Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia and will be expected to analyze national data related to HCFCs, review enforcement systems, and ensure that the verification report meets the necessary guidelines set by the Multilateral Fund.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Verifying Bahrain’s national HCFC consumption targets for the year 2024 as part of its HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP).
• Reviewing and analyzing national data concerning the import, export, and licensing of HCFCs, in line with the Montreal Protocol's definition of consumption.
• Assessing the enforcement system that governs the import/export control of HCFCs, which includes quota allocation, licensing procedures, and customs monitoring.
• Preparing a draft verification report that contains findings, preliminary analysis, and data verification results.
• Revising and finalizing the verification report based on feedback from UNEP, ensuring compliance with the Multilateral Fund verification guidelines. This role requires a thorough understanding of the Montreal Protocol and the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, mechanical or environmental engineering, education, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, policy analysis, or project implementation is required. Demonstrated expertise in the verification, monitoring, and reporting of national data related to ozone-depleting substances or other controlled chemicals under the Montreal Protocol is essential. Experience in preparing verification reports or compliance assessments for Multilateral Fund projects is highly desirable, along with familiarity with the Montreal Protocol and national licensing and quota systems for controlled substances.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, mechanical or environmental engineering, or education. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient qualifying experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental management and compliance with international protocols.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as environmental management, policy analysis, or project implementation. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in the verification, monitoring, and reporting of national data related to ozone-depleting substances or other controlled chemicals under the Montreal Protocol. Experience in preparing verification reports or compliance assessments for Multilateral Fund projects is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the Montreal Protocol and the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan framework. Regional experience in West Asia, particularly in countries implementing HPMPs, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for the preparation of reports and collaboration with stakeholders. Fluency in Arabic is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with local authorities and stakeholders in Bahrain.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 2 months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. This role is part of a broader initiative to support compliance with international environmental agreements and contribute to the global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances.