National Consultant for Technical Oversight of Risk Reduction Activities

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 coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Europe Office (ROE) aims to provide guidance to national governments and engage in dialogue on environmental issues among governmental authorities, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The Europe office is the Executing Agency (EA) for the project "Demonstration of non-thermal treatment of DDT wastes in Central Asia (Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan) (GEF ID 9421)". This project focuses on building national and regional capacity for the Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of hazardous waste, including DDT, in line with the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. The project has been revised to implement a containment strategy for hazardous waste disposal, expanding its scope to include risk reduction activities in multiple villages in Tajikistan, with the aim of ensuring compliance with UNEP and GEF safeguards and technical requirements.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective and safe implementation of the 9421 project activities in Tajikistan. This position involves systematic on-site technical oversight, adherence to environmental and occupational safety standards, and close coordination among national and international project partners. The consultant will be responsible for the timely and quality-assured delivery of risk reduction activities in contaminated villages, effective liaison with national authorities and stakeholders, and strengthened compliance with UNEP and GEF safeguards. The consultant will receive on-the-job training and guidance from the project’s Technical Advisor during the initial risk remediation activity, transitioning to more independent work as the project progresses. The consultant will also provide analytical support regarding the political, socio-economic, and organizational situation in Tajikistan, ensuring effective communication between UNEP, local authorities, implementing partners, and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: continuous technical supervision and on-site monitoring of risk reduction works in contaminated villages; ensuring compliance with approved technical designs and HSE standards; verifying the quality and safety of handling, loading, transport, and interim storage of hazardous wastes; reporting non-compliance and proposing mitigation measures; supporting UNEP and UNOPS in consultations with local authorities; facilitating communication among stakeholders; providing technical input during the review of designs and environmental assessments; contributing to progress reports and field visit summaries; participating in coordination meetings; maintaining accurate records of field oversight; and supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange with national partners on environmental and safety aspects of contaminated site management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international project implementation related to persistent organic pollutants, hazardous waste management, or contaminated site remediation is required. Experience with international GEF/UN projects or other multilateral agencies is considered an asset, as is professional experience in implementing POPs and hazardous waste projects in Tajikistan. Strong technical knowledge of POPs/chemicals management and risk reduction, along with proven experience in site supervision, HSE monitoring, and stakeholder coordination, is essential. Excellent analytical and reporting skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of hazardous waste management and environmental safety standards.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in areas related to international project implementation, particularly concerning persistent organic pollutants and hazardous waste management. Experience in contaminated site remediation and familiarity with the specific context of Tajikistan will be advantageous. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on international projects, especially those funded by GEF or UN agencies, which will enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of the project environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian or Tajik is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Tajik is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role. Proficiency in these languages is essential for reporting, liaising, and ensuring compliance with project requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 8 months. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager of the 9421 project and will prepare a workplan for the duration of the contract. The workplan will be reviewed quarterly to adjust priorities as needed. A report on the delivery of the workplan will be prepared at the end of each month, in conjunction with a monthly progress report to monitor and identify any issues. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.