Consultant for HCFC Control Training

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote 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. The organization 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. UNEP's Law Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP is also an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, with the OzonAction Branch focusing on enabling developing countries to meet and sustain their compliance obligations under the treaty. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, working towards sustainable environmental practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening national capacity in Honduras and Guatemala for the control of HCFCs and HCFC-based equipment imports. This will be achieved through conducting training workshops and developing technical materials and online tools. The consultant's efforts are expected to train over 140 customs officers, enforcement personnel, and importers, providing them with updated guidance that aligns with energy efficiency criteria and the obligations of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment. The work is primarily home-based, with an expected duration of five months, and involves significant interaction with local stakeholders to ensure effective knowledge transfer and compliance with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the capacity of customs and enforcement personnel in Honduras and Guatemala. Key responsibilities include: conducting training workshops (both face-to-face and virtual) for at least 50 customs officers and importers in Honduras, preparing a thematic training proposal for customs officials in Guatemala, designing a quick reference guide for identifying refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, preparing an assessment report on the current situation of RAC equipment imports in Guatemala, conducting additional training workshops for at least 90 customs officers in Guatemala, and designing an online training module for stakeholders involved in the control of HCFC imports. Each of these tasks will require comprehensive reporting and documentation to ensure accountability and effectiveness of the training provided.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, International Affairs, Public Administration, Environmental Management, Economy, or Chemistry. Alternatively, a University Degree in one of these fields, combined with at least nine years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of professional experience in customs and excise operations, particularly in the detection of illegal trade. Proven experience in training Customs/Enforcement Officers and Customs Brokers is essential, along with familiarity with UNEP’s Montreal Protocol training manuals for Customs Officers. A technical background to review national procedures for monitoring international trade of chemical substances and proposing illegal trade prevention measures is also required, as is experience working with government officers in the Latin American region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as engineering, International Affairs, Public Administration, Environmental Management, Economy, or Chemistry. In cases where a Master’s degree is not held, a University Degree in one of these areas, along with substantial professional experience, may suffice. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental management and international trade regulations related to chemical substances.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of professional experience specifically in customs and excise operations, with a strong focus on the detection of illegal trade. This experience should include direct involvement in training customs and enforcement personnel, demonstrating a capacity to effectively communicate and impart knowledge on complex regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with the operational challenges faced by customs officials in the Latin American context is also highly beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Spanish is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders is essential for the success of the training and capacity-building initiatives. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for five months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.