Consultant for EV Recycling and End-of-Life Management

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 focuses on encouraging decision-makers in governments, local authorities, and industries to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for EV Recycling and End-of-Life Management will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Chemicals and Health Branch within the Industry and Economy Division of UNEP. This role involves conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies on electric vehicle (EV) recycling and end-of-life management, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The consultant will gather information on harmful chemicals present in EV batteries, assess the expected volumes of these chemicals, and evaluate the associated environmental and public health risks. The consultant will also provide recommendations for safe and environmentally sound EV end-of-life management, develop training materials, and create selection criteria and monitoring methodologies for projects focused on hazardous waste management related to EV batteries. This position requires a strong understanding of chemical risk assessment and the ability to synthesize complex technical and policy concepts into actionable reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including: conducting a comprehensive review of literature on EV recycling and end-of-life management; analyzing harmful chemicals in EV batteries and their environmental impacts; providing recommendations for safe management practices; developing selection criteria for evaluating projects related to EV battery management; designing a monitoring methodology for tracking project performance; reviewing potential interventions for hazardous waste management; drafting a module for UNEP’s Model Battery Management Law Guidance Toolkit; and regularly liaising with the UNEP project team to provide updates and incorporate feedback. The consultant will ensure that all outputs are delivered in a timely manner and meet the technical, policy, and operational expectations of UNEP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, waste management, or materials science. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in environmental, chemical, waste management, or sustainability sectors is required. Expertise in EV battery chemistries, recycling processes, and circular economy approaches is essential, along with proven knowledge of chemical risk assessment and environmental impact mitigation. Strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills are necessary, as well as a solid understanding of international conventions and regulatory frameworks related to hazardous waste management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, waste management, materials science, or a closely 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 EV recycling and hazardous waste management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in sectors related to environmental science, chemical management, waste management, or sustainability. This experience should include expertise in EV battery chemistries, recycling processes, and end-of-life management strategies. Familiarity with life-cycle analysis and material flow assessments is also required, along with proven knowledge of chemical risk assessment and environmental impact mitigation strategies. Experience in assessing collection systems and disposal pathways for EV batteries and e-waste is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable and would be considered an asset in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and allows for remote work, with an expected duration of 100 working days over an 8-month period. The consultant will be evaluated based on the timely delivery of high-quality outputs, including a technical report, selection criteria, monitoring methodology, and guidance modules. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.