Consultant for Inventory of Controlled Substances

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's Law Division works with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP has been instrumental in regulating the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) since the Montreal Protocol was adopted in 1989, and it continues to address emerging environmental issues globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening El Salvador's technical and institutional capacity for managing controlled substances. This position involves preparing an inventory of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances and developing a comprehensive action plan for their collection, transport, and disposal. The consultant will work closely with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of El Salvador and the Compliance Assistance Programme regional team for Latin America. The role requires a deep understanding of environmental policies, particularly those related to the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, including the Kigali Amendment, which added hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of controlled substances. The consultant will be responsible for providing technical guidance, conducting assessments, and ensuring that the project aligns with international standards and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include providing technical guidance for the elaboration of the workplan for the inventory and action plan, leading the organization and execution of a launch event with national stakeholders, assessing existing data on banks of controlled substances, and evaluating the local refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sector. The consultant will also analyze institutional frameworks for recovery, recycling, and reclamation, and oversee the collection, transport, and disposal processes. Specific tasks include preparing the inventory of stocks, conducting surveys through field visits, analyzing collected data, drafting the inventory report, and organizing outreach events to inform stakeholders about the results and the action plan. Additionally, the consultant will attend bi-weekly meetings with the project team to discuss progress and ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's or equivalent engineering degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, environmental sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a recognized first-level degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of two years of experience supporting the implementation of projects or programs linked to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in inventory projects related to greenhouse gases (GHGs) or substances regulated under the Montreal Protocol, particularly ODS and HFCs. Proficiency in statistical methods, data analysis, survey design, and database management is essential. Experience working with government officials in the Latin American region and familiarity with the United Nations system will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in mechanical or chemical engineering, environmental sciences, or a related area. A recognized first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant work experience. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation in environmental policy and engineering principles, particularly as they relate to the management of controlled substances and compliance with international environmental agreements.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in supporting the implementation of projects related to multilateral environmental agreements. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing inventory projects, particularly those involving greenhouse gases or substances regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Experience in data collection, statistical analysis, and survey preparation is critical, as is familiarity with the management and destruction of controlled substances. Previous work experience within the United Nations system and knowledge of ozone-depleting chemicals will be considered a significant asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be working closely with local stakeholders and government officials. A working knowledge of English is highly desirable, as it may be necessary for communication with international partners and for accessing relevant documentation and resources.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is six months, and the position is home-based. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. The consultant will receive supervision from the OzonAction Regional Network Programme Officer for Latin America, ensuring that the project aligns with UNEP's objectives and standards.