Consultant for Waste Management Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions in cities and towns worldwide. The organization focuses on providing adequate shelter for all, particularly for those living in informal settlements and slums. UN-Habitat partners with various stakeholders, including governments, communities, and civil society, to foster inclusive prosperity, enhance resilience to crises, and support environmental management. The agency operates in numerous countries, addressing urban challenges through integrated planning, governance, and resource mobilization, guided by its New Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and quality assurance for the implementation of waste management projects at both regional and country levels. This position requires ensuring that feasibility studies, capacity-building programs, and project proposals are developed to meet high technical standards and align with national policies and priorities. The consultant will contribute to mobilizing investments for improved waste management practices in Africa, addressing the urgent need for effective waste management solutions as urbanization increases and waste generation rises significantly. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and development partners, to create a model for sustainable waste management that can be replicated across the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing technical oversight and quality control for the project, ensuring that all components meet the required standards. Key responsibilities include leading project implementation steps such as procurement, onboarding technical consultancy firms, and supervising their work. The consultant will coordinate project activities at the regional level, ensuring consistency across different countries and facilitating communication between regional and country offices. Additionally, the consultant will oversee project personnel, manage budgets, and ensure effective monitoring and reporting of project progress. Establishing coordination mechanisms with government entities and stakeholders at the country level is also crucial, as is building partnerships with development partners and UN agencies. The consultant will assist in organizing knowledge-sharing workshops and events to disseminate lessons learned and promote visibility for the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental/Civil Engineering, Waste Management, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in waste management or related areas is required, along with experience in implementing development programs, particularly in Africa. Familiarity with the United Nations system or international organizations is desirable, highlighting the need for candidates who can navigate complex organizational structures and processes.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental or Civil Engineering, Waste Management, or Environmental Sciences. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience, emphasizing the importance of both formal education and practical expertise in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in waste management or related fields. Experience in implementing development programs or projects, particularly within the African context, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the workings of the United Nations or similar international organizations will be beneficial, as it indicates an understanding of the complexities involved in international development work.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, which may enhance communication and collaboration with French-speaking stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, and the position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens during their application or interview process. This commitment to transparency and fairness is a core principle of the UN's recruitment policy.