Consultant for Kigali HFC Implementation Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, 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. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization works closely with international and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, businesses, and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies, and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of Conventions and international Agreements. UNEP serves as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, providing targeted technical and policy support to empower National Ozone Units (NOUs) through its OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP).

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering high-quality Kigali HFC Implementation Plan (KIP) Stage I proposals for four countries: Gabon, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Príncipe, and Barbados, as well as an updated HPMP Stage II proposal for Sao Tome and Príncipe. This role is crucial for ensuring that these countries meet their initial obligations under the Kigali Amendment, which includes freezing HFC consumption at baseline levels and achieving the first 10% reduction target. The consultant will work to strengthen national regulatory and institutional frameworks for HFC phasedown and HCFC phaseout, implement gender-responsive and sustainable cooling strategies, and secure timely approval of all proposals by the Multilateral Fund (MLF) Secretariat. The consultant’s work will directly contribute to building national capacities, supporting compliance with the Montreal Protocol, and advancing UNEP’s objectives for ozone and climate protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of the ExCom Coordinator and in cooperation with Regional Network Coordinators for Francophone Africa and the Caribbean. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the preparation of KIP Stage I Project proposals in four countries by reviewing and validating policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks, assessing national ratification status of the Montreal Protocol, and identifying gaps for strengthening regulatory frameworks.
• Supporting national consultants in HFC surveys and data analysis, including providing methodology for data collection, establishing national HFC baselines, and analyzing consumption trends.
• Conducting sectoral assessments of HFC manufacturing and refrigeration and air conditioning servicing sectors.
• Developing an overarching HFC phasedown strategy that covers all planned stages until 2045, identifying priority sectors, proposing reduction steps, and ensuring alignment with MLF guidelines.
• Preparing the KIP Stage I document with detailed components, including regulatory measures, technical assistance, training, and public awareness activities.
• Drafting all required KIP documents, including executive summaries and project cover sheets.
• Reviewing and updating the HPMP Stage II Project proposal for Sao Tome and Principe, ensuring alignment with guidelines and providing recommendations for improvement.
• Finalizing the HPMP Stage II submission package and responding to MLF questions and comments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in science, engineering, or environmental policy. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in the preparation, review, and implementation of environmental projects related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the Montreal Protocol, is required. Extensive experience in drafting documents for the Multilateral Fund or similar international mechanisms, particularly related to HPMPs and KIPs, is essential. In-depth knowledge of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing and manufacturing sectors is desirable, as is demonstrated ability to integrate gender considerations into technical project design and implementation.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in science, engineering, or environmental policy is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical and policy aspects of environmental projects related to the Montreal Protocol and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of proven experience in the preparation, review, and implementation of environmental projects that are related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, particularly the Montreal Protocol. Candidates should have extensive experience in drafting and preparing documents for the Multilateral Fund or similar international mechanisms, especially concerning Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase out Management Plans (HPMPs) and Kigali HFC Implementation Plans (KIPs).

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate written and verbal proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate and collaborate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for approximately 9.1 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.