Technical Consultant for UNEP OzonAction

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, operating in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Consultant for UNEP OzonAction involves providing technical advisory support to the National Ozone Units (NOUs) of Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia, focusing on enhancing the quality, consistency, and compliance of national inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances. This role is critical in ensuring that national outputs are technically sound and aligned with ExCom Decision 91/66, Multilateral Fund guidelines, and Montreal Protocol reporting requirements. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, provide technical guidance, and ensure that the national action plans are effectively implemented, thereby contributing to the overarching goals of the Montreal Protocol and the OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: developing standardized methodologies and technical guidance notes to support national data collection and analysis; advising on identifying data gaps and uncertainties; ensuring consistency across methodologies while allowing for national adaptation; validating technical assumptions related to ODS/HFC banks; providing technical assessments of national frameworks; benchmarking against international best practices; offering illustrative technical options for recovery and disposal pathways; preparing technical inputs for stakeholder consultations; reviewing national outputs for clarity and consistency; coordinating technical support across the five countries; and delivering agreed outputs within specified timeframes. The consultant will also participate in technical discussions and support the incorporation of stakeholder feedback into national drafts, ensuring that all outputs meet the required technical standards and align with international obligations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, or Energy Engineering or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 10 years of experience in ODS/HFC management and related environmental projects is required, along with strong knowledge of Multilateral Fund procedures and Executive Committee guidelines. Proven experience in preparing technical project documents under the Montreal Protocol, conducting national-level environmental data collection, and strong analytical and technical report-writing skills are essential. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations, particularly in West Asia, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant engineering field such as Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, or Energy Engineering. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of refrigerant management and compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in ODS/HFC management and environmental projects. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively provide the technical advisory support needed for the implementation of ExCom-approved projects and to navigate the complexities of national inventories and action plans.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with stakeholders in the region and for the preparation of technical documents and reports that meet the needs of the National Ozone Units and UNEP.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 18 months and is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.