International Consultant for Waste-Controlled Substances Management

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 works 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. Through its OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), UNEP delivers targeted technical and policy support to empower National Ozone Units (NOUs). This assistance enables NOUs to effectively implement activities approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, meet their compliance obligations under the Montreal Protocol, and address the evolving technological and operational needs of stakeholders involved in national-level implementation. UNEP's Business Plan for the years of 2026–2028 is endorsed by the ExCom-97 (Decision 97/27).

Job Overview:
The consultant will deliver four fully-compliant, high-quality project documents on the national inventory of banks of waste-controlled substances and the development of a national plan for the management of these substances in The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The outputs will enable the countries to develop a robust data analysis methodology and validate inventory projections of waste-controlled substances, ensuring accurate estimates for RAC/MAC equipment and recovery practices. This provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making on managing existing and future banks of controlled substances. The consultant will also prepare a comprehensive review of the national legal framework and organizational capacity for managing waste-controlled substances, identifying gaps and opportunities for alignment with international conventions such as the Basel Convention. Additionally, the consultant will develop actionable policy recommendations and a national plan incorporating a sustainable business model for waste management, ensuring long-term viability and integration with existing Montreal Protocol initiatives. Furthermore, the consultant will prepare a detailed country report in collaboration with NOUs and UNEP, combining the national inventory and management plan for waste-controlled substances, following Executive Committee and Multilateral Fund guidelines. The consultancy aims to provide technical expertise in reviewing complex project proposals before their submission to the Executive Committee (ExCom), ensuring compliance with ExCom guidelines and policies, meeting Montreal Protocol objectives, and aligning with UNEP’s Business Plan for 2026–2028.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the day-to-day supervision of the ExCom Coordinator, in cooperation with Regional Network Coordinators for the Caribbean and South Asia, and under overall supervision by the Head of Branch, the consultant will:

• Prepare the national inventory of banks of waste-controlled substances and a national plan for management of these substances for The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. This includes developing a data analysis methodology, conducting a comprehensive desk review of the existing national legal framework, and developing policy recommendations and a national action plan.
• Develop a comprehensive country report combining the national inventory of banks of waste-controlled substances and a national plan for management of these substances.
• Provide technical assistance in the review of 20 projects to be submitted to ExCom-98, ExCom-99, and ExCom-100, ensuring compliance with MLF guidelines and evaluating project proposals related to HCFC Phase-Out Management Plans (HPMPs) and Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs).

Required Qualifications:
Advanced university degree in environment or social sciences, or environmental policy and management is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least nine years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Minimum 7 years (with Master’s degree) of work 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 projects for the Multilateral Fund or similar international mechanisms, particularly related to HPMPs and KIPs is required. In-depth knowledge of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing and manufacturing sectors is desirable. Demonstrated ability to integrate gender considerations into technical project design and implementation is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in environment or social sciences, or environmental policy and management is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with at least nine years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of work 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 projects for the Multilateral Fund or similar international mechanisms, particularly related to HPMPs and KIPs is required.

Languages:
English is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, written and oral English proficiency is required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and is home-based. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.