Consultant for National Inventories of Controlled Substances

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 100 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation on environmental matters. It serves as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, ensuring that countries receive the necessary support to comply with international environmental agreements.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing comprehensive national inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances in seven African countries: Lesotho, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This role involves collecting and analyzing data to create a strategic plan for the environmentally sound collection, transport, and disposal of these substances. The consultant will work closely with the National Ozone Units (NOUs) in each country to ensure that the data collection processes are effective and that the resulting reports provide actionable insights. The consultant will also be tasked with ensuring that the methodologies used are aligned with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and international best practices, thereby contributing to global environmental sustainability efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an Inception Work Plan and Methodological Framework, including a detailed work plan with timelines and deliverables.
• Design Data Collection Tools and Methodology, ensuring they are tailored to national contexts while maintaining regional comparability.
• Coordinate and Oversee National Surveys, providing technical guidance and ensuring adherence to methodologies and ethical standards.
• Data Consolidation, Verification, and Analysis, including compiling and validating data and conducting in-depth analyses.
• Preparation of Analytical and Technical Reports, drafting country-specific reports and a consolidated regional synthesis report.
• Review and Revision Process, incorporating feedback from UNEP and NOUs into final reports.
• Submission of Final Deliverables, ensuring all materials are complete and accurate, and organizing presentations to share findings with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field is required. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, environmental science, or a related field is essential. Knowledge of technical issues related to ozone-depleting substances and experience in implementing Montreal Protocol activities are highly desirable. Experience in data collection, review, and management at the national level regarding HCFCs or related substances is considered an added advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental management and the technical aspects of ozone-depleting substances.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to engineering or environmental science. This experience should include a strong focus on the management of environmental issues, particularly those related to ozone-depleting substances and the implementation of international environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and is home-based. 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.