Consultant for Waste Valorization Feasibility Studies

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements. Founded in 1978, UN-Habitat has been instrumental in addressing urban growth challenges and has developed a wealth of expertise over the past four decades. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on urban development, sustainability, and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat's mission is to implement the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted at the Habitat III conference in 2016, and to support Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In Morocco, UN-Habitat has been active since 1995, collaborating with the Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urban Development, Housing, and Urban Policy to foster sustainable urban development. A headquarters agreement was signed with the Moroccan government in 2016, and a country program for housing was drafted for the period 2020-2023, outlining operational projects aimed at achieving sustainable urban development across various levels.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Waste Valorization Feasibility Studies will play a crucial role in supporting Moroccan local authorities in their efforts to implement sustainable waste management practices. The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies that will enable local authorities to initiate and implement waste valorization projects. This involves assessing the current state of municipal solid waste management systems in selected cities, identifying opportunities for waste valorization, and developing actionable plans that align with national strategies and international commitments. The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat Morocco and local stakeholders to ensure that the studies are tailored to the specific contexts of the cities involved, ultimately contributing to reduced landfill dependency and the promotion of circular economy principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of waste valorization feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting coordination and governance arrangements between UN-Habitat Morocco, the Directorate of Local Public Networks (DRPL), and selected municipalities to facilitate effective project implementation.
• Conducting thorough diagnostic assessments of municipal solid waste management systems in the selected cities, which will involve analyzing waste generation, composition, collection, treatment, disposal practices, institutional frameworks, and existing infrastructure.
• Identifying and analyzing waste valorization opportunities, including material recovery, organic waste valorization, recycling, and energy recovery options that are tailored to local contexts and aligned with national strategies and best practices.
• Assessing the technical, economic, financial, institutional, environmental, and social feasibility of prioritized waste valorization scenarios for each city.
• Developing implementation and governance models, including management options such as municipal management, delegated management, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), along with potential financing mechanisms.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops with municipalities, public institutions, private sector actors, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and ensure buy-in for the proposed solutions.
• Preparing an operational roadmap and action plan for waste valorization for one selected city, outlining the steps necessary for implementation and the roles of various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban/territorial planning, urban climate change/adaptation, or a related field. Alternatively, a first degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in project development, resource mobilization, urban development, sustainability, finance, or commercial investment, with a proven track record in supporting urban development initiatives in Arab States. Knowledge of the current urban development project landscape in Morocco, particularly in relation to waste-to-energy projects and environmental protection, is essential. Familiarity with sustainable urban development project financing and development is desirable, as is a strong understanding of UN-Habitat and the Cities Investment Facility's mandates, goals, and principles.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as urban/territorial planning, urban climate change/adaptation, or related disciplines. In cases where candidates possess a first degree, they must have two additional years of relevant experience to be considered equivalent to an advanced degree.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas such as project development, resource mobilization, urban development, sustainability, finance, or commercial investment. Experience specifically related to urban development initiatives in Arab States is highly valued, particularly in the context of waste management and environmental sustainability.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, both oral and written, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in French is also required, as it is another working language within the organization. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration in this role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months and is part-time. 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. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.