International Consultant – PV System Management and Recycling Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The UN 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's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, located in Bangkok, serves 41 countries across the region to promote and implement sustainable development solutions. It works closely with key stakeholders including governments, the private sector, civil society, and other UN agencies. UNEP is committed to addressing the climate crisis and promoting gender equality, recognizing that the low-carbon transition and social transformation required to solve the climate crisis pose significant opportunities to redress gender inequalities and promote human rights. UNEP has been actively involved in projects such as EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies, which aims to accelerate gender-responsive and human rights-based climate action across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on empowering women and marginalized groups.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant – PV System Management and Recycling Expert will be responsible for providing international technical expertise and guidance in the development of a comprehensive management and recycling plan for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Iloilo Province, Philippines. This role involves conducting desk reviews of global best practices, standards, and regulations related to PV system management and recycling, and providing technical advice to ensure alignment with international standards and circular economy principles. The consultant will lead the technical development of the PV System Management and Recycling Plan, collaborating with local stakeholders and integrating local data and regulatory context. The consultant will also facilitate workshops and consultations to validate findings and recommendations, and prepare detailed reports summarizing methodologies, findings, and recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will engage in capacity building by developing training materials and conducting technical sessions for provincial government staff and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with UNEP and other partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide international technical expertise and guidance: Conduct desk reviews of best global practices, standards, and regulations on PV system management and recycling; provide technical advice and recommendations to UNEP and stakeholders; facilitate knowledge transfer through technical materials and guidance notes; support UNEP in positioning Iloilo Province as a pioneer in PV system management and recycling in the Philippines.
• Lead technical development of the PV System Management and Recycling Plan: Draft the Solar PV, Inverter, and Battery Management and Recycling Plan; collaborate with the national consultant to integrate local data and stakeholder inputs; facilitate technical workshops and consultations; finalize the plan for endorsement by the Iloilo Provincial Government.
• Reporting and documentation: Prepare inception note, draft plan, and final technical report; document technical workshops and stakeholder engagements; provide timely updates to UNEP on progress and challenges.
• Capacity building and stakeholder engagement: Develop training materials and conduct technical sessions; conduct training for at least 110 stakeholders; strengthen partnerships with government agencies and private sector actors; ensure effective communication with UNEP and local stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher preferred) in environmental engineering, renewable energy, waste management, recycling, or a closely related field. • Academic background in solar PV technologies, energy storage systems, circular economy, or sustainable energy policy is an asset. • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in renewable energy systems, focusing on solar PV, inverters, and battery disposal/management. • Demonstrated expertise in circular economy approaches, hazardous waste management, and sustainable disposal practices for renewable energy technologies. • Proven track record in developing technical guidelines, management plans, or policy frameworks for governments or international organizations. • Experience working with government departments and international organizations in ASEAN countries; familiarity with the Philippines context is an asset. • Prior collaboration with UNEP or other UN agencies is strongly preferred. • Experience in capacity-building, training, and knowledge transfer to government officials and technical staff. • Working knowledge of gender equality and women’s economic empowerment is an advantage. • Ability to produce well-written analytical reports in English; sound analytical and communication skills; ability to work under pressure and time constraints.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s or higher preferred) in environmental engineering, renewable energy, waste management, recycling, or a closely related field is required. An academic background in solar PV technologies, energy storage systems, circular economy, or sustainable energy policy is considered an asset for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in renewable energy systems, particularly focusing on solar PV, inverters, and battery disposal/management. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in circular economy approaches and sustainable disposal practices for renewable energy technologies, along with a proven track record in developing technical guidelines and management plans for governments or international organizations. Experience working with government departments and international organizations in ASEAN countries is essential, and familiarity with the Philippines context is an asset. Prior collaboration with UNEP or other UN agencies is strongly preferred, as is experience in capacity-building and training for government officials and technical staff.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for 7 months. The consultant will be evaluated based on the efficient completion of deliverables as stipulated by UNEP for completeness and quality. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.