Implementing Partner for Integrated Solid Waste Management System
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)
Pasto
Colombia
July 6, 2026
Full-timeJuly 6, 2026
Implementing Partner for Integrated Solid Waste Management System
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions in cities and human settlements. Founded in 1978, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing urban challenges. The organization focuses on various aspects of urbanization, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, aiming to create resilient and inclusive communities.
Job Overview:
The position involves establishing a Cooperation Agreement with an implementing partner to conduct a pre-investment technical design process for an integrated solid waste management system specifically for El Potrerillo Market in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. The primary goal is to enhance solid waste management practices through a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening source separation, defining collection and transportation schemes, and designing feasible technologies for organic waste treatment and valorization. The selected partner will play a crucial role in conducting a thorough technical diagnosis of the existing waste management system, which encompasses waste characterization and waste flow analysis, while also developing assessments that are social, behavioral, operational, environmental, and financial in nature. This position is part of the broader project titled 'Pasto Emergency Action for Resilient Settlements,' which aims to tackle the challenges of organic waste management in a key urban and commercial area of the city.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Implementing Partner will be responsible for a range of activities, including but not limited to: conducting a comprehensive diagnostic and waste characterization of current solid waste management practices in El Potrerillo Market; performing waste flow analysis and assessing the operational, social, cultural, institutional, and environmental conditions that influence waste management; developing a market study for potential by-products derived from organic waste treatment and valorization processes; consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders such as local authorities, service providers, waste picker organizations, vendors, and community actors; designing an integrated organic waste management system that includes source separation, collection, transportation, treatment, and valorization components; defining and evaluating the most viable technical alternatives for organic waste treatment and recovery; preparing an implementation-ready project package that encompasses technical, operational, governance, environmental, and financial components; and developing an implementation roadmap and scaling strategy that includes financing mechanisms and institutional responsibilities. The outputs expected from these activities include a solid waste system diagnosis and characterization report, a social and behavioral assessment for source separation, a design for the integrated organic waste management system, and a comprehensive implementation-ready project and investment package.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in environmental science, waste management, or a related field. They should have proven experience in conducting technical studies and assessments related to solid waste management systems. Familiarity with integrated waste management practices, stakeholder engagement, and project management is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including local authorities and community stakeholders, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Educational Background:
A relevant degree in environmental science, waste management, urban planning, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in solid waste management or environmental sustainability will be considered an asset. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the principles of circular economy and sustainable development as they relate to urban environments.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in solid waste management or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, governmental agencies, or NGOs in similar projects will be highly regarded. Proven track record in conducting technical assessments and developing integrated waste management solutions is essential.
Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the project will be conducted in Colombia. Proficiency in English is desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may also be beneficial.
Additional Notes:
The project is expected to start in May 2026 and will have an estimated duration of 3 months. The maximum proposed value for the project is $50,000 USD. The position is full-time and requires the selected partner to engage actively with local stakeholders and authorities throughout the project duration. All application documents must be submitted by May 31st, 2026, before 17:00 EST to the designated email address, with a specific title in the subject line to ensure proper processing.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions in cities and human settlements. Founded in 1978, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to addressing urban challenges. The organization focuses on various aspects of urbanization, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, aiming to create resilient and inclusive communities.
Job Overview:
The position involves establishing a Cooperation Agreement with an implementing partner to conduct a pre-investment technical design process for an integrated solid waste management system specifically for El Potrerillo Market in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. The primary goal is to enhance solid waste management practices through a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening source separation, defining collection and transportation schemes, and designing feasible technologies for organic waste treatment and valorization. The selected partner will play a crucial role in conducting a thorough technical diagnosis of the existing waste management system, which encompasses waste characterization and waste flow analysis, while also developing assessments that are social, behavioral, operational, environmental, and financial in nature. This position is part of the broader project titled 'Pasto Emergency Action for Resilient Settlements,' which aims to tackle the challenges of organic waste management in a key urban and commercial area of the city.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Implementing Partner will be responsible for a range of activities, including but not limited to: conducting a comprehensive diagnostic and waste characterization of current solid waste management practices in El Potrerillo Market; performing waste flow analysis and assessing the operational, social, cultural, institutional, and environmental conditions that influence waste management; developing a market study for potential by-products derived from organic waste treatment and valorization processes; consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders such as local authorities, service providers, waste picker organizations, vendors, and community actors; designing an integrated organic waste management system that includes source separation, collection, transportation, treatment, and valorization components; defining and evaluating the most viable technical alternatives for organic waste treatment and recovery; preparing an implementation-ready project package that encompasses technical, operational, governance, environmental, and financial components; and developing an implementation roadmap and scaling strategy that includes financing mechanisms and institutional responsibilities. The outputs expected from these activities include a solid waste system diagnosis and characterization report, a social and behavioral assessment for source separation, a design for the integrated organic waste management system, and a comprehensive implementation-ready project and investment package.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in environmental science, waste management, or a related field. They should have proven experience in conducting technical studies and assessments related to solid waste management systems. Familiarity with integrated waste management practices, stakeholder engagement, and project management is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, including local authorities and community stakeholders, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Educational Background:
A relevant degree in environmental science, waste management, urban planning, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in solid waste management or environmental sustainability will be considered an asset. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the principles of circular economy and sustainable development as they relate to urban environments.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in solid waste management or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, governmental agencies, or NGOs in similar projects will be highly regarded. Proven track record in conducting technical assessments and developing integrated waste management solutions is essential.
Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the project will be conducted in Colombia. Proficiency in English is desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may also be beneficial.
Additional Notes:
The project is expected to start in May 2026 and will have an estimated duration of 3 months. The maximum proposed value for the project is $50,000 USD. The position is full-time and requires the selected partner to engage actively with local stakeholders and authorities throughout the project duration. All application documents must be submitted by May 31st, 2026, before 17:00 EST to the designated email address, with a specific title in the subject line to ensure proper processing.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
