UNEP Cold Chain Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's work encompasses a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Cold Chain Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting UNEP’s initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable cold chain systems in India and the wider region. This position is integral to the Cool Coalition, a global network that seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint action towards efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions. The consultant will be responsible for developing holistic cold chain models that align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both rural and urban levels. The role involves providing policy, finance, and institutional recommendations, as well as engaging in capacity building and partnership development. The consultant will also be tasked with fundraising efforts, conducting policy dialogues, and providing technical insights on cold chain demonstration projects, with a focus on sustainability and rural benefits. Coordination of a technical working group in India for cold chain initiatives and collaboration with subcontractors will also be key responsibilities. The consultant will support funding proposal preparations and facilitate the sharing of best practices from India to the broader region, ensuring that UNEP’s activities are well-aligned with the objectives of the Cool Coalition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks that include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the development and implementation of sustainable cold chain models that contribute to the Cool Coalition's objectives.
• Engaging with various stakeholders, including government ministries, state governments, and public sector undertakings in India, to promote sustainable cold chain practices.
• Conducting policy dialogues and providing technical insights to enhance cold chain demonstration projects.
• Coordinating a technical working group focused on cold chain initiatives in India.
• Reviewing and coordinating outputs from subcontractors and ensuring the quality of deliverables.
• Assisting in the preparation of funding proposals to secure financial support for cold chain projects.
• Facilitating the replication of successful cold chain practices and sharing best practices across the region.
• Contributing to the knowledge base of the Cool Coalition and supporting advocacy and outreach efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess post-graduate qualifications in fields such as thermal engineering, HVAC, engineering/energy management, economics, environmental studies, agriculture, logistics, or equivalent expertise. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience, particularly in logistics, energy, agriculture, rural development, and environmental sectors, with a specific focus on cold chain systems. Practical experience in multi-stakeholder project development, partnership building, and management of subcontractors is essential, preferably within the sustainable energy context. Experience working with the Government of India and international organizations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as thermal engineering, HVAC, energy management, economics, environmental studies, agriculture, or logistics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational qualifications should be recognized by the United Nations, and candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles and practices related to cold chain management and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly focusing on logistics, energy, agriculture, rural development, and environmental sustainability. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects, building partnerships, and working with government entities and international organizations. Experience in cold chain systems and sustainable energy practices is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, given its status as another working language. Additionally, proficiency in another UN language, particularly Hindi, would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of eight months, and while specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, and training stages. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and ethical recruitment practices.