UNEP Customs Training Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. It is an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Customs Training Consultant will play a crucial role in the effective implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage II (second tranche) for Ghana. The primary focus of this consultancy is to strengthen national capacity to control illegal trade in HCFCs and other ozone-depleting substances through the delivery of high-quality, gender-responsive customs training workshops. The consultant will be responsible for developing and conducting training sessions for customs officers, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to enforce regulations effectively. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Ghana, to ensure that training activities are aligned with national priorities and international agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several specific duties and responsibilities, including:

• Submitting a detailed work plan and schedule for implementing all training workshops, clearly outlining timelines, responsibilities, and expected outputs.
• Conducting five training workshops for 10 customs officer trainers at five different ports of entry, ensuring that at least four of the participants are women.
• Developing and updating training materials and manuals, which will include presentations, case studies, standard operating procedures, and practical demonstration modules.
• Coordinating with the NOU, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and other relevant agencies to ensure effective planning, mobilization of participants, and logistics for all training activities.
• Preparing detailed training and progress reports for each workshop, including gender-disaggregated participant data, pre and post-evaluation analysis, key findings, challenges, and recommendations.
• Submitting a comprehensive final report summarizing the implementation of all training activities, results achieved, lessons learned, and recommendations for future enforcement strengthening under subsequent phases of the HPMP.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, customs enforcement, engineering, environmental science, or a related field is required, preferably within the context of international environmental agreements. Practical experience in customs capacity building, enforcement of environmental regulations, and border control procedures is essential. Experience working with national customs authorities, enforcement agencies, or ODS control systems is highly desirable. Strong technical knowledge of ozone-depleting substances, including HCFCs, their trade control measures, and refrigerant identification technologies is also required. Experience in supporting the implementation of Montreal Protocol activities or national HCFC phase-out strategies is an added advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements for this position.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to environmental management, customs enforcement, engineering, or environmental science. This experience should preferably be within the context of international environmental agreements, demonstrating a solid understanding of customs capacity building and enforcement of environmental regulations.

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

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 10 months. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview, or training.