Plastic Waste Technical Analysis and Monitoring Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The UN 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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental challenges. The organization was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues, operating in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in international environmental governance, working closely with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) is part of UNEP and focuses on protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. The Basel Convention, adopted in 1989, aims to promote environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and control their transboundary movements, while the Plastic Waste Amendments adopted in 2019 address the growing challenge of plastic pollution by establishing a global framework for managing plastic waste.

Job Overview:
The position of Plastic Waste analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Analysis and Monitoring Expert involves providing technical, analytical, and monitoring support for the implementation of plastic waste activities undertaken by the Secretariat. The Individual Contractor will work under the supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer and is expected to deliver high-quality outputs that contribute to the scientific and technical quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the Secretariat’s outputs. The role includes preparing technical documents, project reports, meeting materials, and other substantive documentation to support project implementation, technical assistance, monitoring, and capacity-building activities. The Contractor will also support technical meetings, workshops, webinars, and capacity-building activities by preparing background documentation, technical inputs, presentations, and training materials. This position is crucial for facilitating knowledge-sharing and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the Secretariat can effectively deliver technical assistance and meet its objectives regarding plastic waste management under the Basel Convention.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Plastic Waste Technical Analysis and Monitoring Expert include:

• Providing technical, analytical, and monitoring support for the implementation of activities related to plastic waste management under the Basel Convention.
• Preparing technical documents, project reports, and other documentation, compiling and analyzing information, and creating meeting materials, presentations, and knowledge products.
• Supporting the organization of technical meetings and capacity-building activities by preparing necessary documentation and providing technical inputs.
• Carrying out other assigned tasks under the guidance of the supervisor in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• Ensuring that all work is delivered electronically unless otherwise requested by the Secretariat.
• Contributing to the development of technical guidance, strengthening national capacities, and promoting environmentally sound management of plastic wastes.
• Engaging with stakeholders to facilitate knowledge-sharing and support the implementation of the Secretariat's initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, waste management, environmental policy, sustainable development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in providing independent technical expertise and analytical support related to chemicals, waste management, environmental protection, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Experience working on chemicals and waste management issues, including plastic waste, circular economy, hazardous chemicals, or related topics.
• Desirable experience includes supporting multilateral environmental agreements and international environmental processes, preparing technical reports, project documents, donor reports, and communication materials, as well as organizing international meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
• Experience working with the United Nations system or other international organizations is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, waste management, environmental policy, or sustainable development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the technical aspects of waste management and sustainable development.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is at least five years of progressively responsible experience in providing independent technical expertise and analytical support related to chemicals, waste management, environmental protection, sustainable development, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on issues related to chemicals and waste management, particularly in the context of plastic waste and the circular economy. Experience in supporting multilateral environmental agreements and international environmental processes is highly desirable, as is experience in preparing technical reports and organizing international meetings and capacity-building activities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required as it is the working language of the Secretariat. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote and is expected to last for six months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.