Consultant for Wastewater Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN agency dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable urban development. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat aims to provide adequate shelter for all and improve access to sustainable wastewater management services. The organization collaborates with local, regional, and national authorities to enhance policies and guidelines that facilitate investments in sustainable wastewater management, particularly in urban areas. UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging in various initiatives and partnerships to address urban water, sanitation, and waste management challenges.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, specifically focusing on wastewater management. This position involves developing methodologies for monitoring wastewater flows and treatment, collaborating with various UN agencies and partners to harmonize data collection processes, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of wastewater data across different countries. The consultant will also contribute to the preparation of reports and outreach materials related to wastewater monitoring, thereby enhancing the visibility and impact of UN-Habitat's initiatives in this area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Developing methodologies for monitoring total and industrial wastewater flows, collaborating closely with WHO and UNSD.
• Reviewing and analyzing wastewater data from various databases to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Collecting disaggregated wastewater data from 10-15 countries that are not currently reporting such data, advising them on aligning with international standards.
• Contributing technical inputs for the 2024 SDG 6.3.1 indicator report, including drafting report sections.
• Participating in UN-Water meetings to coordinate data-driven analyses and provide guidance to countries.
• Preparing outreach materials and project proposals to mobilize resources for wastewater management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Public Health, or a closely related field. A first degree with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of experience in environmental sciences or water resources management is required, with at least five years in similar projects related to monitoring basic services such as water and sanitation. Experience in the UN system is considered an asset, along with expertise in scientific analysis related to wastewater and water quality.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Public Health, or a closely related field is required. A first degree with two years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in environmental sciences, water resources management, or related fields, with at least five years specifically in monitoring basic services such as water, sanitation, and hygiene. Experience in the United Nations is regarded as an asset, particularly in preparing scientific analyses on wastewater and water quality issues.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for 12 months. The consultant will report to the Programme Officer responsible for the GEMI project and the Head of the Geneva Office. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not request any financial information from applicants.