Circular Economy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with 33 countries in the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP collaborates with various partners, including other UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Circular Economy Specialist consultancy aims to strengthen Mexico's transition to a circular economy in the electronics sector. This involves integrating sustainable resource management, eco-design principles, and circular business models into e-waste policies and industry practices. The consultant will conduct material flow analysis, provide policy recommendations, and engage stakeholders to enhance resource efficiency, reduce electronic waste, and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. The role is crucial in accelerating Mexico's transition to a circular economy, improving resource efficiency, and fostering innovation in sustainable business models. The consultant will work closely with UNEP LACO, UNEP IETC, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and recyclers to develop sustainable business models and regulatory recommendations that promote circularity in the electronics sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an Assessment of E-Waste Material Flows and Circular Economy Opportunities: Analyze material flows, waste generation trends, and circularity gaps in Mexico’s electronics sector; identify challenges and opportunities for reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling; map key value chain actors; provide strategic recommendations to enhance circularity in electronics design, production, and disposal.
• Develop Circular Economy Strategies and Business Models: Propose circular business models favoring eco-design, modular repair, and closed-loop recycling systems; provide recommendations for integrating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes into national policies; develop industry incentives and investment mechanisms.
• Facilitate Policy Development and Regulatory Integration: Identify policy interventions to promote circular economy principles; guide government agencies in integrating these principles into e-waste and environmental policies; develop circularity metrics to track progress.
• Strengthen Industry Engagement and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between stakeholders; promote public-private collaborations and knowledge-sharing platforms; engage with informal waste sector workers for inclusive solutions.
• Capacity-Building and Knowledge Transfer: Develop training materials and conduct workshops for government, businesses, and waste management professionals; provide technical input for public awareness campaigns.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and submit a Circular Economy Assessment Report; develop guidance documents and a roadmap for transitioning to a circular electronics sector; deliver a final report consolidating policy recommendations and stakeholder engagement insights.

Required Qualifications:
ACADEMIC: A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Industrial Ecology, Sustainability, Public Policy, Economics, Business, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: Three (3) years of experience in circular economy, waste management, resource efficiency, or industrial sustainability is required. Expertise in circular business models, eco-design, life cycle assessment, and sustainable supply chain management is desirable. Experience in policy advisory work, industry engagement, or regulatory development is also desirable. Familiarity with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainable manufacturing principles is a plus. Knowledge of global circular economy frameworks, including EU policies and UN initiatives, is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Industrial Ecology, Sustainability, Public Policy, Economics, Business, or a closely related field is required. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in circular economy, waste management, resource efficiency, or industrial sustainability. This experience should include expertise in circular business models, eco-design, life cycle assessment, and sustainable supply chain management. Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, or international sustainability projects is also desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 5 months, with the consultant working full-time, 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday at UNEP Mexico’s Office located in Mexico City. The position is not remote and requires in-person collaboration with various stakeholders. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.