- Increased knowledge related to circular economy approaches for electronics in Nigeria and Africa and time-framed recommended actions to build circularity in the electronics value chain identified.
- Enhanced synergies between the GEF Nigeria electronics project and other relevant projects/initiatives on electronics, including the GEF SAICM project on electronics.
- Improved impact and recognition of UNEP work in the area of circular economy approaches for electronics.
home-based
Start date: As soon as possible
End date: 5 months from the start date
The Consumption and Production Unit of Economy Division, through its experience on circular economy and sustainable value chains, is engaged in a Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project entitled “Circular Economy approaches for the electronics sector in Nigeria”. The project brings together players from government, the private sector and civil society to kickstart a financially self-sustaining circular economy approach for electronics in Nigeria, protecting the environment while creating safe employment for thousands of Nigerians. The key activities include defining the roadmap for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, and collecting and recycling 300-tonne e-waste in an environmentally sound way. Under this project, UNEP is providing technical support to the Nigerian government and is also leading one specific component of this project which aims to collect and disseminate circular economy approaches and best practices of circularity for the electronics sector in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
The unit is also implementation a GEF project entitled “Global best practices on emerging chemical policy issues of concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)”. Component 2 of this project focuses on Chemicals in Products in the toys, electronics and buildings sectors. Under this component, UNEP is developing regional studies on the circular management of electronics in the Latin America and the Caribbean and the Central and Eastern Europe regions. UNEP is also providing guidance to government and value chain actors in the electronics sectors in Colombia to track and manage chemicals of concern (CoC) in their products.
The consultant’s assistance is needed to support activities related with the projects on electronics sector above. The consultant will provide technical assistance to the following tasks:
• Develop a Circular Economy study in the electronics sector for Nigeria and Africa, which will include: 1) baseline analysis for African region (built on existing baseline study for 5 African countries already conducted by UNEP); 2) roadmap towards a circular economy for electronics in Africa with time-framed actions to be implemented by different stakeholders.
• Review and edit the Circular Economy studies in the electronics sector for other 2 regions (Latin America and the Caribbean; and Central and Eastern Europe), to ensure the alignment between the 3 regional Circular Economy studies
• Collect and develop best cases on circular economy for electronics in Nigeria and Africa
• Develop narratives on UNEP’s approach on circular economy for electronics
• Support the organization of circular economy training and events in the context of the GEF Nigeria electronics project
• Contribute to reviewing and commenting relevant documents to be developed under the GEF Nigeria Electronics project
Competency:
• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of life cycle approaches, sustainable consumption and production and circular economy approaches applied to electronics, as well as of communication technologies and their relative impact; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, and; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Teamwork: Takes the initiative to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is flexible to support unexpected or urgent team’s needs that might not be expressed in the workplan; motivates others to provide ideas and feedback and genuinely values this input; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; demonstrates openness and pro-activity in keeping the network of professional and other stakeholders and clients well informed and in receiving feedback concerning areas for improvement; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits genuine interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; respect the communication channels within the organizations including the UN.
Academic Qualifications:
Advanced university degree in environmental management, industrial/ environmental engineering, ecological economics or a related technical field.
Experience:
• At least 5 years work experience on circular economy and/or electronics value chains, with a good understanding of life cycle approaches, including experience in working with industry and public-sector officials and providing them technical advice on environment, circular economy and sustainable value chains.
• Excellent research skills to analyse and compile relevant information from desktop research, stakeholder interview, and project implementation, in order to summarize, produce case studies and draw sensible conclusions.
• Excellent writing skills in drafting technical documents and reports, by summarising critical information from research and interviews, and tailor the language and styles towards policy makers and businesses.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and establishing and maintaining productive partnerships with clients.
• Working experience at regional and international levels is desirable; Experience in project implementation in developing countries in transition context is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the UN System and GEF projects is an advantage.
Language: Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.