The consultant will provide support to the Knowledge and Risk Unit in implementing the GEF project on disposal of PCB oils contained in transformers and disposal of capacitors containing PCB in Southern Africa. In addition, the consultant will provide reports and information that will support the work on HHPs and EPPPs that is being carried out by the Chemicals and Health Branch.
Ultimately, the consultant will contribute to the Chemicals and Health Branch Programme of Work on generating and sharing knowledge on PCB, HHP and EPPPs as outlined in this ToR, which will contribute to the Knowledge and Risk Unit influencing decision-making on sound management of chemicals and waste.
Home-based
12 months
Venue of workplace:
This is a home-based position.
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The fees of consultants and individual contractors are expressed in gross amounts. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. The United Nations does not reimburse consultants or individual contractors for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultants or individual contractors on payments made under the individual contract. The United Nations does not issue statements of earnings to consultants and individual contractors.
Background (Org. Setting)
--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.
--The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use, and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices, and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.
--The Knowledge and Risk Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Unit executes projects and covers topics related to persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides and chemicals in products, among others. The Unit also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as antimicrobial resistance, and assists in implementing mandates received through the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Purpose/Justification
The incumbent will support the Knowledge and Risk Unit in fulfilling its functions, specially, in responding to the mandates received through the United Nations Environment Assembly and the International Conference on Chemicals Management.
The consultant will support the execution of activities on highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants (EPPPs) and providing targeted technical assistance for the implementation of the project “Disposal of PCB oils contained in transformers and disposal of capacitors containing PCB in Southern Africa”.
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Knowledge and Risk Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, Economy Division, and the direct supervision of two Programme Management Officers responsible for PCB, and HHPs and EPPPs respectively within the Knowledge and Risk Unit, the consultant will support (i) proving targeted technical assistance for the execution of the PCB project in Southern Africa that is led by the Branch and, (ii) raising awareness with science and knowledge to highlight EPPPs challenges, and alternatives to HHPs.
Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience: -- A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration implementation or related area.
-- Experience in the field of environmental health risk assessment for sound chemicals and waste management; including knowledge in PCB, pesticides or pharmaceutical pollutants.
--Work in governmental, intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society or other chemicals and wastes related stakeholders.
--Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner.
--Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build robust relationships with key strategic partners.
--Experience in the United Nations, particularly in UNEP is an asset.
Language: --Fluent written and spoken English is required.
--Knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.
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