Result of Service

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical advice for the implementation of the UNEP Sub-regional Office portfolio, particularly in Chile, by supporting the UNCT activities in accordance with the implementation of the 2024 Work Plan, aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2026 (UNSDCF), and promoting the UNEP agenda in Chile, by supporting the ministries and national institutions according to its programmatic approach, in line with the Medium-Term Strategy. In addition to that, advice will be given to the LAC regional initiatives related to integrated pollution and waste management. The related expected outputs will be: 1) The outcomes defined from the UNCT Environmental Working Group for the implementation of the UNSDCF in Chile are covered and strengthened. 2) UNEP’s portfolio of projects in Chile is implemented, and activities are developed in relevant areas defined by the government and its institutions. 3) Training and capacity building activities have been carried out in the countries of the region, including through based on the work of the university consortium for sustainable waste management. 4) The objectives and activities proposed in the Work plan of the Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites are being implemented and the results are aligned with the LAC countries’ needs. Specific tasks and responsibilities In close collaboration between the Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone located in Montevideo, Uruguay, the Chemicals and Pollution Unit for the LAC Office (Panama), and the International Environmental Technology Center (IETC), based in Osaka, the consultant will perform the following tasks: 1. Monitoring initiatives and activities of the UNCT’s work in Chile, in accordance with the implementation of the 2024 Work Plan, aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2026 (UNSDCF). a. Contribute with the implementation of the 2024 Work plan adjusted by the UNCT, in particular, the outcomes/outputs related to Strategic priority N°3 of the Cooperation Framework. b. Promote the development of inter-agency initiatives with emphasis on those relevant environmental issues to the country. c. Provide technical and political guidance to emerging activities of the UNCT, on matters related to UNEP’s work, and within the scope of the national needs. 2. Promoting the UNEP agenda in Chile, by supporting the ministries and national institutions according to its programmatic approach, in line with the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS 2022-2025). a. Promote the development of environmental projects and initiatives from ministries and different institutions in the country, aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks, designing of policies and capacity building. b. Collaborate with the implementation of the Escazu Agreement, the Framework Law on Climate Change, the Sustainable food systems agenda, and those emerging topics from the government. c. Monitoring UNEP’s projects and initiatives under implementation in the country. 3. Strengthening of capacities on integrated waste management in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): a. Provide guidance for the work of the Coalition for the progressive closure of dumpsites in LAC. In particular, support the components on capacity building and awareness raising of the Work Plan of the Coalition 2024-2025, in coordination with relevant partners of the Coalition and governmental focal points. This will include at least two regional knowledge exchange sessions, on priority topics for the Coalition, such as regionalization of waste management infrastructure, and prevention and management of methane emissions from waste sector. b. Advice the coordination of the LAC University Consortium on Sustainable Waste Management and the related training and educational activities organized by the Consortium, facilitating UNEP engagement. In particular, provide guidance with the organization of the International Course on sustainable waste management in LAC, to be held in Chile, June 2024, between others from the Consortium. c. Contribute with the development and implementation of the UNEP Zero Waste programme in the LAC region, in particular in relation with the promotion of EPR in LAC countries, development of project proposals, among other UNEP upcoming interventions to assist LAC countries (e.g. Uruguay, Brazil). d. Explore the possibility of replicating the Peru organic waste climate financing model to other LAC countries.

Work Location

Montevideo, Uruguay

Expected duration

9 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. Its mandate is to coordinate 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office, located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America, located in Montevideo, Uruguay, provides support and coordinates efforts with the Governments of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. It has increased its commitment to governments and other interested parties, to deepen the analysis of the environmental challenges and opportunities that the sub-region is currently facing. The UNEP Chemicals and Pollution Sub-programme has the goal to minimize the adverse effects of chemicals and waste on human health and the environment. In this framework, the objective of the Towards Zero Waste programme is to improve waste and wastewater management through, inter alia, minimizing material input and waste and wastewater generation, circular processes, safe recovery of secondary raw materials and progressive reduction of open burning and dump sites. 1. Purpose The UNEP Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone provides support and coordinates projects and activities in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Particularly in Chile, UNEP supports the implementation of the Workplan 2024, as a member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2026 (UNSDCF). This is articulated by the integration with other UN Agencies, as part of the Working group of the environmental Strategic Priority defined in the UNSDCF. Along with that, UNEP Sub-regional Office deploys its work agenda in the country by promoting activities with different ministries and national entities, throughout the elaboration of collaboration agreements, support in the design and review of public policies, and development of events and publications in topics such as: climate change, environmental information and participation, biodiversity, sustainable infrastructure, and sustainable food systems. On the other hand, the Chemicals and Pollution Unit for the LAC Office, in Panama, in partnership with international, national and local partners, under its Programme of Work, and UNEA Decision on Sound management of chemical and waste, has embarked upon strengthening its activities on waste management. It includes scientific assessments, development of national and city waste management strategies, plans, and programmes, capacity building and training. Within this framework, UNEP supported the establishment of the University Consortium for Sustainable Waste Management in LAC, from where a variety of academic activities have been developed since 2016. In addition to that, it coordinates the work carried out by the LAC Voluntary Coalition for the Progressive Closure of Dumpsites, promoting the active participation of the countries, in fostering environmentally sound waste management in accordance with Decision 1 Pollution, of the XXIII Meeting of the Forum of the Ministries of Environment of LAC (October 24 to 26, 2023. Panama City). To achieve its purposes, support the UNEP portfolio in the region, and respond to the growing demands of governments and other key stakeholders, both at the regional level and in the southern cone, UNEP requires an Environmental Programme Consultant. The incumbent will conduct his/her work under the direct supervision of the UNEP Head of the Subregional Office for the Southern Cone, in coordination with the UNEP Programme Management Officer of Chemicals and Waste Subprogramme. The consultant will work full-time, 40 hours per week a full-time basis at the UNEP Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone, located in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, natural resources, science, engineering, or related fields is required. • Master’s degree in environmental management, natural resources, science, engineering, or related fields is required. • Additional studies or specific training on environmental affairs, waste management, and environmental education are an asset. PROFESSIONAL: • At least four (4) years of professional experience in areas related to environmental science, natural resources management, waste management and capacity building is required. • Experience with projects and initiatives related to waste management and capacity building is desired. • Working experience in the Latin America and the Caribbean region and knowledge of regional and national stakeholders is desired. • Knowledge of the United Nations System is an advantage. LANGUAGE: • Fluent in Spanish (required). • Fluent in English (required). • Knowledge of other official languages in the United Nations System is an advantage. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • Professionalism: • Ability to develop communications knowledge management products and tools including publications, reports and communication materials. • Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. • Professional competence and mastery of subject matter; efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. • Good desk research and analytical skills, combining communication and good understanding of environmental issues. • Good organizational skills and problem-solving skills. • Communication: • Good communication skills, written and spoken as well as ability to draft or edit a variety of written reports including publications, summaries, concept notes and briefing notes. • Ability to ask questions for clarification and interest in having two-way communication. • Openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed. • Teamwork: • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve project objectives; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, and able to work in omulti-cultural, multi-ethnic environment. • Software skills: • Good command of excel, word, MS Power Point and other platforms.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.