Consultant on Chemicals and Waste

Result of ServiceThe consultant will contribute to the implementation of Decision 1 on Pollution of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, to promote regional cooperation on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The consultant will perform the following tasks: 1. Develop the Resource Mobilization Strategy Work Programme 2023-2024: a. Review the existing Resource Mobilization Strategy of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, and identify opportunities and gaps to update the document, taking into account the Work Programme 2023-2024 adopted by the Forum of Ministers. b. Develop a draft version of the Resource Mobilization Strategy, for consideration of the Steering Committee and governmental focal points of the Intergovernmental Network. c. Collaborate in the presentation of the Resource Mobilization Strategy. d. Finalize the Resource Mobilization Strategy, taking into account comments received by the UNEP Secretariat, Steering Committee, and government Focal Points. 2. Contribute with the organization of capacity building and information exchange activities on chemicals and waste: a. Identify in coordination with the UNEP Secretariat priority activities within the framework of the Work Programme 2023-2024 of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for LAC. b. Prepare at least two concept notes for knowledge exchange sessions. c. Collaborate with the Secretariat in the organization and conduction of the proposed knowledge exchange sessions, including identification of partners and speakers, meeting documents and outreach materials, communication with target audience, conduction of the sessions, and summary reports. d. Contribute to the regular communications and meetings of the focal points of the Network, including inputs on related knowledge exchange and capacity building opportunities, to be disseminated through the Newsletter of the Network. 3. Contribute to the development of the Action Plan 2025-2028 of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for LAC: a. Identify emergent issues on chemicals and waste at regional level, taking into account the developments of the regional and international agenda on chemicals and waste, particularly in relation to the Global Framework on Chemicals. b. Design a survey reflecting possible priority issues and regional cooperation actions, for circulation to the focal points of the Intergovernmental Network. c. Collaborate with the Secretariat in the collection and analysis of inputs from country focal points, as well as with the related discussion meetings with focal points and other relevant stakeholders. d. Develop a synthesis report with the identified priority issues and possible collaboration actions in the LAC region, which will inform the development of the Action Plan 2025-2028. Outputs: 1. Resource Mobilization Strategy Work Programme 2022-2023. 2. Enhanced capacity and knowledge on the sound management of chemicals and waste in LAC countries. 3. Identification of priority issues and possible collaboration actions for the Action Plan 2025-2028 of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for LAC. Deliverables: Product No. 1: Report with the Resource Mobilization Strategy of the Work Programme 2023-2024 of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for LAC, including a description of the process and methodology conducted. Product No. 2. Report with a description of the capacity building and information exchange activities conducted in the framework of the Work Programme 2023-2024 of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for LAC, including evidence and key indicators of participants, visual summary reports of knowledge exchange events, and communications to focal points. Product No. 3. Synthesis report of the identified priority issues and possible collaboration actions in the LAC region, which will inform the development of the Action Plan 2025-2028, including a description of the methodology and survey conducted to governmental focal points. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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 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 UNEP Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme has the goal to minimize the adverse effects of chemicals and waste on human health and the environment. Within the framework of the UNEP Chemicals and Pollution Action Programme, the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) is currently leading a range of intergovernmental initiatives as well as providing support to the implementation of projects in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The LAC Office also supports the countries in the strengthening of the nexus of environment and health, through integrated assessments, pollution prevention strategies, capacity building, awareness raising activities, etc., in coordination with relevant partners. The sound management of chemicals and waste has been stated as a priority for LAC countries in different fora. During the XXIII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean (Panama, 26 October 2023), Decision 1 on Pollution was adopted, where Ministers reaffirmed the need for concerted action by all countries in the region to effectively address the risks to human health and the environment arising from the unsound management of chemicals and waste throughout their full life cycle. Also, LAC countries adopted the Work Programme 2023-2024 within the framework of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean, on regional cooperation for the integrated management of chemicals and waste, and requested UNEP, as Secretariat the Intergovernmental Network, to (i) develop a draft Resource Mobilization Strategy; (ii) promote capacity building actions to facilitate the effective implementation of the Work Programme; and (iii) support the development of the Action Plan 2025-2028, taking into consideration the priorities and emerging issues in the region, and the developments of the international and regional agenda on chemicals and waste. In order to support these demands from countries in the LAC region, UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office is seeking a consultant on Chemicals and Waste. The consultant will be under supervision of the Programme Management Officer of Chemicals and Pollution Unit of the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office and will work in close coordination with the relevant UNEP Divisions and units and will work home-based. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: - Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Policy, Law, or related areas is required. - Master’s degree in Environmental and natural Sciences, Toxicology, Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, International Law, or related areas is required. - Additional studies or specific training on project management or data analytics is an asset. PROFESSIONAL: - At least four (4) years of professional experience in areas related to environmental management, environmental policy and regulation, environment and health, or environmental engineering is required. - Specific experience and research on the sound management of chemicals, toxicology or public health is desired. - Working experience in the Latin America and the Caribbean region is an advantage. - Knowledge of the United Nations System is an advantage. LANGUAGE: - Fluency in Spanish is required. - Fluency in English is 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 multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment. - Software skills: - Good command of excel, word, MS Power Point and other platforms. LanguagesNot available. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.