KIP and HPMP preparation consultant

Result of ServiceThe consultant will deliver fully compliant, high-quality Kigali HFC Implementation Plan (KIP) Stage I proposals for four countries (Gabon, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Príncipe, and Barbados) and an updated HPMP Stage II proposal for Sao Tome and Príncipe, ensuring alignment with Multilateral Fund (MLF) guidelines, Executive Committee decisions, and technical requirements. These outputs will enable the countries to: • Meet initial Kigali Amendment obligations, including freezing HFC consumption at baseline levels and achieving the first 10% reduction target; • Strengthen national regulatory and institutional frameworks for HFC phasedown and HCFC phaseout; • Implement gender-responsive and sustainable cooling strategies, incorporating climate and energy-efficiency co-benefits; • Secure timely approval of all proposals by the MLF Secretariat, facilitating disbursement of funds and commencement of implementation activities. The consultant’s work will directly contribute to building national capacities, supporting compliance with the Montreal Protocol, and advancing UNEP’s objectives for ozone and climate protection. Work LocationHome based Expected duration9.1 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: 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 Law Division works with international and non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, businesses, and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of Conventions and international Agreements. UNEP serves as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Through its OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), UNEP delivers targeted technical and policy support to empower National Ozone Units (NOUs). This assistance enables NOUs to effectively implement activities approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, meet their compliance obligations under the Montreal Protocol, and address the evolving technological and operational needs of stakeholders involved in national-level implementation. Kigali HFC Implementation Plans (KIPs) are national action plans that help countries phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - powerful greenhouse gases widely used in cooling and foam products - under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. They outline how each country will measure and control its HFC use, strengthen regulations such as import licensing and quota systems, and transition to climate friendlier alternatives. Stage I of a KIP focuses on meeting the first obligations: freezing HFC consumption at a defined baseline and achieving an initial 10% reduction, supported by activities like technician training, policy updates, and - in some cases - converting manufacturing processes. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase out Management Plans (HPMPs) support countries in meeting their Montreal Protocol obligations to eliminate HCFCs - ozone depleting substances used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam production. HPMPs outline national strategies and activities such as policy strengthening, technology upgrades, and technician training to phase out HCFC consumption while transitioning to ozone- and climate-friendly alternatives. Through funding and technical assistance from the Multilateral Fund, these plans help countries meet phased reduction targets and sustain long term compliance. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the day-to-day supervision of the ExCom Coordinator, in cooperation with Regional Network Coordinators for Francophone Africa and the Caribbean, and under overall supervision by the Head of Branch, the consultant will: Task 1: Support the preparation of KIP Stage I Project proposals in 4 LVC countries (Gabon, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, and Barbados) a) Review and Validate Policy, Legislative, and Institutional Framework • Assess national ratification status of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments. • Review existing HFC related legislation, import/export licensing and quota systems, and enforcement arrangements. • Identify gaps and needs for strengthening regulatory frameworks. • Provide an overview of the status of implementation of HCFC and HFC related projects and take any lessons learned into consideration when designing the KIP strategy b) Support national consultants in HFC Surveys and Data Analysis • Provide methodology for data collection and validate HFC consumption data by substance and blend for the last five years. • Establish or estimate the national HFC baseline for compliance using the approved methodology. • Map sectoral distribution of HFC consumption, including manufacturing, servicing, and where relevant, imported pre blended polyols. • Analyze drivers of consumption trends and explain significant variances • Validate survey findings against CP and Article 7 data. c) Sectoral Assessment • Assess the HFC manufacturing sector (if applicable), including enterprise level data, technology status, and potential conversion needs. • Conduct a full assessment of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing sector: equipment population, charge sizes, leakage rates, technician workforce, training institutions, and supply chains. • Evaluate the local installation/assembly subsector where feasible d) Develop the Overarching HFC Phase down Strategy • Formulate a long term strategy covering all planned stages until 2045. • Identify priority sectors and substances for KIP Stage I. • Propose reduction steps, estimated costs, and anticipated climate and energy efficiency co benefits. • Ensure alignment with MOP Decision XXVIII/2 and MLF cost effectiveness and eligibility guidelines. e) Prepare the KIP Stage I document • Develop detailed components for Stage I, including regulatory measures, technical assistance, training, investment activities (if applicable), and public awareness. • For manufacturing projects (if applicable): compile required enterprise information, baseline equipment analysis, technology options, and incremental cost calculations. • For servicing sector: design activities (training, certification, RRR schemes, customs capacity building, illegal trade prevention, end user interventions, etc.). • Develop structure of the tranches, quantifiable outputs, budgets, implementation timelines, and roles of implementing agencies. f) Prepare Plan of Action for the First Tranche • Develop structure of the first tranche, quantifiable outputs, budgets, implementation timelines, and roles of implementing agencies. • Ensure compliance with the MLF tranche design principles, including disbursement conditions and monitoring requirements. g) Gender Mainstreaming Requirements • Integrate the MLF’s mandatory gender mainstreaming requirements and indicators throughout the KIP. • Ensure gender-responsive data collection, participation, training, and project design. h) Drafting of all required KIP documents • The consultant will prepare: o Executive Summary. o Full KIP Stage I document (Sections I–V as prescribed in the Guide). o Project cover sheet and required tables. o Draft Agreement between the Government and the Executive Committee. o All annexes (survey tools, sector data, gender indicators, etc.). Task 2: Review and update of HPMP Stage II Project proposal for Sao Tome and Principe a) Review the draft HPMP Stage II Project proposal for Sao Tome and Principe, assessing its alignment with HPMP Stage II guidelines and relevant ExCom Decisions. b) Provide detailed recommendations to strengthen the proposal’s alignment with Multilateral Fund (MLF) guidelines, decision criteria, and technical expectations. c) Update the HPMP Stage II Project proposal for Sao Tome and Principe for Government and UNEP review d) Finalize HPMP Stage II submission package, incorporating feedback NOU and UNEP and fully compliant with the HPMP guidelines e) Respond to MLF questions and comments Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in science, engineering, or environmental policy is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least 10 years of proven experience in the preparation, review, and implementation of environmental projects related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the Montreal Protocol, is required. Extensive experience in drafting and documents for the Multilateral Fund or similar international mechanisms, particularly related to HPMPs and KIPs is required. In-depth knowledge of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing and manufacturing sectors is desirable. Demonstrated ability to integrate gender considerations into technical project design and implementation is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, written and verbal English and French proficiency is required. 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.