Regional Consultant – Circularity in Electronics Sector in ASEAN region

Result of ServiceA comprehensive regional report and supporting policy briefs on CE products in ASEAN, aligned with circular economy ambitions in ATIGA of ASEAN. The study will offer recommendations for enabling the cross-border movement, production, and adoption of CE products and associated waste streams, while addressing member states' concerns and constraints. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration4 months (full-time) Duties and ResponsibilitiesA. Background: (1) Organisation 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 Industry and 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. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. The Centre promotes and advocates sustainability of waste management and disposal, based on the circularity principles and through the life-cycle approach. Sound management of waste contributes to all three pillars of sustainable development. In particular, UNEP-IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. UNEP-IETC also implements in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, UNEP-IETC mission is to serve as a global centre of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on holistic waste management. UNEP-IETC is also contributing to the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee processes from the waste management perspective. (2) Purpose: Under UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2022–2025, waste prevention and sound management—particularly of hazardous and problematic waste streams such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)—are recognized as core priorities. The Circularity in High Impact Sectors programme (which includes electronics alongside textiles, plastics, and mining) provides the framework for action. Electronic products have complex value chains and pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed sustainably. The electronics sector is therefore a key entry point for advancing circularity transitions. Among circular strategies, remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, and reuse in the electronics sector are increasingly recognized as high-impact interventions to extend product lifespans, reduce environmental burdens, and promote resource efficiency. Remanufacturing in particular offers significant environmental and economic benefits—including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, material use, and electronic waste generation—while creating opportunities for green jobs and technology innovation. These benefits are especially relevant in ASEAN, where electronics manufacturing is a major economic driver, and where demand for affordable, high quality electronics is increasing. This consultancy aims to assess the current landscape, enabling conditions, and constraints for CE product development—particularly remanufacturing—in ASEAN. It will generate evidence-based policy recommendations to support the operationalization of circular economy principles in ASEAN region. This assignment contributes directly to the Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, particularly under the workstreams on circularity in high-impact sectors, integrated waste management, and enabling policies for sound chemicals and waste management. B. Duties: (1) Objectives: To assess the readiness and potential for consumer electronics (CE) product development in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and propose policy measures that support their safe production, movement, and use. (2) Output expectations: (A) Regional Assessment Report: - Overview of CE products in the ASEAN context (remanufactured, refurbished, repaired, reuse, valued waste) Regulatory landscape across ASEAN Member States (AMS) on CE product production and movement - Social and economic benefits, including quantitative data to influence policymaking - Risks, challenges, and AMS concerns related to cross-border movement 7 of 8 - Strategic policy options and enabling measures (B) Policy Briefs (2-3): - Brief for ASEAN policy makers on how to support CE product circulation under ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) - Summary brief for national-level adaptation and regulatory alignment (C) Regional roadmap and implementation guide: - Proposed shared standards for collection, dismantling, export, - Basel compliance guidance and capacity needs. (3) Performance indicators: • Timely submission of all outputs by agreed deadlines • All deliverables submitted in Word and PDF by agreed deadlines • Peer review by UNEP and ASEAN stakeholders • Evidence of stakeholder input (e.g. consultation, interviews) • Robustness of policy and quantitative analysis as evaluated by UNEP. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: A consultant will work directly with and will be supervised by Head of IETC. Also, a consultant will work with other consultants and staff members in a UNEP electronics team. The tasks of the consultant are: • Conduct desk review of existing regional assessment and ATIGA provisions • Develop stakeholder map and consultation plan • Gather and synthesize information from ASEAN member state’s regulatory frameworks • Quantify the socio-economic and environmental benefits of CE products • Identify barriers and propose enabling measures • Draft policy recommendations and present them to UNEP and ASEAN stakeholders • Revise outputs based on feedback. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental policy, trade, circular economy, public administration, business development or a related field. • A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Professional experience: • At least 6 years of professional experiences in waste management, circular economy, chemicals and pollution control, trade-environment linkages, electronics sector policy, or environmental policy • Demonstrated experience in regulatory analysis, quantitative assessment, and stakeholder consultation • Knowledge of ASEAN structures or experience working with regional policy frameworks is an advantage. Languages• Demonstrated capacity to write UN documents in English. • Working knowledge of one or more ASEAN languages is a plus 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.