Specialist on Solid Waste Management

Result of ServiceThe objective of the consultancy is to create a comprehensive, user-friendly waste-to-energy assessment tool and deliver associated training tailored to Caribbean countries. This tool will evaluate the technical feasibility, environmental impact, economic viability, and social acceptance of waste-to-energy proposals, helping stakeholders determine if a proposal is worth further detailed evaluation. The development involves understanding current waste management practices, defining key assessment criteria, developing the tool's framework and interface, pilot testing, gathering feedback, and providing training. The tool will be launched with ongoing bolstering and updates to ensure its effectiveness. Participating project countries will also be trained to utilise the tool to support national decision making. Existing assessment experiences will also be reviewed, e.g. those conducted by the EU in Barbados or the UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) and GIZ. The assessment tool will be applied through training sessions conducted virtually with at least 8 project countries. Under the overall supervision of the UNEP Regional Project Coordinator, Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, Caribbean Sub Regional Office, the consultant will deliver the following products: Outputs/Work Assignments (must be tangible and/or measurable) 1. Assessment of existing and suitable solid waste management treatment options in the Caribbean, with a focus on waste to energy in project countries. Product No. 1: Report outlining methodology including stakeholder engagement processes and data collection, and the assessment of existing and suitable solid waste management options in the Caribbean, with a focus on waste to energy compiled and designed in a form that will facilitate converting it into a virtual toolkit. 2. Regional waste-to-energy assessment tool. Product No. 2: A document in the form of an assessment tool, structured in a practical way, to serve as a preliminary guide in assessing the pros and cons of a waste-to-energy proposal or concept, using existing research in the region, available guidance materials and existing assessment experiences. Deliverable to be presented to Project Regional Technical Advisory Committee (RTAC). This tool will build upon related material already developed by UNEP and other development partners. 3. Testing of the waste-to-energy assessment tool in at least 8 project countries. This would include relevant virtual training workshops with countries and utilisation of case studies using local proposals / projects. Product No. 3: A document defining training of at least 8 countries , including utilization of the tool including the consultation and validation process with the countries. The document will include also the testing plan of the tool including key stakeholders to be engaged and results of the pilot testing. Virtual Training will include the review of local case studies. 4. Final Report including details of Consultations and Testing of the Tool Developed and associated training and Final Recommendations. Product No. 4: A document reflecting outcome of main elements of the execution of the assignment including recommendations for subsequent phases or associated technical input to project countries. Revised assessment tool based on feedback from the testing phase. Under the overall supervision of the UNEP Regional Project Coordinator, Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, Caribbean Sub Regional Office, the consultant will be responsible for the following activities: 1. Analyse existing and suitable solid waste management options in the Caribbean, with a focus on waste to energy solutions. This includes examining current waste management provisions, identifying barriers and opportunities for improvement, and considering circular economy approaches linked to climate change and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Existing assessment experiences, such as those by the EU in Barbados or UNEP's International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) and GIZ, will be reviewed to inform the development of the assessment tool. This tool will be applied in at least two Caribbean countries to gather data and insights for further refinement. 2. Develop a regional waste-to-energy assessment tool or adapt a waste-to-energy assessment tool specifically for the Caribbean region. This tool will serve as a preliminary guide to evaluate the pros and cons of waste-to-energy proposals or concepts. Its development will be informed by existing regional research, available guidance materials, and past assessment experiences, ensuring it addresses the unique circumstances and requirements of the Caribbean. The tool will help stakeholders make informed decisions about whether to proceed with more detailed evaluations of these proposals. 3. Test the regional waste-to-energy assessment tool through the delivery of training modules for at least 8 project countries utilising the tool to evaluate local waste to energy proposals. This capacity building phase aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing waste-to-energy solutions compared to other waste management options, taking into account the specific needs and priorities of the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries. The process will involve a detailed analysis of existing waste management practices, infrastructure, and potential for waste-to-energy projects. In addition, guidance will be provided on alternative waste management strategies to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The insights gained from these training sessions will refine the tool and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing waste management practices across the region. Work Locationhome-based Expected durationEight month contract 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. 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 UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the Caribbean environment. UNEP is an implementing partner in the European Union (EU) Action programme or the Caribbean, financed by the 11th European Development Fund on circular economy in general and of solid waste management, in particular. The Action seeks to improve the resource efficiency of Caribbean economies and is aligned with the EU’s Green Deal, including green economy approaches and obligations regarding Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). UNEP’s support is focused on the normative, knowledge and policy engagement components of the Action, strengthening national legislative frameworks and facilitating sub-regional and Caribbean wide action. The geographic scope of the Action includes the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Member States (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago). Other partners of the Action programme include the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and the Agence Francaise de Developpment (AFD), who are focused on piloting technical interventions in selected countries. UNEP promotes uptake of best practices, lessons learned and appropriate and successful technology options. A key objective of the Action Programme is to strengthen solid waste management legal and strategic frameworks, including, amongst other actions, an assessment of suitable waste management options, including waste to energy assessment tool and testing in pilot countries. To this end, UNEP is seeking a specialist on solid waste management consultant, with a focus on waste to energy in the Caribbean. This is a home-based product-based consultancy, and the work and outputs of the consultant will be supervised by the UNEP´s Regional Project Coordinator, Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, Caribbean Sub Regional Office, in coordination with the UNEP Regional Coordinator of Chemicals and Pollution Programme, LAC Office, and in close collaboration with the UNEP International Environmental Technology Center (IETC), based in Osaka, Japan. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: • Bachelor´s Degree in environmental management, environmental engineering, development economics, engineering or a closely related area is required. • Master´s Degree in environmental management, environmental engineering, economics, or a closely related area is desirable. • Additional studies or specific training in environmental management and policy is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: • Seven (7) years of professional experience in areas related to environmental management, waste management, circular economy, and/or waste-to-energy technologies and practices is required. • Working experience on waste management and environmental management and policies at an international level and particularly in the Caribbean is desirable. • Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, particularly of the UN and EU, is desirable. • Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and workshops would be desirable. LanguagesLANGUAGE: • Fluency in English is required. • Confidence in Spanish is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • Good command of MS Excel, Word, MS Power Point, and other platforms. COMPETENCIES: 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: • Excellent 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. 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.