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.

Purpose:

Under the MTS 2022-2025, UNEP developed a waste management programme towards zero waste. Waste disposal and recycling technologies as well as associated technology transfer are a key to developing integrated solid waste management systems in the member States. One of the priority waste streams is plastic waste which is recognized part of global plastic pollution within one of global priorities on three planetary crises.

In order to combat plastic pollution at a global level, the International Negotiating Committee on a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution (INC) has begun, and waste management issue is one of the topics discussed under INC. UNEP has prepared documents for the first session of the INC, which touch on technologies related to environmentally sound plastic production, plastic waste disposal and recycling, and plastic alternatives.

The proposed consultancy with UNEP staff and other experts will prepare a report on approaches to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society which are composed of 1) analysis on the carbon footprint of plastic waste; and 2) sustainable plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society, providing future possible scenarios and directions of sustainable plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society, taking into consideration socially and economically sustainable plastic waste management that also considers environmentally appropriate management of other waste.

B. Duties

Objectives: To prepare a report on approaches to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society

Output expectations: A core document (up to 50 pages), with additional information in annexes as necessary. A summarized 10-page version

Performance indicators: The production of the scoping paper, first draft and final draft programme document of the quality satisfactory to UNEP

C. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

A consult will work directly with and will be supervised by the Programme Officers responsible for plastic waste, UNEP-IETC. Also, a consultant will work with other consultants as a UNEP-IETC team.

The tasks of the consultant are: 1. Identify current status of plastic waste management with view to carbon footprint and social and economic aspects within the context of sustainability, and also identify an overview of the key issues related to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society with a brief analysis of the concept of carbon neutrality and its relevance to plastic waste management. 2. Analyze carbon footprint of plastic waste to discuss the carbon footprint of plastic waste, including the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, use, and disposal. 3. Identify approaches to sustainable plastic waste management from a carbon footprint perspective, describing different approaches to sustainable plastic waste management- such as waste reduction, reuse, recycling and circular economy models- that also entail impacts (positive ones, preferentially) on climate crisis, with examples of best practices from different regions or sectors. 4. Identify case studies among successful initiatives or projects related to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society to illustrate the benefits and challenges of different approaches, and provide insights into the factors that contribute to their success. 5. Draft a report on approaches to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society which are composed of 1) analysis on the carbon footprint of plastic waste; and 2) sustainable plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society, providing future possible scenarios and directions of sustainable plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society, taking into consideration socially and economically sustainable plastic waste management that also considers environmentally appropriate management of other waste. 6. Finalize a report on approaches to plastic waste management in a carbon-neutral society.

Qualifications/special skills Education: Masters or equivalent in the field of environmental management, environmental engineering, environmental policies and strategies, and other related areas.

Professional experience: - At least 7 years of professional experiences in environmental management of waste, waste disposal and recycling, waste policies, plastics production and recycling and other plastic related or waste related fields. - Experiences in UN technical report writing.

Special knowledge and skills: - Capacity to gather, analyze and synthesize data and generate relevant information (asset). - Prior experience working with international organizations (desirable). - Willingness to promote gender equity. - Cultural sensitivity / Appreciation of diversity.

* People from under-represented groups and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. * Gender considerations included: yes.

Languages Demonstrated capacity to write UN documents in English.

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.

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Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.un.org