Technical expert on in-situ disposal and destruction of PCB in SADC countries

Environment

Overview

Assist project countries with PCB disposal and destruction support.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental engineering or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of experience in environmental sciences, chemical safety, waste management, or related area is required.
• Practical experience with managing transport and storage of hazardous chemicals on the operational level conforming to the local regulations and international standards is required.
• Experience in the field of environmental health risk assessment for sound chemicals and waste management; including knowledge on health and environmental safety standards in workplaces of hazardous chemicals is desirable.
• Work experience with multilateral environmental agreements and the subject related to sound management of hazardous chemicals, in particular PCB, is desirable.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.

Result of Service The consultant will assist the Knowledge and Risk Unit with the provision of technical support to project countries on control measures for environmentally sound management and disposal of PCB in conformity with the Stockholm Convention objectives and under the project "Disposal of PCB oils contained in transformers and disposal of capacitors containing PCB in Southern Africa", in particular: - Support project countries to conduct disposal and destruction of PCB contaminated transformer oil and capacitors. - Conduct field visits in project countries to supervise the contractor to make sure the standards and workplan are well followed.

Work Location Remote-home based

Expected duration 10 months

Duties and Responsibilities Background (Org. 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.

The Knowledge and Risk Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of UNEA resolutions. The Knowledge and Risk Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Unit executes projects and covers topics related to lead in paint, persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides, chemicals in products, among others. The Unit also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as antimicrobial resistance, and assists in implementing mandates received through the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) on the GCO-II, sustainable chemistry and the Sustainable Development Goals.

--Specific tasks and responsibilities The tasks and responsibilities of the consultant will be as follows:

• Review national standards and provide technical guidance to the national consultants on construction and temporary storage of PCB contaminated waste and equipment, operational activities, coordination with unitalities and logistics plans.
• Conduct reviews as needed and provide guidance for the establishment of health and environmental safety standards in maintenance, storage and environmentally sound disposal of PCB contaminated equipment.
• Review contractor EHS plans and relevant technical documents, ensuring compliance with meeting international guidelines in order to provide the assistance required, as applicable.
• Provide substantive inputs for the preparation and review of technical documents and presentations in meetings.
• Provide technical inputs for the development of guidance documents for the disposal and destruction of PCBs where applicable.
• Coordinate and follow-up with partners on matters related to the assigned work.

• Support effective implementation of technical assistance activities related to the GEF project “Disposal of PCB oils contained in transformers and disposal of capacitors containing PCB in Southern Africa” as needed.

  Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental engineering or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying' experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five years of experience in environmental sciences, chemical safety, waste management, or related area is required. Practical experience with managing transport and storage of hazardous chemicals on the operational level conforming to the local regulations and international standards is required. Experience in the field of environmental health risk assessment for sound chemicals and waste management; including knowledge on health and environmental safety standards in workplaces of hazardous chemicals is desirable. Work experience with multilateral environmental agreements and the subject related to sound management of hazardous chemicals, in particular PCB, is desirable. Work experience in implementing environmental projects involving various partners, clients and stakeholders is desired. Experience of the United Nations system in particular UNEP is an asset.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

  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 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org