Result of Service

The work of the consultant will contribute to the successful of a study on Marine-based non-plastic substitutes, building upon HS system mapping performed in 2023 and contributing to the INC and WTO DPP processes on plastic pollution, as well as for national advisory exercises.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

01.05.24 – 30.09.24

Duties and Responsibilities

Based on UNCTAD’s 2023 report mapping HS codes for non-plastic substitutes, a consultant is needed to prepare a study examining a subset of those products which can be sourced from marine areas (e.g. seaweed, minerals, coral), analyzing their trade, sustainability and development considerations. This should also involve a brief analysis of related environmental notifications by WTO members on national regulations currently applied to marine-based substitutes. Under the supervision of the project officer – DITC, and in close collaboration with other UNCTAD researchers, the study should consider products of high potential to developing countries with significant interests in marine and/or coastal areas, the consultant will perform the following duties: The analysis should consider A – Raw Materials; B – Products and C – Innovative by–products from marine resources. An analysis of environmental impacts from their extraction, usage and disposal should be performed, including best practices and lessons learnt. This study should consider products of high potential to developing countries with significant interests in marine and/or coastal areas. The work involved should be performed in close collaboration with other UNCTAD researchers and include the organization of a technical peer-review by materials scientists, trade and marine prospecting experts.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business, international economics or environmental sciences. 5 years work experience on trade and environment issues, especially focused on value chain and trade analysis. Experience in the packaging materials sector is an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.