Background

UNDP supports governments, businesses, local communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), In aiming towards circularity, to soundly manage chemicals and waste to reduce the risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals and protect the human health and environment, to phase out chemicals of concern, design out pollution and waste generation, increase the circular use of materials, ensure compliance with waste hierarchy principles and improve residual waste management. These interventions also facilitate the mainstreaming of chemicals and waste management into national development planning and budgeting processes

UNDP assists over 73 countries in meeting their obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances and its Kigali Amendment on HFCs (a global commitment that will avoid more than 80 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2050), the Stockholm Convention on POPs, Minamata Convention on mercury, as well as strategic approach of international chemical management (SAICM).

UNDP has been on the forefront of efforts to advance the Kigali Amendment to tackle the climate change and improve cooling efficiency by partnering with developing countries, MLF, GEF, K-CEP, CCAC, Cool Coalition, bilateral donors and private sectors. UNDP’s Chemicals and Waste Program helps client countries improve their capacities for sustainable production and consumption, clean air action plan, integrated waste management (healthcare waste, E-waste, plastics), sustainable and non-chemical development in SIDS, promotion of Green/Circular Economy, resource efficiency, good practice in Artisanal and Gold Mining sector (ASGM), and to make a comprehensive, long-term economic case for circularity and identify chemicals and waste-related interventions to support change.

The Chemicals & Waste Hub (CWH) team, part of the Global Policy Network (GPN), and housed by the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) of the United Nations Development Programme, is organized into a number of substantive technical teams, and part of the staff is located in UNDP’s Regional Hubs Bangkok providing policy and technical advisory, design and implementation oversight Asia-Pacific Region in accessing funds from the Global Environment Facility, the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and bilateral donors.

Hence, to further advance the regional support of UNDP on planning, resource mobilization and implementation/oversight of portfolios of Circular Economy, Montreal Protocol (cooling efficiency), sound management of chemicals, waste management, and their cross-cutting issues particularly related to the technical assistance to healthcare waste management and cooling energy efficiency, as well as to assist the delivery of the regional projects and programs (on plastics and waste management) in Asia-Pacific region , Green & Blue Economies, and to foster the regional integrated work amongst GPN and Regional Teams, the Chemicals & Waste Hub is looking for the services of a Regional Management Specialist to support coherent and systemic impact of these interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Coordinator of the Chemicals & Waste Hub, and in close collaboration with the Environment and Energy Regional Team Leader and relevant Regional Programme Focal Points, the Regional Management Specialist will provide advisory and assistance to the implementation of the Global Plastics Innovation Program (GPIP) Phase II: Addressing Plastic Pollution Through Policy, Innovation, and Awareness Raising funded by Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) , the Management of Plastics Waste and Circular Interventions on Plastics in South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) and other upcoming regional projects funded by bilateral donors,  facilitate country level activities under the Montreal Protocol, Chemicals and Waste Portfolio and support the development of Regional Knowledge Management Products and Strategies.

(S)he will work in close collaboration with the Regional Innovation Team, Regional Health Team and other GPN sub teams under the Bangkok Regional Hub, as well as RBAP teams and Country Offices for resolving complex programme-related issues including:

Advice for Strategic Planning Responsibilities

• Support the Identification of strategic programme areas of cooperation.
• Analyze and research information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost-sharing.
• Support the business planning processes mapping and facilitating the workflows between the Programme Team and portfolio development.
• Support design, development and implementation of national projects, regional projects and regional programmes related to the area of work in coordination with other technical experts from the regional hub.

Technical Guidance to project implementation Responsibilities

• Support the operationalization of the regional programmes and projects in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies (when and if relevant).
• Support the delivery of the bilateral projects on plastics, waste management and energy efficiency.
•  Coordinate CWH portfolio implementation with the executing/implementing partners.
• Guide on processes to identify, develop solutions for project-level operational and financial bottlenecks.

Oversight, Assurance and Management of Programme Implementation Responsibilities

• Support the effective application of Results Based Management tools, establishment of management targets and monitoring achievement of results.
• Provide advisory services ensuring full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Monitoring & Evaluation, Reporting, Communications and Knowledge Management Responsibilities

• Carry on a thorough analysis of the portfolio, review Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and other documents.
• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks. Knowledge products and communities of practice.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy

• Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management

• Portfolio Management. Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.  Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Policy and Programme

• Chemicals and Waste Hub. Sustainable Cooling
• Chemicals and Waste Hub. Chemicals and Waste: Persistent Organic Pollutants
• Chemicals & Waste Hub. Chemicals and Waste Hub. Chemicals and Waste: HFCs

Policy and Programme

• Climate Circular economy and green economy

Communications

• Advocacy strategy and implementation. Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences or other relevant disciplines is required;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree)  of working experience in public/private/international institutions in the area of multilateral environmental agreements at a national or international level is required.
• Knowledge management and communication: experienced in capturing lessons, developing, and disseminating knowledge materials and experiences.
• Working experience on implementation/oversight of projects/programme, related to Montreal Protocol and/or other environmental vertical funds is desirable;
• Experience on the strategic programming related to Policy, Planning, programmes and/or projects in the area of waste management is desirable;
• Knowledge on Montreal Protocol and GEF Project Preparation guidelines would be desirable;
• Knowledge on Climate Energy Finance issues would be an asset.
• Excellent analytical aptitude, communication, writing and presentation skill would be an asset;
• Global/Regional programming and implementation: Ability of Monitoring and Evaluation capacities/experience would an asset;

Required languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Working knowledge in other official UN language is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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