Result of ServiceDeliverables: A. Standardized PCB Project Component Development and Implementation: Develop a user-friendly standardized approach to facilitate the integration of PCB removal and disposal components into energy sector projects in developing countries and countries with economies in transition; B. Replication and Scalability: Prepare groundwork for replicating the approach and explore the potential for scaling the standardized approach beyond the energy transmission and distribution sectors, including big energy consumers; C. Reporting: Prepare a report on recommendations and strategies for engaging with relevant financing institutions for consideration at the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in 2025. Outputs: A1. Comprehensive standardized project component, outlining strategy and guidelines for integrating the phase-out of PCBs into energy sector projects; A2. Documented collaboration with implementing / financing organizations; B1. Documentation and guidelines for replication of the standardized approach; B2. Strategies for scalability of the standardized project component in other sectors than energy distribution and transmission; C. Report on recommendations and strategies for engaging with relevant financing institutions. The consultant updates the Programme Officer on a regular basis on the interim findings in the different working areas. All materials should be prepared in consultation with the Secretariat and submitted electronically. Work LocationGeneva Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions seeks a consultant to develop a replicable and scalable approach to achieve PCB-equipment removal from the energy sector (mainly in transformers and capacitors) in a way that will assist developing countries to comply with their PCB deadlines as regulated by the Stockholm Convention. Tasks and responsibilities: A. Standardized Project Component Development and Implementation: Develop a user-friendly standardized approach to facilitate the integration of PCB removal and disposal components into energy sector projects in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The standardized component shall address all aspects of PCB removal and disposal including the replacement of PCB-containing transformers with new transformers. Standardized project component development shall include the following activities: • Work with the BRS Secretariat and a consultant hired to determine PCB elimination requirements and best practices as input to the standardized approach; • Engage the World Bank (WB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) to understand how their projects are structured, including operational modalities, procedures and requirements, as well as GEF requirements applicable to the envisaged PCB removal program; • Identify strategies and opportunities to integrate PCB removal components into on-going or planned projects in the energy sector. The strategy shall address technical, policy and financial considerations, including aspects pertaining to energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental protection related to transmission & distribution (T&D) networks and the transitioning of the energy sector towards greater sustainability under climate change conditions; • Identify key operational stakeholders and recommend approaches that help integrate PCB components in investment projects and promote the adoption of the standardized approach. This may include, if requested, assistance to WB/IFC operational teams’ consultations with clients; • Work closely with WB/IFC staff to (i) draft funding and operational documents to demonstrate the integration of the standardized approach and communication strategy into on-going or planned projects on an expedited schedule, (ii) review and refine the project pipeline to which the standardized approach would be applied, (iii) support implementation in other ways to be agreed. B. Replication and Scalability: Prepare the groundwork for replicating the approach and explore the potential for scaling the standardized approach beyond the energy transmission and distribution sectors, including big energy consumers: • Propose a list of relevant organizations (particularly multilateral development banks). • Understand entry points in their programs and adapt the standardized approach to their operational modalities; • Reach out to selected organizations to present findings, discuss the potential application of the approach for their projects, and assist them including through the development of guidance documents and other materials; • Explore opportunities and strategies for application of the standardized approach to other sectors where PCB removal plays a role (scalability). C. Reporting: In close coordination with the BRS Secretariat, prepare a report on the work done for consideration at the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in 2025. The report should include: • Rationale of the chosen approach, summary of work carried out, findings and achievements; • Brief description of standardized approach, collaborations, financing and communication strategy; • Prospects for the successful implementation of the approach considering the PCB deadlines. • Recommendations; • Relevant background materials (annexes). The findings of the work will serve as input to the INF report on ‘further options for addressing the needs, including funding needs, and challenges met to reach the targets related to the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls’ for consideration by the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention at its twelfth meeting in 2025. Qualifications/special skills- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of electrical engineering, environmental engineering, or a similar field in the power sector is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible working experience in the energy sector with understanding of environmental issues is required. - Proven experience in project development and implementation at the global level is required. - Knowledge of the global environment facility (GEF) and multilateral development banks is also required. - Experience in developing and writing publications within the context of the United Nations is desirable. - Knowledge of PCB disposal operations would be an asset. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, including strong drafting/writing skills, is required. 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.
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