Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of services is to ensure that the Central Asia DDT the project’s National Delivery Partners are supported in completing the activities to update the legal frameworks in both countries with a special focus on containment, to develop national strategies for sound management of hazardous waste and POPs and to provide guidance and training on licensing & inspection. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration60 working days over a 9 months period Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. UNEP’s mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Europe Office’s (ROE) main goal is to provide guidance to national governments at various levels, and to take part in the dialogue on environmental issues between governmental authorities, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders. Europe office is the Executing Agency (EA) for the project “Demonstration of non-thermal treatment of DDT wastes in Central Asia (Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan) (GEF ID 9421)” (Central Asia DDT). The overall objective of the project is to build national and regional capacity for the Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of hazardous waste including Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in line with the requirements of the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. The project is comprised of two Components: (1) Disposal and reduction of POPs and (2) Long term capacity building for improved hazardous waste management. According to the original design of the project planning, the project was aiming to dispose of at least 5,000 tons of DDT and associated POPs wastes from two main sites using disposal methods of Super Critical Water Oxidation (SCWO) (Plan A) or Co-processing in cement kilns (Plan B). The procurement of the SCWO technology was unsuccessful and although a project Feasibility Study found that co-processing to dispose of DDT waste could be a disposal option in the Kyrgyz Republic, both project countries officially confirmed that they were not convinced about the safety and practical applicability of co-processing. Thus it was decided to continue project implementation with Plan C - Containment of the waste in engineered landfills, the last possible disposal option that is in line with the technical guidelines of the Basel Convention. The project scope and budget are in the meantime revised to enable the implementation of Plan C. A series of capacity building activities have been implemented including support for updating the legal and regulatory framework for POPs waste management, licensing and permitting, awareness raising and knowledge management. An international legal, licensing and inspections expert will be required for engagement with the project to complete the legal licensing and inspections activities started earlier and to develop and carry out additional activities relevant to containment of POPs waste, in line with the new disposal strategy of the project. Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the key tasks and responsibilities outlined below: • complete project activities for updating the legal and regulatory frameworks in both countries for sound hazardous waste and POPs management; • develop additional resolutions with both countries relevant to containment; • complete project activities for the development of national strategies on sound management of POPs and seek endorsement and adoption from governments; • complete project activities for the development of national guidance documents on licensing and on inspections; and train licensing and inspections staff in both countries. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 5 years of working experience as an International Legal / Licensing Expert in the framework of GEF-funded Chemicals and Waste focal area projects is required. Knowledge of the Basel and Stockholm Conventions required. Experience in the implementation of POPs and hazardous waste projects in Central Asia or other Former Soviet Union countries would be an asset. LanguagesFluency in English, including good drafting/writing skills is required. Working knowledge of Russian, and or Tajik/Kyrgyz languages is desirable. 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.