JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service

The ultimate result of services is that effective and safe implementation of the 9421 project activities in Tajikistan will be ensured through systematic on-site technical oversight, adherence to environmental and occupational safety standards, and close coordination among national and international project partners. The consultant’s work will result in timely and quality-assured delivery of risk reduction activities in contaminated villages, effective liaison with national authorities and stakeholders, and strengthened compliance with UNEP and GEF safeguards and technical requirements.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

8 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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. 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 EA ensures that all activities, including procurement of goods and services, are carried out in strict compliance with the rules and procedures of UNEP and GEF, and ensures coordination between the countries and consistent execution and reporting of national project activities. 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). After studying the feasibility of both alternatives, the Project Steering Committee selected Plan C

• Containment of the waste in engineered landfills as the best 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. Beside the planned containment works at Vaksh landfill, the project has extended its scope of work in Tajikistan increasing the number of villages where risk reduction activities will be carried out from 1 to 10. The planned risk reduction activities will be carried out by National Delivery Partner (NDP) Peshsaf, a national NGO with relevant experience in the field of obsolete and POPs pesticides management. The organization will also provide clean water supply to the village of Oykamar, where risk reduction activities have been carried out earlier in the project and a new risk of water contamination was identified after completion of the risk reduction works. A National Consultant for the Technical Oversight of Risk Reduction Activities in Tajikistan will be required for engagement with the project with a primary focus on quality control, HSE control, and scope compliance control of risk reduction activities funded by the project. The National Consultant will receive on the job training and guidance during the first Risk remediation activity that will be carried out in Tajikistan from the project’s Technical Advisor, who is engaged with the project via UNOPS. During further risk reduction activities, the National Consultant will work more independently. (The Technical Advisor and UNEP remain available for guidance and questions.) A secondary responsibility is providing liaison and analytical support to UNEP regarding the political, socio-economic, and organizational situation in Tajikistan in relation to the implementation of planned technical works of the project. Regarding the liaison function the National Consultant will also be responsible for liaison between UNEP, local authorities, implementing partners and communities. The National Consultant should be also open to questions and requests from the Technical Advisor / UNOPS. The consultant will provide technical oversight and in-country support for the implementation of GEF 9421 Project in Tajikistan. This includes:
• Monitoring the implementation of risk reduction activities by Peshsaf in 9 contaminated villages;
• Providing analytical support to UNEP regarding the political, socio-economic, and organizational situation in Tajikistan in relation to the implementation of planned technical works of the project;
• Providing effective liaison between UNEP, local authorities, implementing partners, and communities;
• Providing early identification and mitigation of health, safety, quality, and cost-control risks during implementation. Key tasks and responsibilities are outlined below:
• Provide continuous technical supervision and on-site monitoring of Peshsaf’s risk reduction works in contaminated villages.
• Ensure that all works comply with approved technical designs, HSE standards set out in the HSE plan (including compliance with method statements and risk assessments), and environmental safeguards.
• Verify quality and safety of handling, loading, transport, and interim storage of hazardous wastes, contaminated soil and other materials.
• Report any non-compliance, unsafe behaviors, risks occurring that were previously unidentified, or incidents and propose practical mitigation measures.
• Support UNEP and UNOPS in consultations with the Committee for Environmental Protection, local administrations, and community representatives.
• Facilitate communication between UNOPS, Peshsaf, and national stakeholders during mobilization and field implementation.
• Provide technical input and contextual advice to UNOPS during the review of designs, environmental assessments, and work plans.
• Contribute to progress reports, field visit summaries, and briefing notes prepared by UNEP for the donor and national partners.
• Participate in coordination meetings as required by UNEP.
• Maintain accurate records of field oversight, including photographic documentation and site visit logs / daily diary.
• Support capacity building and knowledge exchange with national partners on environmental and safety aspects of contaminated site management. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Project Manager of the 9421 project. The incumbent will prepare a workplan for the duration of the contract. Each quarter, in order to account for adjustment of priorities, the workplan will be reviewed jointly with the Project. A report on the delivery of the workplan will be prepared at the end of each calendar month in combination with the monthly progress report to monitor and identify issues.

Qualifications/special skills

Master’s (or equivalent) in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, or related field. 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 professional experience with international project implementation regarding persistent organic pollutants, hazardous waste management, contaminated site remediation, or related fields is required. Professional experience in the implementation of POPs and hazardous waste projects in Tajikistan would be an asset. Prior work with international GEF/UN projects, or other multilateral agencies would also be seen as an asset. Strong technical knowledge of POPs/chemicals management and risk reduction. Proven experience in site supervision, HSE monitoring, and stakeholder coordination. Excellent analytical and reporting skills.

Languages

Fluency in English and Russian or Tajik is required; knowledge of Tajik is highly desirable.

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.