Result of Service
The ultimate outcome of this consultancy is the development of comprehensive national inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, accompanied by a regional synthesis report summarizing key findings and trends across all seven countries. Based on the data collected and analyzed, the consultant will also develop a strategic plan for the environmentally sound collection, transport, and disposal of such substances. The plan should include consideration of feasible options for recycling, reclamation, and cost-effective destruction, in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and relevant international best practices.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background: 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 serves as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Through its OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), UNEP provides global management services to ensure that National Ozone Units (NOUs) receive adequate advisory support, capacity-building, and technical assistance to implement activities approved by the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the Multilateral Fund. The global programme management services further ensure that the ExCom receives timely, accurate, relevant, and high-quality project proposals, financial and substantive reports, and information on implementation progress at the national level. At various meetings, the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund approved projects for the “Preparation of National Inventory of Banks of Used or Unwanted Controlled Substances” for Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The main objective of these projects is to establish comprehensive inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances in these countries and to develop a plan for the collection, transport, and environmentally sound management of such substances. This includes considerations for recycling, reclamation, and cost-effective destruction in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and related international best practices. In this context, UNEP requires the services of a qualified consultant to lead the nationwide data collection and analysis of inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances in the seven target countries. The consultant will be responsible for designing and coordinating the national data collection processes, consolidating and analysing the data, and preparing comprehensive inventory reports for each country. This consultancy is based within UNEP’s Law Division, Africa Office, under the OzonAction Branch. The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Network Coordinator of the Anglophone Network of Ozone Officers, who will provide technical oversight and guidance throughout the assignment. Duties and Responsibilities: In close coordination with UNEP, as well as the respective National Ozone Units (NOUs) of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, the consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Develop an Inception Work Plan and Methodological Framework o Prepare a detailed work plan outlining timelines, milestones, country engagement strategies, and deliverables for the consultancy. o Develop a project implementation checklist to guide the execution and monitoring of the assignment. o Present the inception plan to UNEP and NOUs for validation and refinement. 2. Design Data Collection Tools and Methodology o In consultation with UNEP and the NOUs, design a standardized questionnaire and data collection template tailored to national contexts while ensuring regional comparability. o Define key data parameters, including the types, quantities, and sources of used or unwanted controlled substances, storage conditions, and existing management practices. o Establish criteria for identifying and categorizing banks of used or unwanted controlled substances. o Ensure that the tools incorporate provisions for gender responsive, environmentally sound, and safe data collection procedures. 3. Coordinate and Oversee National Surveys o Work closely with each NOU to plan and implement the nationwide survey in the seven countries. o Provide in-country technical guidance and oversight to national teams conducting data collection. o Ensure adherence to agreed methodologies, data quality standards, and ethical considerations. o Support NOUs in identifying and engaging key stakeholders, including government institutions, industry leaders, laboratories, customs, and waste management facilities. 4. Data Consolidation, Verification, and Analysis o Compile and validate all collected data to ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness. o Conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of national survey results to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for intervention. o Estimate the potential volumes of recoverable and disposable controlled substances, as well as the environmental impact of existing banks. 5. Preparation of Analytical and Technical Reports o Draft country-specific analytical reports summarizing findings, data sets, and recommendations for each of the seven countries. o Develop a consolidated regional synthesis report comparing findings across countries and highlighting regional trends and lessons learned. o Include recommendations for policy, regulatory, and technical actions required to manage and dispose of controlled substances sustainably, in line with Montreal Protocol obligations. 6. Review and Revision Process
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in engineering or environmental science or related area is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, or a related technical field is required. Experience should demonstrate the ability to manage and implement complex technical or environmental projects involving multiple stakeholders. Experience in data collection, verification, and management at the national or regional level, particularly in relation to chemicals management, refrigerant inventories, or waste management, is required. Proven ability to design and implement surveys, analyze data, and prepare technical reports is highly desirable. Experience working with or supporting National Ozone Units (NOUs), government ministries, or international organizations in the field of environmental protection or sustainable development is desirable. Familiarity with UNEP project management procedures and international reporting standards would be considered an advantage.
