Result of Service

A structured, user-oriented and accessible knowledge base on chemicals, waste management, and innovative materials in the fashion and construction sectors is established, alongside a clear identification of knowledge gaps and priorities. This includes a curated compendium of existing resources, training materials, and best practices, as well as actionable, evidence-based recommendations to inform programme strategy, support country-level implementation, and contribute to ongoing development and application of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The consultancy will result in: • A structured knowledge document-based repository on chemicals, waste management, and innovative materials in the fashion and construction sectors • A consolidated mapping of knowledge needs, including mapping of gaps, needs, stakeholders, and training resources • A curated compendium of existing materials, tools, and best practices • Actionable evidence-based report with recommendations to inform programme strategy and knowledge product development • Technical inputs to support GHS-related activities, including background research, GHS framework report reviews, and drafting content • Strengthened linkages between global knowledge resources and country-level implementation needs.

Work Location

Home-based / Working remotely

Expected duration

The duration of the contract is nine (9) months at 60% of the time (part-time), at a monthly rate of USD $3,200 (USD $5,333 at full-time), for a total amount of USD 28,800 (twenty-eight thousand eight hundred United States dollars), corresponding to Level B in the UN Administrative Instruction for Consultants and Individual Contractors (ST/AI/2013/4.rev1).

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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The Branch gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Branch executes projects and covers topics related to chemicals in products, lead in paint, persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides, mercury among others. The Branch also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as antimicrobial resistance, and assists in implementing mandates received through the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) on green and sustainable chemistry, issues of concern, high impact sectors and the Sustainable Development Goals, among others. UNEP is leading the GEF-8 Integrated Programme (IP) on supply chains titled “Eliminating hazardous chemicals from supply chains”. This is a full-size project (FSP) for which the Chemicals Science and Policy Unit is executing the Global Coordination Project, “Global Replication to Eliminate Hazardous Chemicals from Supply Chains,” (GEF ID 11177). The Branch also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS). The project “Increasing the global implementation of GHS through a pilot focusing on Africa” aims to support the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) in four African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, and Nigeria) with a parallel goal to further develop a framework to support the global implementation of GHS. The project partners include the European Union (EU), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemicals Science and Policy Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the tasks and responsibilities of the individual contractor will be as follows: Conduct knowledge mapping, research and analysis • Conduct desk research and review existing programme documentation, reports, and relevant initiatives. • Map existing knowledge platforms, databases, tools, and training resources related to chemicals, waste management, and sustainable materials in fashion and construction. • Identify and analyse knowledge gaps and priority needs across the value chains. • Conduct research on sustainable and innovative material options, including assessment of performance, environmental impact, and feasibility. Support development and management of knowledge database and programme needs assessment • Contribute to the design and structuring of a knowledge database/compendium for the programme. • Collect, curate, and organise relevant documents, tools, and materials into a user-friendly format. • Support the development of knowledge products (e.g. reports, guidance materials, compendiums). • Provide evidence-based inputs and recommendations to inform programme strategy and outputs. • Organise and support consultations, surveys, and exchanges with country projects and stakeholders. • Develop and maintain a stakeholder mapping of key actors (industry, academia, technical experts). • Engage with country-level partners to validate findings and identify priority needs. • Support mapping and identification of training and capacity-building opportunities. Support to activities on and coordination with Global Frameworks • Provide inputs to activities related to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), including research, review, and drafting contributions (as required). • Support engagement with the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) and sectoral implementation programmes on fashion and construction. • Contribute to the preparation of the Global Forum and other programme events. Provide general programme and coordination support • Support coordination and communication with internal teams and external stakeholders. • Provide inputs to reports, presentations, and programme documentation as required. In addition, the individual contractor will provide further support as required and requested by the Programme Management Officer of the Chemicals Science and Policy Unit.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to Environment/ Material Science/Engineering. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: At least two years of demonstrated experience with topics related to engineering, materials analysis & performance comparisons based on performance, efficiency, and viability is required. Demonstrated ability to gather, synthesize, and assess technical and policy-related information is required. Demonstrated experience with project coordination support, resource planning, and strategic thinking is required. Academic or practical understanding of material properties and applications is required. Experience with knowledge management tools, databases or data visualization platforms (e.g. Power BI or similar) is an asset. Experience working on Fashion and Construction topics in the contexts of chemicals, waste and materials is an asset. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulate manner. Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to structure and organize large volumes of information into coherent frameworks or knowledge products. Understanding of supply chains in the fashion and/or construction sectors, including material flows, value chain dynamics, and key environmental or chemical considerations. Experience or comfortable with knowledge management tools and digital platforms (e.g. databases, Airtable, Notion, SharePoint, or similar) for organizing and structuring research outputs.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement and proficiency in/knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

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.