Title: National Environmental Expert

​Requisition ID: 3894
Grade: SB5 – Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior)
Country: Burkina Faso
Duty Station: Ouagadougou
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-When Act. Employed
Application deadline: 10-July-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization’s development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization’s normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Division of Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP) contributes to greener and more circular industries and products by minimizing both resource use along value chains and the emission of pollutants to the environment. The Division promotes just transitions to circular economies, reduced release of pollutants into the environment and other green industrial and economic approaches to help Member States to grow economically while simultaneously addressing the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. It does so by supporting resource efficiency increases in the manufacturing and use of products along value chains and during the life cycle of the product; by reducing or eliminating the emission of non-fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions; and by assisting in achieving the objectives of and compliance with multilateral environmental agreements. In doing so, its activities further improve competitiveness, as well as the development of and access to markets, particularly for SMEs. This contributes to climate-neutral, resilient, pollution-free industrial development, supporting co-existence that is in harmony with nature. The Division acts as the focal point in UNIDO for various multilateral environmental agreements and multilateral co-operation in the field of the environment, including the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and emerging international, legally binding instruments such as the instrument to End Plastic Pollution; the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), and other partnerships such as the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP), the Partnership for Action for Green Economy (PAGE), the Green Industry Platform (GIP) and other relevant international initiatives and conventions. The Division coordinates its advisory and service delivery with the services offered by other technical departments, and other relevant organizational entities of UNIDO.

This position is located under the Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit (TCS/CEP/RMC), which is responsible for supporting Member States to implement the chemicals and wastes obligations and requirements under the Basel, Minamata, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions and other emerging relevant agreements, in particular where it relates to larger and formalized industries and sectors, and to leverage its experience to address industrial pollution mitigation in general as well as other emerging compliance mechanisms. With novel approaches to materials and chemicals management and to innovation, with training and education, and with implementing circular economy approaches in particular related to the extension of product life by maintenance, the Unit further leverages its experience to facilitate responsible materials sourcing and to support smaller enterprises and entrepreneurs in greening their businesses.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) is a collaborative initiative implemented in various countries and regions worldwide, involving governments and five United Nations agencies: the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Since its inception in 2014, PAGE has played a vital role in Burkina Faso, particularly in the development of the National Green Economy Strategy (SNEV). This strategy serves as the cornerstone for the country’s transition to a green economy. A key aspect of this transition is the promotion of enterprise resource efficiency, recognized as a powerful tool for developing and emerging economies to meet growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impacts, including those related to climate change.

The government of Burkina Faso recognizes tourism as a significant driver of economic growth and income generation. It is fully aware of the environmental repercussions associated with tourism development and is committed to addressing these challenges effectively.

With an emphasis on green recovery, PAGE is set to bolster the formulation of a comprehensive approach to evaluate the waste and resource efficiency landscape of a select tourism enterprise. This initiative aims to develop guidelines for resource efficiency and lay down a foundation for establishing an Eco Label Certificate scheme. The analysis will serve as a baseline for a future strategy that complies with the climate agenda and give specific attention to the development and systemic improvement of the waste management practices, optimizing supply chain management, and improving resource efficiency in water and energy consumption, within the country’s tourism sector.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the UNIDO project manager and in close cooperation with the respective Project Associate, the selected National Consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks:

1. Conducting a thorough analysis of existing legislation to identify gaps in the country’s regulatory framework within the tourism sector, particularly related to energy, water, waste and supply management. Proposing policy recommendations for the tourism sector aimed at advancing renewable energies, improving water management practices, enhancing waste management, optimizing supply chain management, and promoting natural resource consumption efficiency in alignment with national sectorial strategies.
2. Developing guidelines aimed at enhancing resource efficiency, waste management, and sustainable practices within the accommodation sector, while also addressing other related sectors such as transportation, restaurants, and tourist sites, which form part of the tourism supply chain and related amenities. These guidelines will consider any post COVID-19 measures implemented by the government, including national responses and recovery plans, and will outline work methods to ensure the safety and security of workers and workplaces, and ecosystems conservation.
3. Proposing a framework for establishing an Eco Label or Sustainability Certification scheme aligned with international standards and best practices (e.g., LEED certification, Green Leaf, Green Globe, Stay Well). This involves identifying the appropriate government entity to oversee the certification scheme’s operation and conducting a thorough mapping of relevant stakeholders for national certification implementation process
4. Identifying and engaging at least one enterprise interested in greening their processes and obtaining an Eco Label or Sustainability Certificate in a voluntary framework but serving as pilot for proposing a regulated framework in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
5. Collecting public data (e.g., energy and water consumption and waste generation, etc.) to conduct a comprehensive baseline analysis of resources efficiency and cleaner production in the tourism sector.
6. Identifying key challenges, opportunities, and weaknesses for resources consumption optimisation and efficiency, considering at least, energy, water, waste and supply chain management.
7. Identifying the best environmental practices and the best available technologies for waste treatment, energy and water consumption efficiency, chemicals management, and biodiversity management
8. Developing a methodology and proposing a system for monitoring and evaluating the environmental impact (resource efficiency, GHG emissions, biodiversity conservation, etc.) and social impact (creation of decent jobs, gender equality, and economic growth) based on the environmental accounts developed by the UNWTO.
9. Presenting the results of the assessment, including achievements, conclusions, findings, and a summary of activities aimed at advancing renewable energies, improving water management practices, enhancing waste management, optimizing supply chain management, and promoting natural resource consumption efficiency as well as proposed Eco Label or Sustainability Certification framework. This presentation will be made to relevant national stakeholders, including the PAGE Steering Committee (CTS) and others if necessary, in a coordinated manner.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, Economics, Environmental Management, or other relevant discipline, is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least 7 years of professional experience working at national or international level in environmental management, national policy development and related areas, preferably with a strong emphasis on industry, industrial waste management and/or environment and resources efficiency programme/project management, is required.
• Cutting-edge knowledge on related technologies as well as their application, current developments, public acceptance and respective technology innovation processes, is desirable.
• Demonstrable understanding of opportunities and challenges for inclusive and green economy transition is desirable.

LANGUAGES:

Fluency in written and spoken French and English is required.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values:

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org