Result of Service

Flagship publications: the State of Zero Waste in World Cities Report and the Zero Waste Guide.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. The position is in the Urban Basic Service Section of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) with the Global Solutions Division in Nairobi. The Global Solutions Division (GSD) is responsible for providing programmatic direction for UN-Habitat and is responsible and accountable for the programmatic delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Division leads the tools and methodology production and the integration of the various substantive competencies towards the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan and the mandate of UN-Habitat. It provides substantive training to staff members and supports the capacity development of Member States and partners. The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is the tools and methodology production and skills centre of the UN-Habitat, which develops normative guidance and cutting-edge tools through communities of urban practice. It provides technical and policy advice approaches and methodologies to MCOs/CO, government, and partners and mainstreams them throughout the programme portfolio. It also ensures that the cross-cutting area of safety and the social inclusion issues of human rights; gender; children, youth, and older persons; and disability are developed and mainstreamed across the Agency. The Urban Basic Services Section aims to develop and implement pro-poor policies, norms, guidelines, standards, regulatory frameworks, and operating procedures, for expanding access to urban basic services and improving the standard of living of the urban poor, with a focus on Water and Sanitation; Mobility and Transport; Energy; Waste Management; and the application of people-focused frontier technologies for service delivery. The position will focus on supporting UN-Habitat work on promoting zero waste approach to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Zero Waste Publications project aims to advance global understanding and promote practical solutions for sustainable waste management, with a focus on eliminating waste generation and fostering circular economies. Through a diverse range of outputs, these publications highlight successful practices, case studies, and actionable strategies for cities and communities worldwide. This effort supports the broader objectives of reducing environmental impact, addressing climate change, and achieving the SDGs, particularly those related to responsible consumption and production, sustainable cities, and environmental conservation. The publications serve as educational tools, awareness-raising materials, and resources for policymakers, practitioners, and communities seeking to adopt zero waste principles. The Report on the State of Zero Waste in World Cities provides an in-depth analysis of current waste management practices, policies, and innovations across cities and regions worldwide. Through comprehensive case studies and comparative data, the report showcases successful approaches, highlights challenges, and identifies critical lessons for the adoption of zero waste strategies. It serves as a key resource for policymakers, urban planners, and sustainability advocates, offering actionable insights on how different regions are transitioning to zero waste models, while aligning with broader global sustainability goals, such as the SDGs. Complementing the report, the Zero Waste Guide offers a practical, hands-on approach for individuals, communities, and organizations aiming to adopt zero waste practices in their daily lives. This guide provides step-by-step strategies, tips, and best practices for reducing waste generation, promoting recycling, and fostering a circular economy. Designed for a wide audience, it serves as an accessible resource for anyone looking to contribute to a more sustainable, zero waste future at the local level. Together, the report and the guide form a comprehensive toolkit, from high-level global analysis to everyday actionable solutions for waste management. Responsibilities The Consultant will be responsible for the development and coordination of two flagship publications: the State of Zero Waste in World Cities Report and the Zero Waste Guide. The Consultant will work closely with a designated expert group and other stakeholders to ensure the successful production, review, and launch of these publications, contributing to global zero waste efforts. The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Develop the terms of reference (ToR) for the expert group that will contribute to the State of Zero Waste in World Cities Report, ensuring that the roles, expectations, and deliverables are clearly outlined. 2. Compile a list of potential experts and practitioners in zero waste and urban sustainability fields to join the expert group. The list should highlight the field of expertise of each expert and how their role can contribute to the State of Zero Waste in World Cities. This task includes liaising with relevant stakeholders and organizations. 3. Formulate a comprehensive draft outline for the report, covering key themes, case studies, and analytical sections. This draft will serve as the foundation for further development and review by the expert group. 4. Facilitate communication and coordination with the expert group, ensuring regular meetings and updates to discuss progress on the State of Zero Waste in World Cities, including minutes writing and facilitation. 5. Identify and collect relevant case studies from various cities and regions to showcase successful zero waste initiatives. This content will be integrated into the State of Zero Waste in World Cities Report. 6. Develop the initial structure and content outline for the Zero Waste Guide, ensuring that it covers practical tips, strategies, and solutions for individuals and communities to adopt zero waste practices. 7. Coordinate with selected partners to write and support the first draft of the guide, incorporating zero waste principles and actionable recommendations for users at all levels of engagement. 8. Review the first draft of the Zero Waste Guide with the selected experts, ensuring their feedback is integrated into subsequent versions. 9. Finalize the Zero Waste Guide based on feedback from selected experts, through three online meetings/workshops, ensuring a high-quality, user-friendly publication. 10. Coordinate and organize the launch event for the State of Zero Waste in World Cities Report, Zero Waste Guide, Coffee Table Book, and Zero Waste Comic Book. This will include logistical planning, speakers coordination, and promotional material designing.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in sciences or a closely 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. Seven years of experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, preferable in drafting and managing publications, particularly in the fields of waste management, environmental sustainability, or urban development is required Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, including liaising with expert groups, facilitating meetings, and managing feedback loops is essential Proficiency in using office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is also required Familiarity with the United Nations system or other international organizations will be regarded as a significant advantage Experience in organizing and coordinating high-level events is highly desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages is 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.