Result of Service

The consultancy aims to develop and strengthen Waste Management Strategies for Dominica and Belize, promoting sustainable practices through waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles. It will provide technical guidance and recommendations to enhance national policies and implementation plans, aligning with regional and international sustainability goals, including greenhouse gas emission reductions under the NDCs.This will be achieved through baseline assessments, stakeholder engagement, tailored strategies, and capacity-building for long-term impact. Under the supervision of the UNEP Regional Project Coordinator, the consultant will deliver:Baseline Assessment & Data Collection. 1. Conducting the baseline assessment and data collection including initial consultations for selected countries. Product No. 1.1: A baseline assessment report outlining the current state of waste management in Country 1 (Dominica), including waste generation data, disposal methods, and existing policies. Product No. 1.2: A baseline assessment report outlining the current state of waste management in Country 2 (Belize), including waste generation data, disposal methods, and existing policies. 2. Develop a comprehensive Recommended Waste Management Strategy, incorporating zero-waste initiatives, recycling, and circular economy principles. Product No. 2.1: Recommended Waste Management Strategy document, including vision, goals, action plans, and timelines tailored for Country 1 (Dominica) inclusive of recommended Partnership actions and Communication Plan. Product No. 2.2: Recommended Waste Management Strategy document, including vision, goals, action plans, and timelines tailored for Country 2 (Belize) inclusive of recommended Partnership actions and Communication Plan. 3. Policy and Legislative recommendations for selected countries and associated consultations. Product 3.1: Recommendations for improving existing policies and frameworks to bolster sustainable waste management practices in Country 1 (Dominica) including Consultation on Waste Management Strategy and Legislative Recommendations. Product 3.2: Recommendations for improving existing policies and frameworks to bolster sustainable waste management practices in Country 2 (Belize) including Consultation on Waste Management Strategy and Legislative Recommendations. 4. Revised documents for Dominica and Belize. Product No. 4.1: A document containing: Waste Management Strategy, Final Recommendations for Policy and Legislation and other Final Reports for Country 1 (Dominica). Product No. 4.2: A document containing: Waste Management Strategy, Final Recommendations for Policy and Legislation and other Final Reports for Country 2 (Belize). Under the overall supervision of UNEP´s Regional Project Coordinator, Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, Caribbean Sub Regional Office and in coordination with other key partners, the national legal consultant will be required to undertake: 1. Data Collection and Analysis including: o Waste Generation and Composition: Review existing studies and information and analyze the types and quantities of waste generated in different sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). o Current Waste Management Practices: Assess the existing waste collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal methods. Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. o Waste Infrastructure Assessment: Evaluate the capacity and condition of existing waste management infrastructure, including landfills, recycling facilities etc. o Environmental Impact: Conduct a preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts of current waste management practices, including pollution levels, greenhouse gas emissions, and impacts on local ecosystems. 2. Stakeholder Engagement including: o Stakeholder Mapping: Identify and categorize stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, NGOs, and community groups. o Consultations and Workshops: Organize and facilitate consultations and workshops with stakeholders to gather input, share findings, and build consensus on the proposed strategy. o Public Awareness: Recommend strategic areas for the development and implementation of public awareness campaigns to educate and engage the community on waste management issues and the benefits of the proposed strategy. This would include a communication plan. 3. Strategy Development including: o Vision and Goals: Review and Define the vision, mission, and strategic goals for waste management in the selected countries. o Action Plans: Develop detailed action plans for waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. Outline specific projects, timelines, and responsible parties. o Resource Allocation: Identify the resources (financial, human, and technical) required to implement the strategy. Propose funding mechanisms and sources. 4. Policy and Legislative Review including: o Review of Existing Policies: Analyze existing waste management policies and regulations, including NDCs. Identify gaps and areas for improvement. o Recommendations for New Policies: Propose new policies and make recommendations for amendments to existing regulations to bolster the implementation of the waste management strategy. o Legislative Advocacy: Contribute to the waste management entities in advocating for the adoption of proposed policies and legislative changes. 5. Implementation Plan Development including: o Phased Implementation Plan: Develop a phased implementation plan, outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions. o Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Create a framework for monitoring and evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the waste management strategy. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms. o Risk Management Plan: Identify potential risks and challenges to the implementation of the strategy. Develop mitigation measures and contingency plans. 6. Capacity Building including: o Training Programs: Recommend training programs for stakeholders, including government officials, waste management operators, and community members. o Technical Assistance: Recommend technical assistance required to collaborate with stakeholders during the implementation of the strategy. o Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices from other regions and countries with successful waste management systems. This detailed scope of work ensures a comprehensive approach to developing and implementing an effective waste management strategy for the selected countries. This will include the review of existing waste management strategies for the selected countries incorporating recommendations previously considered.

Work Location

home-based

Expected duration

9 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. Its 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 Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Purpose The UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, located in Kingston, Jamaica, is a catalyst, advocate, educator, and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the Caribbean environment. UNEP is an implementing partner in the European Union (EU) Action programme or the Caribbean, financed by the 11th European Development Fund on circular economy in general and of solid waste management, in particular. The Action seeks to improve the resource efficiency of Caribbean economies and is aligned with the EU’s Green Deal, including green economy approaches and obligations regarding Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). UNEP’s support focuses on the normative, knowledge and policy engagement components of the Action, strengthening national legislative frameworks and facilitating sub-regional and Caribbean wide action. The geographic scope of the Action includes the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Member States (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago). Other partners of the Action programme include the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and the Agence Francaise de Developpment (AFD), who are focused on piloting technical interventions in selected countries. The Caribbean region including countries such as Dominica and Belize face significant waste management challenges due to increasing waste generation, limited infrastructure, and inadequate recycling facilities. In Dominica, the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) leads efforts to improve waste management through zero-waste initiatives and circular economy practices. Aligned with national and international goals, Dominica aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2025 and 45% by 2030. Belize is working to enhance its waste management system through its National Solid Waste Management Policy, promoting waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal. However, challenges remain, including illegal dumping and limited recycling infrastructure. Each country is actively working with local and international stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management solutions. UNEP will promote uptake of best practices, lessons learned and appropriate and successful technology options. Objectives of the Consultancy are as follows: 1. Conduct a Baseline Assessment: Evaluate the current state of waste management practices in the selected countries building upon existing assessments / studies, identifying key areas for improvement. 2. Develop a Comprehensive Waste Management Strategy: Develop a strategy that promotes sustainable waste management practices, including waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy principles. Where a strategy exists, review and update the strategy accordingly. This should include an action plan to ensure operationalization of the strategy. 3. Strengthen Policy and Legislative Frameworks: Propose enhancements to existing policies and frameworks to bolster the implementation of the waste management strategy, including NDCs. 4. Foster Partnerships and Communication: Propose partnerships and a communication plan to ensure communication with local stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and communities, to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy. To this end, UNEP is seeking to develop Waste Management Strategies in Caribbean Countries with a focus on waste management strategy for (2) selected countries, namely Dominica and Belize. This is a home-based product-based consultancy, under the supervision of the UNEP Regional Project Coordinator, Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project, Caribbean Sub Regional Office.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Law or related fields is required. • Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Law or related fields is desirable. • Additional studies or specific training in Environmental Law and Policy, Waste Management or Circular Economy is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: – Seven (7) years of professional experience in areas related to Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, or Waste Management is required. – Experience in International and Caribbean Environmental Law and Public Policy is desired. – Experience in Environmental Management particularly with respect to Waste Management and Circular Economy, is desirable. – Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the UN and EU, is desirable. – Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and workshops is desirable

Languages

LANGUAGE: • Fluency in English is required. • Basic knowledge of Spanish is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: – Good command of MS Excel, Word, Power Point, and other platforms is desirable. COMPETENCIES PROFESSIONALISM: o Ability to develop communications knowledge management products and tools including publications, reports and communication materials. o Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. o Professional competence and mastery of subject matter; efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. o Good desk research and analytical skills, combining communication and good understanding of environmental issues. o Good organizational skills and problem-solving skills. COMMUNICATION: o Excellent communication skills, written and spoken as well as ability to draft or edit a variety of written reports including publications, summaries, concept notes and briefing notes. o Ability to ask questions for clarification and interest in having two-way communication. o Openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: o Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve project objectives; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, and able to work in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.

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.