JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service

Industry is a key actor for GHS implementation, as it will ultimately be required to execute the regulatory requirements that are to be adopted. To help facilitate the spread of information and build capacity related to GHS, the chemical industry usually works through national/local chemicals associations. Often, these associations have a staff member or contact person with specific expertise in GHS, as well as a number of local contacts throughout the region. The four recipient project countries either do not have such associations, or no staff member with GHS expertise to help facilitate these activities. The consultant will assist the Knowledge and Risk Unit with engaging industry stakeholders through meetings and workshops in GHS Africa project countries, while also supporting the refinement of training materials for capacity building developed by UNITAR. The consultant will also provide support for country-specific implementation related to industry engagement, analyzing stakeholder feedback, and fostering collaboration between government and industry actors. The consultant will serve as focal point to coordinate industry participation and engagement for the pilot project to support African countries in overcoming barriers in implementing the UN GHS. The consultant will work with all project stakeholders to:

• establish effective industry-government collaboration platforms for GHS implementation.
• enhance stakeholders” capacity through tailored training.
• address barriers to GHS adoption and ensure ongoing engagement and feedback mechanisms that support the successful and sustainable integration of GHS in the participating countries.

Work Location

Home based / Working remotely

Expected duration

80 days (4 months) of work within 7 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. The Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division leads UNEP”s sub-programme on Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality. UNEP’s programme of work centers around assistance to countries and multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) secretariats to assist in technical-scientific issues related to priority chemicals and implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Governing Council resolutions. The Knowledge and Risk Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of UNEA resolutions to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Unit 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 Officer-in-Charge, Head of the Knowledge and Risk Unit, and working directly with the Associate Programme Management Officer, Knowledge and Risk Unit, the Industry Consultant for GHS in Africa will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Conduct initial stakeholder engagement, establish of industry working groups & introduction webinars

• Mapping of key stakeholders and establishment of industry working groups in target countries.
• Development of an engagement framework.
• Conduct introductory webinars and calls.
• Organize Inception workshops (2-3 days) and host high-level CEO breakfast meeting. 2. Support the development and compilation of training materials
• Assess existing and newly developed GHS resources and help customize materials based on country needs.
• Support UNITAR with compiling materials into user friendly modules, slides, exercises with UNITAR.
• Share and gather feedback on training materials. 3. Conduct technical training workshops and develop capacity building resources
• Prepare detailed agendas and materials and plan for 3-day technical training workshops.
• Distribute finalized training resources.
• Deliver technical training / capacity building workshops in project countries. 4. Gather feedback and monitoring, conduct follow-up mentorship and final handover and produce a final report
• Collect stakeholder feedback and generate progress reports based on inputs
• Provide mentorship and technical support addressing challenges and clarifying issues
• Organize final review and handover.
• Compile final comprehensive report and support updates for sustainability roadmaps. Performance indicators:
• Timely and high-quality inputs for the production, review and finalization of documents and workshop materials.
• Initiate an industry-regulator dialogue and gather input/feedback from at least 8 chemical companies (both multinationals and local/SMEs) per country.
• High level of accuracy in reviewing and drafting documents, ensuring alignment with project goals, and clarity in task assignments and timelines.
• Efficient communication and coordination with project countries, partner agencies, experts, other consultants and UNEP project manager.
• Timely and detailed follow-up of the processes for the delivery of expected outputs consistent with the implementation of the project workplan.
• Above listed tasks successfully delivered, including satisfactory acceptance by Associate Programme Management Officer of the Knowledge and Risk Unit.

Qualifications/special skills

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related topic. At least 5 years of relevant work experience in chemicals management and hazard communication and project management is required. Experience with cross cultural and multi-ethnic working environment is required. Knowledge of the chemical industry in one or more of the recipient countries is required. Ability to in write, edit, and produce accurate technical materials for non-technical audiences is required. Experience with industry associations and governmental bodies leading / participating in regulatory advocacy work on hazard communication issues is desirable. Experience in organizing and conducting training on chemicals management, hazard communication (Safety data sheets requirements, Classification and labelling criteria according to GHS, etc.), Responsible Care, or any other related topics would be preferred.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in oral and written French 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.