Project Management Support - Specialist (Waste Management) (Retainer)

Background on South East Asia and the Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO):

The Asia Region (AR) - South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries  across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background on EAPMCO Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.  

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time.  Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people. 

EAPMCO Papua New Guinea Project Information

E-Waste Management Program 

The E-Waste Management Program in Papua New Guinea is a project funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia and managed by UNOPS. The program aims to develop and implement effective strategies for the management of electronic waste in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The program will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, to establish e-waste collection systems, recycling facilities, and awareness campaigns and to develop the capacity of government counterparts in waste management. The program aims to promote the safe disposal and recycling of e-waste, reduce environmental pollution, and create economic opportunities through  the establishment of a sustainable e-waste management sector.

Position Summary

The  Waste Management Specialist will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance in the development and implementation of the E-Waste Management Program in Papua New Guinea. The Specialist will work closely with the project team, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of program activities.

The position is home-based with travel to Papua New Guinea when required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support and Specialist Services:

• Support the development of the e-waste management strategy and action plan in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

• Conduct assessments and studies to identify the current status of e-waste management in Papua New Guinea and recommend appropriate interventions.

• Provide technical advice and guidance on e-waste collection, recycling, and disposal methods, considering environmental sustainability and best practices to PNG Government counterparts.

• Undertake a needs analysis and jointly implement a capacity development plan with and for PNG Government counterparts

Stakeholder Management and Coordination

• Collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to raise awareness on e-waste management and promote behavior change.

• Monitor and evaluate the progress of program activities, and prepare regular reports on program performance and outcomes.

• Support the coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.

• Identify opportunities for innovation and knowledge sharing in the field of e-waste management.

Gender Mainstreaming

• Ensure the Solid Waste projects and all its activities pro-actively includes gender considerations and adequately mainstreams them through the implementation of targeted and mainstreaming actions.

• Ensure that the project activities, outputs, and indicators mainstream gender.

• Promotes a gender-responsive institutional environment of the office in accordance with UN Values.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, waste management, civil engineering, or a related field. 

• A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in solid waste management with particular experience in e-waste management in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is required.

• Experience in developing and implementing e-waste management strategies and programs is an advantage.

• Knowledge of international best practices and standards in e-waste management is preferred.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination is an advantage.

• Familiarity with the context and challenges of e-waste management in Papua New Guinea or similar developing country settings would be an asset.

Project Related Competencies

• Technical expertise in e-waste management and environmental sustainability.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.

• Proactive approach to work and ability to take initiative.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.

• Proficiency in computers and Google Office Suite is desirable.

  
  

Language:

• Fluency in the English language (i.e., writing, reading, and speaking) is required.

• Working knowledge of Tok Pisin is an asset.
  
  

1. Contract type: IICA
2. Contract level: ICS 10 / IICA-2
3. Contract duration: One year with a possibility of extension

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.