Solid Waste Management Advisor

UNOPS in South Asia

UNOPS office in Sri Lanka provides technical, operational and administrative support to 4 countries in the South Asia region: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. UNOPS work in this region focuses on the construction and operation of high quality sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement, project management for host governments, development partners and UN agencies. Projects target a range of sectors such as education, health, urban development, environmental services, solid waste management, climate change mitigation, as well as a range of “soft” support in capacity building, operations and maintenance of public assets, local governance, etc.

The UNOPS office in Sri Lanka has been working in the sector of Solid Waste Management (SWM) for more than 10 years and has experience in Sri Lanka and Maldives on implementing integrated SWM systems. UNOPS is supporting Governments in the region with improving its capacity to apply an integrated and holistic approach when combating waste related issues, rather than treating is as a mere disposal problem. This includes components such as support to develop a viable business and financial model for SWM, capacity development for improved public service provision, construction of high quality waste management infrastructure, financing, operations and maintenance and communication and public awareness-raising of the communities for their necessary contribution to the waste management process.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The overall purpose of this assignment is to 1) position UNOPS as a trusted advisor and partner in the SWM sector, and 2) develop existing and new opportunities with regard to the SWM sector in Sri Lanka. Given the increased interest and focus on the sector by the Government of Sri Lanka, there are a number of initiatives where UNOPS support and expertise has been requested, and which needs to be proactively and consistently pursued. These are mentioned below.

The WB and the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development are currently developing the Colombo Emergency Solid Waste Management Project, a multiyear project where UNOPS will be responsible for a specific component of work. The Advisor will be expected to work closely with the UNOPS Partnerships Team during the initial phases of framing UNOPS support for the project and subsequent negotiations. A considerable part of his/her time will be involved in working closely with the WB and Ministry to ensure that it is seen through successfully. UNOPS has also been in discussion with WHO on the issue of medical waste management in Sri Lanka. The advisor will be expected to continue these discussions and identify potential areas of engagement for UNOPS.

The incumbent will also be expected to give strategic advice to other national entities involved in SWM in Sri Lanka and identify possibilities for UNOPS partnerships. This includes the Western Province Waste Management Authority (WMA) which aims to support Local Authorities in formulating its SWM action plans. The Central Environment Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka intends to recommence partially implemented SWM activities and both the CEA and The National Solid Waste Management Support Centre (NSWMSC), (within the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils) has expressed and interest to collaborate with UNOPS in its work in SWM. Other possible partners for UNOPS include, The Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, both authorities that are looking at contributing to the greater SWM agenda in the country.

The SWM Advisor will be expected to spend 50% of her/his time on identifying new partnership opportunities related to SWM needs in Sri Lanka. This role will require that s/he meets with donors, government counterparts, other UN agencies and relevant development partners on a regular basis to i) strategically position UNOPS as a trusted advisor and essential partner to governments and other entities that wish to provide integrated and sustainable solutions to tackle waste related issues in South Asia ii) identify needs and opportunities for partnership where UNOPS can support, iii) create concepts and ideas which can be shared with donors for funding, iv) support the initial phases of new SWM projects.

The incumbent will be expected to possess the ability to strategize, comprehend contextual political dynamics and effectively develop partnerships with a variety of stakeholders in order to successfully deliver results.

Specific tasks

The SWM Advisor shall work under the overall supervision of the Director a.i of Sri Lanka to:

• Develop a positioning paper for UNOPS in Sri Lanka vis-à-vis the SWM sector;
• Engage with Key Government counterparts including but not limited to; The Central Environment Authority, The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils including the National Solid Waste Management Support Centre, Ministry of Environment and Mahaweli Development and the Western Province Waste Management Authority (WMA);
• Engage consistently and closely with the WB and Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development vis-à-vis the forthcoming Colombo Emergency SWM Project in which UNOPS will be responsible for a specific component;
• Liaise with UNDP and UN-Habitat, to further develop a joint UN National SWM programme.

Other

• Scope the potential to engage with private sector entities who are looking at investing in SWM in Sri Lanka;
• Develop a partnership with UN Environment IETC which has expressed interest to facilitate knowledge sharing and develop joint concepts;
• Collaborate with UNOPS internal practices including the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group, UNOPS Asia Regional Office and other country offices as required.

Note: The above list is not representative of all the duties required but indicates typical duties and responsibilities that are expected from this role. 

Education

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Solid Waste Management, Development Studies, or other related fields of study and with a minimum of 7 years of experience, OR

• Bachelor’s Degree on similar fields of study as above, with 9 years of experience out of which at least 3 years with a proven track record in developing and implementing Solid Waste Management programmes.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in the Environmental Management sector with specific experience in the Solid Waste Management sector;
• Experience in developing complex partnerships with government stakeholders and development agencies;
• Experience in successfully developing and negotiating integrated solid waste management plans and formulation of related policies is essential;
• Regional experience (i.e. Asia) is an advantage; experience in Sri Lanka would be considered as a strong asset.
• Familiarity with private sector and donor management modalities would be advantageous

Functional Competencies

• Strong negotiation skills;
• Ability to engage constructively with governments at central and decentralised levels;
• Ability to identify, scope and support development of business opportunities;
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Excellent command of English;
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment and different stake holders with sensitivity and respect for diversity; 
• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment;
• Demonstrated knowledge of office applications including presentation software;
• Strong organizational skills, and an ability to multi­task and prioritize work schedules;
• Knowledge of UN rules and regulations will be an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.