Head, International Environmental Technology Centre, P5

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 overall objective of the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch works closely with governments, industry, and civil society organizations around the world to develop mainstream solutions for the sound management of chemicals and waste. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. IETC also implement in- country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, IETC mission is to serve as a global center of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on holistic waste management. The position is located in the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, IETC at the Osaka duty station in Japan. Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, and the additional supervision of the Chief, Industry and Innovation Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1) Takes the lead to develop, implement and assess the IETC's strategy on waste reduction and recycling; develop the IETC programme of work on waste reduction and management in key high impact sectors; leads resource mobilization efforts; directs the IETC team and engages across UNEP to lead the integration of waste considerations in the work of different sectors across UNEP, and leads and manages a portfolio to leverage the opportunities for waste management with a circular economy lens. a. Ensure UNEP's value for the IETC outlooks provide strategic value for UNEP, member states and other stakeholders. b. Leads the IETC waste strategy to ensure impact at scale on waste reduction and recycling within a circular economy context, where waste becomes a useful resource. c. Ensures up to date waste data and trend analysis using a digital format for assessment and analysis. d. Participates in interagency and partner strategic meetings to scale impact beyond pilot initiatives, which will require leveraging innovative sources of financing and investment. 2) Develops the IETC programme of work arid associated portfolio on waste management in a circular economy context for sectors such as electronics and plastics, and growing this work to textiles and buildings and construction waste: a. Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. b. Provides technical guidance on the development of IETC's work program portfolio. c. Directs programme monitoring and oversight and presents information gathered from diverse sources. d. Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies. e. Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. f. Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections.of reports and studies, inputs to publications. g. Directs substantive support to consultative and other.meetings, conferences; to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. 3) Ensures quality oversight and supervision of the IETC portfolio. a. Develops and implements an oversight of the portfolio under implementation, with a view towards ensuring impact on the reduction of waste within the context of a circular economy approach. b. Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties with a view to ensuring the impact of the portfolio is at scale. c. Ensures programme and budget and funds use oversight (programme/project preparation.and submissions, progress. reports, financial statements.), reporting and ensuring corrective action across the IETC portfolio. d. Engages across UNEP and with partners to strenghten opportunities for impact on waste in a circular economy context to ensure leveraging of key internal and external actors. e. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff. 4) Performs other duties as required.

Professionalism: Excellent technical, analytical and interpersonal skills. Demonstrates expert knowledge of waste management, waste reduction and recycling, circular economy approaches, and their application across high-impact sectors, including plastics, electronics, textiles, and the built environment. Strong understanding of global environmental trends, waste policies, financing mechanisms, resource efficiency, lifecycle approaches, and the integration of waste considerations into broader sustainable development agendas. Ability to think strategically, and to bring colleagues and management on-board to a strategic vision at the institutional level. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Building trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion. Manages in a deliberate and predictable way. Operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda. Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients. Gives proper credit to others. Follows through on agreed upon actions. Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

An advanced university degree (Master's degree, or equivalent) is required. At least one university degree in the following fields: engineering, development, environmental or physical sciences, circular economy, material sciences, industrial studies, resource use or supply chain management, is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Not available.

A minimum of ten years of work experience on environment and development issues, with circular economy, resource efficiency or waste management in key high impact sectors (inter alia electronics, plastics, textiles, buildings and construction sectors) is required. Experience in working through partnerships on the above-mentioned topics is required. Experience in programme management is required. Experience in waste, appropriate waste management technologies, waste mandates of relevant Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs), applicable funding mechanisms and instruments for waste management is required Experience in resource mobilization, donor engagement, and the development or management of large-scale international programmes and portfolios on waste management, circular economy, or resource efficiency is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme. Appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA limited") in accordance with section 2.2 ( c) of administrative instruction ST/ Al/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA limited will be reassigned or transferred to the position without a lien to their parent position. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/ Al/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI 2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixedterm positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNO PS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

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