Industrial Mercury Waste Expert

Technical feasibility advice on final treatment and disposal options for healthcare‑generated mercury waste directly informs project decisions, enabling the adoption of cost‑effective, compliant, and environmentally sound solutions that reduce mercury releases and improve long‑term waste management outcomes.

Home-based / Working remotely

The duration of the contract is fifty (50) days over eight (8) months period, Part-time, at USD $650 per day, for a total amount of USD $32,500 (thirty-two thousand five hundred United States Dollars), corresponding to level C in the UN Administrative Instructions for Consultant and Individual Contractors (ST/A1/2013/4.rev1).

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 governments, local authorities, and industries to develop and adopt policies, strategies, 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 Science and Policy Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions. The Chemicals Science and Policy Unit gathers, compiles and analyses state of the art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories, and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Unit executes projects and covers topics related to heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, highly hazardous pesticides, chemicals in products, among others. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemical Science and Policy Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the consultant will be responsible for developing a set of outputs related to targeted technical assistance on mercury waste management: 1. Identification of Suitable Mercury Waste Management Facilities: 1.1. Desk study and consultations Conduct a comprehensive assessment of project countries to manage mercury wastes, including identification and evaluation of existing processes, from collection, transport, interim/ long term storage to disposal. This will include a review of human resources, technical expertise, and existing infrastructure in each country and region. Practical solutions from comparable contexts will also be analyzed to determine their relevance and applicability to the project countries. • Review project reports and baseline information. • Design a questionnaire tailored for each country. • Conduct consultations with national stakeholders in each project country. • Carry out consultations with other relevant actors at national, regional, and global levels. • Integrate country level information with existing data and analyze available options from environmental, technical, economic, and legal perspectives. • Compile the findings into concise country case studies, including recommendations on the most suitable options. 1.2. Field mission and on the ground feasibility study Undertake field missions to a selected project country to carry out an in-depth feasibility assessment. The visit will evaluate and verify the capacity required to implement the most appropriate, efficient, and cost effective interim and final waste management solutions. • Based on desk research and consultation activities, propose the most suitable project country in which to conduct the field feasibility study. • Prepare a detailed plan for field operations and coordinate with the national project coordinator to ensure all logistical and technical arrangements are in place. • Conduct on‑the‑ground feasibility assessments, including site visits to relevant waste‑management infrastructure and facilities. • Compile findings and assess the most viable technical options for mercury waste management in the health sector within the selected country. 2. Review of Draft UNEP Technical Guidance on the Management of Mercury Containing Healthcare Waste • Review the current draft of the UNEP technical guidance and provide expert inputs to strengthen its content. This includes proposing practical management options and integrating relevant findings and insights generated under Activity 1.

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to environment/natural sciences or environmental engineering. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying' experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in international chemicals and waste management, with demonstrated technical expertise in hazardous waste streams, mercury management, and environmentally sound waste disposal technologies, is required. Substantial experience engaging with industry and private‑sector operators on the development, evaluation, or deployment of mercury waste treatment, stabilization, storage, or disposal solutions is required. Proven experience conducting complex technical feasibility assessments in field settings, including on‑site evaluations of waste‑management infrastructure, operational practices, engineering controls, and compliance with international standards, is required. Knowledge of the Minamata and Basel Conventions, and other waste‑related multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) is required. Strong analytical, research, and drafting skills are essential, including the ability to tailor language and communication styles to diverse audiences such as policymakers and private‑sector stakeholders, is required. Experience working at the international level in a multicultural, multi‑stakeholder environment is desirable.

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.

Not available.

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.