Circular Economy Specialist

Result of ServiceThe objective of the Circular Economy Specialist consultancy is to strengthen Mexico’s transition to a circular economy in the electronics sector by integrating sustainable resource management, eco-design principles, and circular business models into e-waste policies and industry practices. Through material flow analysis, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement, the consultant will contribute to enhancing resource efficiency, reducing electronic waste, and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns in line with global circular economy frameworks. Through these efforts, the consultancy will accelerate Mexico’s transition to a circular economy in the electronics sector, reducing e-waste generation, improving resource efficiency, and fostering innovation in sustainable business models. The work will contribute to stronger regulatory frameworks, increased industry participation, and enhanced consumer awareness of circular practices, ensuring long-term sustainability and environmental benefits. The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen Mexico’s transition to a circular economy in the electronics sector by integrating sustainable resource management, eco-design principles, and circular business models into e-waste policies and industry practices. Through material flow analysis, life-cycle approaches, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement, the consultant will contribute to enhancing resource efficiency, reducing electronic waste, and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns in line with global circular economy frameworks. The Circular Economy Specialist will bolster UNEP’s Circularity in the Electronics Sector project by integrating circular economy principles into e-waste management, policy frameworks, and industry practices in Mexico. The consultant will work closely with UNEP LACO, UNEP IETC, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and recyclers to develop sustainable business models, regulatory recommendations, and capacity-building strategies that promote circularity in the electronics sector. Under the overall supervision of Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology (IETC) Project Manager, the Circular Economy Specialist consultant will perform the following activities: (1) Conduct an Assessment of E-Waste Material Flows and Circular Economy Opportunities • Analyse material flows, waste generation trends, and circularity gaps in Mexico’s electronics sector. • Identify challenges and opportunities for reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling in e-waste management, including from existing life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. • Identify barriers to circular business models, including challenges in repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling • Map key value chain actors, including manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and informal sector workers, to identify leverage points for circular interventions. • Provide strategic recommendations to enhance circularity in the design, production, and disposal of electronics (2) Develop Circular Economy Strategies and Business Models • Propose circular business models that favours eco-design, modular repair, sustainable product life cycles, and closed-loop recycling systems. • Provide strategic recommendations to enhance circularity in the design, production, and disposal of electronics • Provide recommendations for integrating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, take-back programs, and circular supply chains into national policies. • Develop recommendations for industry incentives, investment mechanisms, and market-based instruments and solutions to accelerate circularity in the electronics sector. (3) Facilitate Policy Development and Regulatory Integration • Identify policy interventions to promote circular economy principles in e-waste management and industry regulations. • Guide government agencies and policymakers in integrating circular economy principles into e-waste and environmental policies. • Align Mexico’s circular economy strategies with international best practices, including the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, OECD guidelines, and UNEP frameworks. • Develop circularity metrics and sustainability indicators to track and measure circularity progress and policy impact. (4) Strengthen Industry Engagement and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration • Facilitate partnerships between manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and policymakers to streamline circular economy adoption. • Promote public-private collaborations, innovation funding, and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance circularity in the electronics industry. • Facilitate the development of public-private initiatives, knowledge-sharing platforms, and innovation networks. • Engage with informal waste sector workers to explore inclusive solutions for fair labour practices and social equity in circular business model to promote inclusive and sustainable circular practices (5) Capacity-Building and Knowledge Transfer • Develop training materials, workshops, and technical guidance documents to facilitate the adoption of circular economy practices. • Conduct training sessions and technical workshops for government, businesses, and waste management professionals on circular economy implementation. • Conduct capacity-building sessions for government officials, industry leaders, and waste management professionals to promote circularity in policy and business operations. • Provide technical input for public awareness campaigns to promote consumer participation in circular electronics. • Provide input for public awareness campaigns to encourage consumer participation in sustainable electronics consumption and disposal. • Develop guidance documents, case studies, and best practice reports for knowledge dissemination. (6) Reporting and Documentation • Prepare and submit a Circular Economy Assessment Report summarizing key findings, opportunities, and barriers in Mexico’s e-waste sector. • Develop guidance documents, case studies, and best practice reports for knowledge dissemination. • Develop a strategy document outlining policy, industry, and consumer actions needed to transition to a circular electronics sector. • Provide a roadmap for transitioning to a circular electronics sector, outlining key actions for policy, industry, and consumer engagement. • Deliver a final report consolidating policy recommendations, stakeholder engagement insights, and a roadmap for circular economy implementation. • Contribute to UNEP in integrating findings into regional and global circular economy initiatives. These tasks will be conducted in close collaboration with UNEP and national stakeholders, ensuring that Mexico’s e-waste sector transitions towards a more sustainable, resource-efficient, and circular economy Work LocationMexico City, Mexico Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). To accomplish this, UNEP´s Headquarter and its Regional and Country offices work with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City is supported by UNEP Mexico´s Country Office, located in Mexico City and, since 2020, the Representative Office of UNEP in Mexico acts as Focal Point to support UNEP´s Programme of Work in Guatemala. UNEP´s Mexico Country Office collaborates with the Mexican and Guatemalan governments and other stakeholders in areas ranging from low carbon and resilient growth, resources efficiency, environmental governance, to projects on ecosystems and climate change, and supports Mexico in its transition to a low carbon and green economy. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division at the UNEP Headquarters 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. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with a focus on holistic waste management. UNEP-IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. UNEP-IETC also implements 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, UNEP-IETC mission is to serve as a global center of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with a focus on holistic waste management. Under the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2022–2025, UNEP developed a waste management programme aimed at achieving zero waste, which includes waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Additionally, under the same MTS, the Circularity in Sectors programme was established, identifying the electronics sector as one of the priority high-impact sectors, leading to the development of the “Circularity in the Electronics Sector” project. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the project’s intervention strategy focuses on three key areas: 1. Generating scientific, economic, industrial, and financial evidence to influence policies on circular electronics and encourage the adoption of sustainable business strategies. 2. Building alliances and partnerships to drive the industry toward circular practices, ensuring coordinated action among key stakeholders. 3. Implementing circular electronics projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of circularity, providing a proof of concept for industry transformation. Under this project, UNEP-IETC and UNEP Mexico’s Country Office will implement a Circularity in the Electronics Sector initiative in Mexico, focusing on: 1. Establishing strategic partnerships. 2. Updating the e-waste inventory in Mexico. 3. Assessing and strengthening the legal framework. 4. Designing an integrated circular economy roadmap for the electrical and electronic sector. A key objective of this initiative is to bolster Mexico’s transition to a circular economy for electronics by integrating sustainable business models, resource efficiency strategies, and extended product lifespan into waste management and industry practices. The Circular Economy Specialist will provide technical expertise to assess current e-waste flows, develop circular economy strategies, assess potential impacts of those strategies over the products’ life cycles, and streamline industry collaboration and policy development. In this sense, UNEP Mexico will need the technical expertise of a Circular Economy Specialist consultant to provide technical expertise to assess current e-waste flows, develop circular economy strategies, and facilitate industry collaboration and policy development. The Consultant will be supervised by UNEP Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology Center (IETC) Project Manager and will work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time at UNEP Mexico’s Office located in Mexico City, Mexico. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: - A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Industrial Ecology, Sustainability, Public Policy, Economics, Business or a closely related field, is required. - A Master's degree in Environmental Science, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Industrial Ecology, Sustainability, Public Policy, Economics, Business or a closely related field is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: - Three (3) years of experience in circular economy, waste management, resource efficiency, or industrial sustainability is required - Expertise in circular business models, eco-design, life cycle assessment, and sustainable supply chain management is desirable. - Experience in policy advisory work, industry engagement, or regulatory development is desirable. - Familiarity with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), closed-loop recycling, and sustainable manufacturing principles is desirable. - Experience working with government agencies, UN organizations, or international sustainability projects is desirable. - Knowledge of global circular economy frameworks, including EU policies, OECD guidelines, and UN initiatives is desirable. LanguagesLANGUAGE: - Fluency in Spanish is required - Fluency in English is required COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 situation. Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; Acts without consideration of personal gain; Resists undue political pressure in decision-making; Does not abuse power or authority; Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour. 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Additional InformationSPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: - Proven ability to manage different stakeholders is desirable. - Be computer literate in standard software applications is desirable. - Knowledge of Excel and other database programs is desirable. - Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views is desirable. - Ability to deliver timely and high-quality results under tight deadlines is desirable. - Excellent coordination skills, and an ability to follow instructions, work under pressure as a part of a team, or independently as required. Excellent attention to detail is desirable. COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 situation. Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; Acts without consideration of personal gain; Resists undue political pressure in decision-making; Does not abuse power or authority; Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour. 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. No FeeTHE 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.