Consultant for Sustainable Electronics Sector in Baja California

Result of ServiceThe objective of this consultancy is to bolster UNEP’s Circularity in the Electronics Sector project by updating Mexico’s e-waste inventory and strengthening its legal framework, strategic partnerships, and circular economy roadmap. This work will provide evidence-based policy recommendations, enhance industry collaboration, and streamline Mexico’s transition to a circular economy in the electronics sector. The consultants will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks to bolster UNEP’s Strengthening Circularity in the Electronics Sector project in Mexico: 1. Conduct an Updated E-Waste Inventory in the state of Baja California 2. Assess Current E-Waste Management Practices in the state of Baja California 3. Evaluate and Strengthen the Legal and Policy Framework in the state of Baja California 4. Engage Stakeholders and Establish Strategic Partnerships in the state of Baja California 5. Develop and Present Policy Recommendations in the state of Baja California 6. Prepare and Submit Reports and Documentation in the state of Baja California 7. Facilitate the Development of an Integrated Circular Economy Roadmap in the state of Baja California The objective of this consultancy is to bolster UNEP’s Circularity in the Electronics Sector project by updating Mexico’s e-waste inventory and strengthening its legal framework, strategic partnerships, and circular economy roadmap. Under the overall supervision of the Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology (IETC) Project Manager the Sustainable Electronics Sector consultant will be responsible for the following activities in the region of Baja California: Output 1 Updated E-Waste Inventory for Five Priority Regions • Conduct data collection and analysis of e-waste generation, types, and management practices. • Identification of key sources, recycling pathways, and disposal trends • Data collection and analysis across the state of (Baja California • Classification of e-waste sources, quantities, and management practices 1. Output 2 Assessment of Current E-Waste Management Practices • Evaluation of existing collection, treatment, recycling and disposal methods. • Identification of policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities • Develop stakeholder mapping. 2. Output 3 Review and Recommendations for Legal & Policy Frameworks • Review and conduct analysis of Mexican e-waste policies and regulations and alignment with international best practices. • Recommendations to enhance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), regulatory enforcement, and circular economy strategies and circular economy policies. 3. Output 4 Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships • Organize multi-stakeholder consultation with government agencies, manufacturers, private sector, recyclers, and informal sector representatives • Development of recommendations to improve collaboration and industry action. • Guide industry actions to reduce hazardous substances and improve circular design 4. Output 5 Final Report and Circular Economy Roadmap • Consolidated findings in a comprehensive final report with data analysis, policy recommendations, and implementation strategies. • Contribute to the elaboration of the national circular economy roadmap for the electronics sector for e-waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and policy interventions. The quality and effectiveness of the consultancy will be assessed based on: • Completion of an updated e-waste inventory covering Baja California region, with verified and validated data. • Timely submission of reports, presentations, and recommendations, aligned with the agreed work schedule. • Stakeholder engagement effectiveness, measured by the number of consultations, partnerships established, and industry participation. • Quality and relevance of policy recommendations, assessed against global best practices and alignment with national priorities. • Final report submission, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and actionable insights. These tasks will be conducted in close collaboration with UNEP and national partners to ensure the successful implementation of the project’s objectives and deliverables. Work LocationBaja California, Mexico Expected duration9 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. As part of this initiative, the proposed consultancy will contribute to the project team in the following areas: • Updating the e-waste inventory across five regions in Mexico: Baja California (BC), Mexico City (CDMX), Nuevo León, Guadalajara, and Quintana Roo. • Establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. • Assessing and strengthening the legal framework for e-waste management. • Designing an integrated circular economy roadmap for the electrical and electronic sector. In this sense, UNEP Mexico will need a Sustainable Electronics Sector consultant to implement the activities of the Circularity in the Electronics Sector initiative in Mexico and to provide guidance to the project team located in the state of Baja California. The Consultant will be supervised by Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology (IETC) Project Manager; and will work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time Baja California, Mexico Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: - A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Public Policy, Engineering, Biology, or closely related field, is required. - Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Public Policy, Engineering, Biology, or closely related field, is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: - Five (5) years of experience in environmental projects, waste management, circular economy, e-waste policy, or environmental data collection is required. - Proven expertise in conducting waste inventories, data collection, and analysis is desirable. - Experience engaging with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the informal recycling sector is desirable. - Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills, are desirable. LanguagesLANGUAGE: - Fluency in Spanish is required. - Fluency in English is required 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.