Waste Management Consultant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)C

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONS Local

Target Start Date2024-06-01

Job Posting End DateMay 5, 2024

Terms of ReferenceThis is a national consultant position, and therefore, persons interested in applying to this position must be legally present Panama at the time of recruitment. Please note that the contract is until 31 December 2024.

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.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

Levels of language knowledge:

A1-beginner

A2-elementary

B1-lower intermediate

B2-upper intermediate

C1-advanced/proficient

C2-fluent

Duration and dates of the assignment:

From: 1 June 2024 To: 31 December 2024
Working Hours: ( X ) Not Applicable
Total amount of days/weeks/months to be worked: 50 working days within 6 months

Location(s): Meteti, Panama. Not less than 25 days working in Meteti and Bajo Chiquito. Possibility to work remaining days from elsewhere.

Suggested fee (daily/weekly/monthly/lump sum) and currency:
Total budgetary amount allocated (incl. mission travel and DSA etc.): USD 24,000

Payment schedule:
- upon signature of the contract
- upon delivery of the Waste Management Strategy Proposal
- upon finalization of the implementation plan and delivery of training sessions
- upon delivery of the final implementation report

General Background of Project or Assignment:
Bajo Chiquito is a riverine indigenous community of around 500 inhabitants in the Darien jungle in Panama, that in the last two years has been receiving between 1.000-2.000 refugees and migrants per day who are travelling as part of the mixed movements from South America toward the United States.
Mixed Movements through the Bajo Chiquito community, have increasingly posed environmental challenges to this transit community, especially on areas such as waste management. Activities associated with people in transit and refugees contribute to the following aspects related to pollution and its impact on climate change and environmental degradation:

• Constant mobility leads to the generation of solid waste, such as plastic packaging and food remains. The lack of adequate waste management infrastructure results in the accumulation of unclassified waste. This accumulation not only has local consequences but also contributes to the global environmental burden, affecting the sustainability of ecosystems and future resilience.

• The inappropriate disposal of solid waste negatively affects local water sources, compromising water quality and threatening aquatic life. The accumulation of waste near water bodies not only increases the risk of local contamination but also reduces options for adaptive capacities and resilience and amplifies the impacts of climate change on these vital ecosystems.

• The presence of waste along routes and natural areas affects local biodiversity, increasing the vulnerability of species to climate change. The interaction of animals with waste not only poses risks to the health of the ecosystem but also intensifies conservation challenges in a climate change context.

• Inadequate solid waste management not only increases the risk of disease spread among people in transit and refugees but also contributes to the environmental burden, exacerbating health challenges related to climate change. Exposure to poorly managed waste thus becomes an additional factor of vulnerability in an environment already affected by climate dynamics.

• The implementation of effective solid waste management strategies becomes crucial not only to address local pollution but also to mitigate the global impacts of climate change, promoting sustainable practices and environmental resilience.

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Overall Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
The general objective of the design and implementation of this strategy in the Bajo Chiquito community is to improve solid waste management in the community by integrating efficient and culturally appropriate measures that contribute to the community's well-being and environmental care in the Emberá-Wounaan Comarca. The specific activities are:

1. Diagnosis:
1.1. Conduct a detailed analysis of the current situation of solid waste management in Bajo Chiquito, using among other sources, the input of the community-based mapping led by the community delegates.
1.2. Identify the sources, types, and volumes of waste generated in and around the community.
1.3. Evaluate current waste management practices and their environmental impact, including those of the local community, as well as refugees and migrants in transit.
1.4. Analyze the existing infrastructure for waste management.

2. Design:
2.1. Develop strategies and policies that are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of the Emberá-Wounaan community.
2.2. Propose sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions for waste management to be discussed, adapted, and validated with community members.
2.3. Conduct a participatory process to design systems for collection, separation, recycling, and final disposal of waste.
2.4. Co-design awareness and environmental education programs for the community.
2.5 Collaborate with the community to identify stakeholders, potential duty bearers and potential partners to support implementation of activities

3. Implementation:
3.1. Kick off the implementation of the prioritized solutions proposed in the design phase 3 with the identified stakeholders and leaders
.2. Establish monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the implemented initiatives.
3.3. Train the community in new waste management practices and habits.
3.4. Collaborate with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure successful and sustainable implementation.

Required level, qualifications and work experience:

The assignment is for an Individual Consultant at the national level
Qualification and experience required (degree required, years of work experience, field of expertise, language required):

Essential:
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering or related discipline;
• Five years of experience in related field
• Demonstrated experience in solid waste management and environmental management projects;
• Knowledge of best practices and Panamanian regulations in waste management;
• Familiarity with the Emberá-Wounaan culture and skills to adapt solutions to specific cultural contexts;
• Technical knowledge in waste management technologies (recycling, composting, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively and be culturally sensitive;
• Flexibility and ability to work and adapt to deep field contexts.
• Strategic planning and project management skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Full professional proficiency in Spanish.

Desirable:

• Master's degree in Environmental Management or Sustainable Development
• Familiarity with the increasing complex humanitarian situation in Darien;
• Experience in environmental education and design of awareness programs;
• Languages: working level English.

Monitoring and Progress Controls (report requirements, periodicity, format, deadlines):

a. The final product (e.g. survey completed, data collected, workshop conducted, research documents produced specify):
the deliverables include:
- Waste management strategy proposal by 31 August 2024
- Implementation plan by 30 September 2024
- Delivery of trainings by mid November 2024
- Final implementation report by 31 December 2024

b. Work on the basis of time employed: Yes 1 No 0

c. If it is to result in a written product specify: the work it is expected to be submitted electronically (reports and supporting documents)
a. Number of pages: 30 pages
b. Language(s): Spanish
c. Number of copies: 1

Standard Job Description

Required Languages Spanish

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,

Desired Languages English

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-BasedNo