About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

TheUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP works with governments, civil society, businesses and other UN entities to address critical environmental challenges including climate change, ecosystem degradation, chemicals and waste management, and environmental governance. UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Summary

This consultancy provides an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s mission in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development. Working in Switzerland, you will apply your professional skills to address complex challenges in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development and support the organization’s programmatic objectives. This role offers the flexibility of consultancy work while contributing to meaningful international development outcomes with global impact.

Key Details

• Job Title:Electric Vehicles Life-Cycle Management and Chemicals Expert
• Grade:CON
• Location:Geneva (Remote work possible)
• Department:United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Contract Type:Consultancy
• Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications: Masters degree or equivalent in a field related to chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, waste management, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
• Academic Qualifications: A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (2 additional years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Academic Qualifications: Proven knowledge of chemical risk assessment, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, and other critical chemicals associated with EV components, as well as environmental and health impact mitigation is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in assessing and advising on collection systems, dismantling operations, and disposal pathways for EV batteries and e-waste in practice is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Strong understanding of international conventions and regulatory frameworks (Stockholm, Basel, and Rotterdam Conventions) and national/regional hazardous waste and e-waste management policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience working in multicultural and international environments, ideally including exposure to the UN system, intergovernmental organizations, or multi-stakeholder initiatives is desirable..
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Language: For this position, fluency in written and spoken English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable..

Skills

• Provide recommendations for safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible EV end-of-life management, including technical, policy, and regulatory considerations.
• Develop an outline and obtain UNEPs input prior to proceeding.
• Draft the final technical report for UNEPs review and finalize it based on feedback.
• Develop a training material based on the report findings. 2. Selection criteria and project monitoring methodology
• Develop clear, practical criteria for evaluating and selecting projects or interventions focused on end-of-life management of EV batteries, from a perspective of hazardous waste management, based on the findings from the technical report described under activity 1.
• Design a monitoring methodology to track the environmental, social, and technical performance of such projects, including key indicators and reporting mechanisms.
• Consult with UNEP and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with international conventions and national priorities in LMICs.
• Prepare documentation and guidance notes for UNEPs use in project selection and monitoring. 3. Inputs to potential interventions & ESMF
• Review and provide inputs to UNEPs list of potential interventions for EV hazardous waste management, ensuring relevance to POPs and other critical chemicals.
• Contribute to the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) by identifying key environmental, social, and health risks, and suggesting mitigation measures for EV end-of-life interventions.
• Ensure recommendations are practical for implementation in LMICs and aligned with UNEP policies and international standards. 4. EV Battery Management Model Law Guidance Module
• Align the guidance module with international best practices, existing conventions (Stockholm, Basel, Rotterdam), and LMIC regulatory contexts.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply