UNDP Jobs - 54169- Re-advertisement - International Expert in PU Foam

Re-advertisement - International Expert in PU Foam to Implement a Project for the Development of HCO/HFO Polyol Blends

Location :

Home-based, with possible missions to project participants in Mexico and USA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

31-Mar-2015

Application Deadline :

03-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months with possible extensions for two periods of 6 (six) months each

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six months with possible extensions for two periods of 6 (six) months each

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Mexico is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and is committed to phase-out its ODS consumption, including the total phase-out of the HCFCs by the year 2040. The Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed through Decision XIX/6 on the “Adjustment to the Montreal Protocol with regard to Annex C, Group I substances (HCFCs)” to “accelerate the phase-out of production and consumption of the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)”, and the Article 5 (A5) countries have been requested to prepare and implement individual HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs) through a staged approach.

Mexico has prepared a first stage HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) with funding from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF).

The funding received covered Stage 1 activities for the period from 2011 to 2015 to meet a 10% reduction in HCFC consumption and such activities include the conversion of most of the polyurethane (PU) foam industry to non-ODS/low-GWP alternatives to the HCFCs that are currently used as blowing agent.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the 4 Implementing Agencies (IA) designated by the Multilateral Fund (MLF) to implement the Montreal Protocol´s Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS) phase-out projects, as has been chosen by the Government of Mexico as cooperating agency to support the country in phase-out HCFC-141b consumption at the PU Foam sector.

The HPMP implementation involves:

Transfer of HCFC phase-out Technologies;
Implementation of HCFC phase-out projects in the Polyurethane (PU) Foams sector;
Verification of Compliance with pertinent requirements concerning ODS depletion, low GWP levels and process safety

During implementation it was noted that the Mexican market was tilting towards lower foam densities that were not always possible with oxygenated hydrocarbons (HCOs), which were major and very cost-effective HCFC replacements. The issue was resolved by using HFCs as co-blowing agent, but these substances have very high GWPs. The substitution of HFCs by low GWP hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) might solve this issue and a project was developed and funded to do just this.

These Terms of Reference (TOR) identify and specify the scope of consulting services required for the implementation of this project.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Expert will work with UNDP, under the direct coordination of the Senior International Expert of UNDP, and in collaboration with the Montreal Protocol Unit (MPU/BPPS) Programme Coordinator, and with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Mexico. Under the guidance of the Senior Expert, he/she will carry-out the following services:

Conduct technical discussions with chemical and equipment suppliers to assess the feasibility of using HFOs as co-blowing agents;
Design and execute projects to validate such feasibility where required and to assess the chemical/physical properties of systems based on HCO/HFO blends;
Provide assistance to the beneficiary companies (local System Houses) in projects, associated to the technology conversion;
Periodic follow up the project implementation for each assisted company, providing evaluations, progress reports and recommendations to assure the achievement of pertinent objectives;
Provide assistance to the beneficiary companies on the general issues associated with implementation and technology phase-in;

Duration:

The contract will enter into effect upon signature by both parties and will have duration of six months with possible extensions for two periods of 6 (six) months each.

Duty Station:

Home based, with possible missions to project participants in Mexico and USA, as detailed in Item 5.1 below.

Fees & Payments:

The consultant will receive the payment based in the delivery of Outputs.

Candidates shall quote his/her services on a Deliverable basis, and this quotation shall include all travel costs needed to the attendance of planned missions. Missions not foreseen shall be paid to the consultant as per IC Rules and Principles.

A Best value for Money approach will be used in the evaluation of the applicants, and will lead to a combined score for technical capabilities and the financial offer.

The short listed candidates, based on their technical capabilities, will receive the standard format that they must fill out to submit their financial offer.

Expected Deliverables (Outputs) and missions for the duration of the Contract:

Deliverable 1 (30 %): Initial Report on the brainstorming session with project participants (chemical suppliers, Mexican system houses, UNDP representatives) delivered.

Mission 1: Mexico, Guadalajara. April 2015, (2 days).

Deliverable 2 (30 %): Evaluation Report on the visits with participating chemical suppliers to discuss HCO/HFO blending data available at these suppliers delivered.

Mission 2: USA, cities of Austin (TX), Wilmington (DE) and Bristol (PA) / April, 2015 (5 days length).

Deliverable 3 (20 %) Evaluation Report on the visits with participating Mexican system houses, discuss their experience with HCOs, HFOs and blends thereof.

Mission 3: Mexico, cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara and Monterrey / May, 2015 (5 days length).

Deliverable 4 (20 %): Final report delivered based on data collected with suggestions for further work and suggested implementation plan to be covered of the demonstration project.

Mission 4: Mexico, city of Mexico City / May, 2015 (3 days length).

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

Functional competencies:

Ability to analyses policy documents and make constructive policy suggestions;
Strong interpersonal, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
Capacity building skills and flexibility depending on the public;
Demonstration of commitment to the Project’s mission, vision and values;
Good writing and reporting skills;
Good presentation skills;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

First-level university degree in engineering, chemistry or related field.

Experience:

Working experience of at least 10 years in technical assistance to the PU Foams industry;
Knowledge on foaming chemistry, technology and equipment;
Intimate knowledge on the use of PU foam blowing agents;
Knowledge of Montreal Protocol related policy/issues is desirable;
Working experience with developing countries is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in English.