UNDP Jobs - 73052- Senior Expert in Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foams

Senior Expert in Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foams

Location :

Homebased

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

18-Jul-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year

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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the 4 (four) Implementing Agencies (IA) designated by the Multilateral Fund (MLF) to implement the Montreal Protocol´s Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS) phase-out projects.
Under this International Treaty, the Article 5 countries committed to phase-out its ODS consumption. Furthermore, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed under the 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 hydrochlorofluorcarbons (HCFCs)”, and the Article 5 (A5) countries have been requested by the ExCom to adopt a staged approach to the implementation of their HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMP). The HPMPs involve:
• Assistance to determine related institutional, policy and legislation framework in line with strategies and action plans for compliance with the 1st Stage;
• Implementation of investment projects in the Polyurethane (PU) Foams sector for technological conversion of HCFC consumers (end-users);
• Verification of compliance met by the investment projects and finalization of activities (Project Closure Reports).
Mexico is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and is obligated to phase out all ozone depleting substances (ODS) controlled under the Protocol by 2040. Therefore, Mexico has prepared its Hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) with funding from the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. The country decided on a staged approach to phase out HCFCs and this is included in the HPMP. Subsequent to preparation of the HPMP, it was submitted to the Executive Committee of the MLF and approved at its 64th meeting in 2011. Funding was received for implementation of Stage 1 activities for the period from 2011 to 2015 to meet the 10% reduction in HCFC consumption and such activities include the industrial reconversion of polyurethane (PU) foam industries to adoption of non-ODS / low-GWP alternatives to the HCFC-141b that is current used as blowing agent. Mexico has successfully implemented the elimination of HCFCs in the PU Foam sector.

Based on the Executive Committee’s decision 77/25 , the Government of Mexico requests UNDP to act as the Implementing Agency for the phaseout of HCFC 142b in extruded polystyrene foams in two enterprises and submits the project for consideration by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund at its 79th meeting in July 2017.
These Terms of Reference (TOR) identify and specify the scope of services required for the fulfillment of the above components related to the XPS Foam sector, and, therefore, an individual contract will be established for the accomplishment of the duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Expert will work with UNDP, under the direct coordination of the UNDP MPU Regional Programme Coordinators and PU Foams Senior Expert in the elimination of HCFC 141b in the XPS foam sector in Mexico.

Expected Deliverables (Outputs) and missions for the duration of the Contract.
• Deliverable 1 (20 %): Brainstorming sessions with sub-project participants (Termofoam and Plásticos Espumados). Meeting with UNDP representatives and SEMARNAT to report on those sessions and presentation of suggested implementation plans for the sub- projects
Mission 1: Morelia (TERMOFOAM), Atitalaquia (PLASTICOS ESPUMADOS), México City (UNDP & SEMARNAT), (5 days length)

• Deliverable 2 (30 %): Support on detailed specifications, evaluation of bids and selection of appropriate equipment for conversion. Support for the purchase of equipment and installation.
Mission 2: Morelia (TERMOFOAM), Atitalaquia (PLASTICOS ESPUMADOS), (4 days length)

• Deliverable 3 (20 %): Preparation of testing protocols for foaming equipment, Supervision of XPS foam industrial trials
Mission 3: Morelia (TERMOFOAM), Atitalaquia (PLASTICOS ESPUMADOS), (4 days length)

• Deliverable 4 (30 %): Validation of conversion and safety standards.
o Mission 4: Morelia (TERMOFOAM), Atitalaquia (PLASTICOS ESPUMADOS), México City (UNDP & SEMARNAT), (5 days length)

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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

Technical degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mechanics or related field
Certification or equivalent diploma in industrial processes is desirable.

General Experience:

Working experience of at least 10 years with activities in environmental and/or chemical areas concerning blowing agents selection and replacement for XPS;
Working experience of at least 5 years in installation of extrusion lines.
Working experience of at least 5 years in plant design, conversion of blowing agents, optimization of processes
Knowledge of Montreal Protocol related issues and its associated Policies and Agreements;
Experience in industrial and environmental-related projects in developing countries is desirable.

Communication Skills:

Fluency in writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English