Background

UNDP in Tajikistan strives to contribute towards environmental sustainability through promotion of renewable energy, and strengthening capacities to address environmental and natural resources management challenges in Tajikistan. The UNDP’s Energy and Environment Programme (E&EP) portfolio is aimed to contribute towards reduction of widespread poverty in Tajikistan by: promotion of income-generating end-use applications of renewable energy sources, ensuring sustainable natural resource management, and educating and involving diverse national and local stakeholders in addressing environmental issues within the country.

The present assignment within the UNDP Energy and Environment Programme aims to: (i) conduct a situation analyses of waste management in Tajikistan, including review of existing legislation, policy and practices, main stakeholder institutions and particularly focus on existing capacities of the governmental entities; (ii) identification of gaps and issues in the waste management sector, and (iii) defining the niche for UNDP to initiate its programming in this sector.  

Purpose

UNDP Energy and Environment Programme is seeking for an International Consultant, who, in coordination with the UNDP Energy and Environment Programme Manager and under supervision of the HCFC Project Coordinator, as well as in close consultation with the Programme Analyst on Energy and Environment, Crisis Prevention and Recovery of UNDP CO, will bear responsibility for developing programme document on waste management for UNDP Energy and Environment Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

An International Consultant is expected to undertake following tasks:

Desk review and research of documentation on waste management, including:

  • Legislation, policy and planning documentation on waste management in Tajikistan;
  • Online research of existing programmes and projects on waste management in Tajikistan and related issues;
  • International best practices on technical assistance for waste management sector.
  • Interviews with key actors involved in the waste management to identify problems/gaps and opportunities, including:
  • relevant line ministries and agencies working on issues relevant to waste management;
  • national and international non-governmental organizations working on issues relevant to waste management.

Conduct a SWOT analysis of key actors working on issues relevant to waste management, based on desk review of literature and interviews.

  • Conduct a functional analysis/capacity assessment of the relevant ministries (Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Committee on Environmental Protection, local authorities designated governmental agencies) on waste management;
  • Draft a report, based on abovementioned activities, which identifies opportunities for UNDP Tajikistan to initiate programming and technical assistance in this sector, and includes recommendations and road-map to improve the capacity and services of the Government of Tajikistan and relevant line ministries and agencies, as well as local authorities to address waste management issues
  • Produce a fully-fledged two (or three) years project proposal on waste management, based on the draft report, which will include the following sub-components:
  • Elaboration of an integral approach for UNDP Tajikistan on waste management programming;
  • Comprehensive capacity development programme for institutional strengthening of relevant stakeholders;
  • Technical assistance package for the sector;
  • Development of an advocacy campaign on waste management issues.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standard;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Management and Leadership

  • Possesses in-depth knowledge of the global and waste management and chemicals related issues;
  • Knowledge and experience with programming development, monitoring and evaluation;
  • High level of awareness and understanding of social, cultural, economic and political situation in Central Asia;
  • Proven ability to lead and manage “smart” business solutions in challenging environments;
  • Builds strong client relationships, focuses on impact and results for the client;
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs, gain support, and is proactive in developing solutions;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines;
  • Demonstrates openness to change, flexibility, and ability to manage complexities;
  • Ability to work under pressure and with multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams and possess excellent inter-personal skills;
  • Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication  and analytical skills;
  • Remains calm, in control, and good humored even under pressure;
  • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
  • Ability to establish priorities for self and others, and to work independently.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Proven problem-solving skills creative thinking to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging  waste management sector/environment and chemicals area;
  • Proven ability to develop high level policy briefs, strategies, including experience in conducting cost effectiveness analysis.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

  • Postgraduate or other advanced university degree in environmental and waste management, natural resource management or related fields.

Experience:

  • At least 10 years of demonstrated working experience in areas relevant for environmental management, waste management and chemicals;
  • At least 5 years of experience in a similar professional role (i.e. technical advisor or project manager).

Language:

  • Fluency/proficiency in English (both verbal and written) is required;
  • Elementary proficiency in Russian  will be an asset.

Professional role (i.e. technical advisor or project manager).