United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights, capacity development and the empowerment of women.
We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:
Job Title: Consultant for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Type of Contract: Individual Contract
Post Level: International Consultant
Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 07-Aug-2016
Duration of Initial Contract: 90 days
Expected Duration of Assignment: 90 days
Background
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds originally manufactured in 1881. PCBs were found to be fire-resistant, stable, and non-conductive to electricity and with low volatility under normal conditions. As early as 1929 these characteristics made them ideal for many industrial applications and consumer products, though they were predominantly used between 1950 and the late 1970s. Most well-known is the use of PCBs for dielectric fluid in electrical equipment, from large transformers to small capacitors in lighting fixtures; and heat transfer fluids and as coolants for high temperature processes. PCBs were also used in a variety of applications, including hydraulic fluids, surface coatings, plasticizers in sealants, caulking, flame retardants in lubricating oils, etc.
- Due to the toxicity characteristics of PCBs and their classification as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), their production was banned globally in the early 1980s. They are one of the 21 classes of POPs which, due to their damaging effects on human health and the environment, are targeted for elimination by the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Probable health effects associated with PCBs include cancer, reproductive and development toxicity, impaired immune function, effects on the central nervous system, and liver changes.
- The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) came into force on May 17, 2004. The Convention requires the international community to protect human health and environment from 21 classes of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by its reduction and eventual elimination. One of such chemicals targeted is Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), which member parties are required to take action to phase out its use by 2025, and apply environmentally sound management practices to dispose of them by the year 2028.
- Nigeria signed the Stockholm Convention in May 2001 and ratified it in May 2004. Towards meeting its obligations a National Implementation Plan (NIP) was submitted to the Convention in April 2009 wherein twenty-three areas of action were identified as priorities. Some of these include PCB inventory & treatment, remediation and treatment of polluted areas, disposal of obsolete PCBs and PCBs containing equipment.
- The Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of PCB project is a response to the implementation of the NIP and seeks to meet the commitments of Nigeria for PCBs under the Stockholm Convention.
Scope of the Project
- The International Consultant of PCB inventory will work with the national consultant and other stakeholders and ensure full participation to ensure full ownership of the project. The project document shall contain the following.
The project context, development objectives and design:
- Review of all previously developed documents and programmes;
- Assess project status and develop sound strategies for implementation;
Detailed project description:
- Delineate the various components and aspects of the project relative to the National Policy on PCBs and the Management Plan;
- Ascribe best strategies for their implementation.
Results framework and monitoring:
- Develop a framework to evaluate and assess respective actions ability to achieve desired results;
- Develop monitoring strategies to allow information to feedback into the development and implementation processes;
- Develop programme to ensure an administrative/technical response when needed.
Implementation arrangements:
- Review and formulate strategies of assessing inventory data and further course of action;
- Assess implementation options and application of best available/engineering practices, techniques and controls;
- Develop strategies to engage the active participation of stakeholders and relevant entities;
- Delineate institutional arrangements and modalities.
Procurement arrangements and action plan:
- Draw plans for recruitment of team of expert technicians, journeyman, administrative support staff, and general services worker;
- Develop roadmap to building capacity through training, apprenticeship, and certification;
- Develop itemized list of equipment and services to be procured;
- Develop schedule and costs estimates;
- Identify sources of funding and schedule.
Safeguard issues:
- Develop outline of activities (dismantling and removal, transportation to interim safeguarding sites, etc.);
- Assess status of interim safeguarding sites (IS);
- Design and development of IS sites;
- Installation of disposal technology;
- Facility and equipment operations.
Objectives of the Project:
- The purpose of this consultancy is to have a team of National and International Consultant to develop a technically sound and detailed project proposal, for the above project.
- The proposal and its annexures should be ready for the submission to GEF by February 2017.
- The international Consultant is expected to have a very good professional and academic background on chemicals and waste, in terms of policy formulation as required by the multilateral environmental agreements under the chemicals and waste.
- The objective of this Individual Contract is to further develop the approved project concept into a Full-sized project (FSP).
The key activities are:
Project Outcome & Outputs:
- Component 1: Institutional capacity and training on PCBs
Under this component the following three outcomes will be achieved:
- Capacity of the local institutions and of operators on PCB management increased;
- Regulations on PCBsimproved and enforced;
- Awareness raising and dissemination of project objectives and results;
- Component 2: Inventory of PCBs in 22 states of Nigeria not previously covered by other inventories
- To carry out the PCB inventory there will be the need to establish the proper PCB analytical capacity, including upgrading of analytical equipment in one laboratory and training of technical staff.
- Outcomes to be achieved under this componet is listed below:
- Inventory of PCBs extended and demonstrated in 21states not covered by previous inventories;
Component 3: Establishment of PCB collection and treatment centre:
- Under this component, a safe storage site (either developed from the upgrading of an existing storage site, or erected as a completely new structure) will be established for the collection and treatment of the PCBs identified during the implementation of Component 2
- Technical infrastructures for the safe handling and disposal of PCBs established;
Component 4: Environmentally sound disposal of identified PCBs:
- Once the needed infrastructures and technologies have been procured and tested, the treatment of low-contaminated PCB equipment and pure PCB will be undertaken ensuring that the activities of PCB disposal will be carried out in compliance with BAT/BEP and at the best cost/effectiveness ratio.
This would be achieved through the following:
- Disposal and treatment of PCBs and PCB contaminated equipment;
Component 5: Monitoring, Learning, Adaptive Feedback and Evaluation:
The main elements of this component will be a:
- Detailed strategy, developed based on findings in the scope above.
- A detailed log frame analysis
- Detailed budget; and
- Detailed monitoring and assessment plan.
Activities will include:
- Project’s results sustained and replicated;
- A sustainability plan will outline the principles and guidelines for ensuring the long-term sustainability of project achievements. It will also outline an exit strategy, seeking the continuation of key activities/achievements without the need of long-term international financing.
Duties and Responsibilities
Functions/Key Results Expected
Consistent with the above general scope, the International Consultant will undertake the following activities in support of the overall development of the project proposal:
- To draft and finalize GEF Full-Sized Project CEO endorsement proposal and UNDP project document in the required format and related documentation for further submission to the GEF;
- To address comments from the GEFSEC, STAP reviewers and GEF Council Members on the proposal during submission and final approval processes (including the case if approval period will exceed contracting period);
- To support project team in liaising with donor agencies, international organizations, similar initiatives to identify, confirm and obtain formal commitments for co-financing;
- To provide input into capacity building scope;
- To develop detailed project work plan, summarized TORs for the expert group and consultancy services, as well as implementation guidance in general;
- To conduct site visits when needed for purposes of the project’s formulation and to prepare project stakeholders ?for essential elements of future project implementation;
- To advise on international best practices, to identify existing technologies for high and low concentration treatment and disposal of PCBs and PCB contaminated equipment, and site clean-up operations;
- To provide support in developing technical specifications and technology option recommendations for high concentration PCB disposal and low concentration PCB contaminated equipment treatment, and contaminated soils;
- To provide general advice and assistance as requested in the development by local consultants of the scope for various technical capacity strengthening activities contemplated for the Project;
- To contribute and participate in the project interim workshop, disseminate related materials and to deliver presentations as necessary.
Specific Deliverables:
- Inception Report and work plan;
- Plan for and organize meetings with key national project partners and a number of field visits to potential pilot facilities;
- Organize and facilitate regular meetings with national project stakeholders, to provide updates and solicit suggestions while shaping the project proposal;
- Arrange stakeholder meetings to discuss provision of support in obtaining official letters of co-financing from the project’s stakeholders, initially by helping the project team identify potential sources of co-financing and subsequently by helping leverage co-financing for project implementation from project stakeholders (including but not limited to planning and organizing for meetings with potential co-financers, explain co-financing requirements, support the drafting of co-financing letters if requested by stakeholders, follow-up on the signature of official letters) by obtaining signed official letters of co-financing;
- Organize a final national stakeholder consultation meeting and plan for and organize meetings with key national project partners and field visits to (pre-selected) pilot facilities;
- Actively participate in the review of (the) project documentation, provide critical feedback, suggest improvements and provide requested information and data in a timely fashion;
- Submit Initial Draft Project Document for review from GEF and other stakeholders;
- Submit Final Project Document and workshop report (incorporating comments/observations from various stakeholders.
Competencies
- Strong knowledge in data gathering and research studies especially in pollution control in waste management facility;
- Strong organisational awareness of other international development project and in working with Government especially in negotiating environmental targets;
- initiative and work independently with limited supervision, and to imaginatively incorporate stakeholder input into evolving documents;
- Excellent experience and ability to multi-task, and working under pressure with diverse groups of professionals, organisations and communities;
- Strong drafting and reporting skills in English.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- A university Degree in Science and/or Environment, or Engineering with experience related to chemical management and disposal, specialized training in environmental science and technology issues.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ previous related professional experience with preference given to candidates with professional experience in chemicals and waste management;
- Demonstrated professional experience and expertise in chemical waste management approaches, including experience in the design and implementation of sustainable waste minimization and management programs in one or more countries;
- Experience in multilateral environmental agreements on chemicals and waste, knowledge of SAICM and of the UNEP/UNDP initiative on mainstreaming sound chemicals management is an advantage.
Language Requirement:
- Strong skills in written communication in English particularly in preparing issue based papers and report.
How to Apply
Click here to apply online
Deadline:
7th July, 2016.
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