UNOPS is Hiring: E-waste Management Policy Specialist (Retainer) – Apply Before 17 August 2025

Job Category: Legal
Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5524/30572
Level: ICS-10 / IICA-2
Contract Type: International Individual Contractual Agreement
Duration: 12 Months (Retainer)
Duty Station: Home-Based

Overview: UNOPS in South East Asia and the Pacific

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) is part of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). With its headquarters in Bangkok, EAPMCO oversees a vast and growing portfolio of projects across 24 countries in the region. These initiatives span diverse sectors including climate resilience, energy transition, digital transformation, legal reform, infrastructure, WASH, post-conflict reintegration, and public health.

UNOPS applies its expertise in project management, procurement, construction, HR, and technical advisory services to implement complex programs in partnership with governments, donors, and UN agencies.

UNOPS in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Established in 2020, the EAPMCO Papua New Guinea office has grown rapidly, gaining recognition for high-quality delivery and strong partnerships. The PNG team supports a wide range of development priorities—particularly in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement, and governance support—with a focus on enhancing public service delivery in collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea.

Project Background: Addressing E-waste in PNG

Papua New Guinea faces a growing e-waste crisis, fueled by increasing imports of consumer electronics and short product life cycles. In the absence of a formal waste management framework, e-waste is often disposed of via unsafe, informal practices such as open burning or unregulated dumping. This not only leads to serious environmental degradation but also exposes communities to hazardous substances including mercury, lead, and other toxic materials.

With funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNOPS is implementing a project aimed at providing technical assistance and operational support to address this issue. Key focus areas include:

• Updating existing feasibility studies
• Supporting the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) in refining e-waste regulatory frameworks
• Conducting national awareness campaigns
• Designing an e-waste management facility
• Laying the groundwork for future engineering design and construction phases

Position Summary: E-waste Management Policy Specialist (Retainer)

The E-waste Management Policy Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. This is a home-based, retainer position requiring availability on demand over a 12-month period. The specialist will serve as a key advisor in shaping and strengthening national e-waste policy frameworks in PNG.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing expert legal and policy advisory services to support CEPA and project stakeholders
• Drafting and reviewing regulatory mechanisms for e-waste management
• Aligning national policy proposals with international best practices and conventions
• Supporting the integration of environmental and public health safeguards
• Advising on institutional arrangements, enforcement protocols, and stakeholder engagement
• Contributing to awareness-raising strategies and knowledge sharing
• Supporting the creation of a sustainable and harmonized national e-waste roadmap

The selected specialist will ensure that legal and policy deliverables are of high quality, contextually relevant, and aligned with both UNOPS standards and national development priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced degree) in Environmental Law, Public Policy, International Development, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of professional experience in environmental law, waste management policy, or regulatory reform.
• Demonstrated expertise in e-waste management frameworks and international environmental standards is essential.
• Proven experience in advising governments or international development organizations will be an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Tok Pisin or other Pacific languages is an advantage.

Additional Information

• Applications must be submitted through the official UNOPS job portal by 17 August 2025 (midnight CET).
• UNOPS does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• UNOPS promotes a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and professional development.

About UNOPS

UNOPS is a trusted partner of governments, UN agencies, and international financial institutions. As an operational arm of the United Nations, UNOPS helps countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by delivering projects that improve lives and build sustainable futures. With over 12,000 personnel across 80+ countries, UNOPS brings local insight and global expertise to every challenge.

Apply today and contribute to sustainable e-waste policy development in Papua New Guinea.

For more details and to apply, visit: UNOPS careers page.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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