Expert, Waste & Marine Plastic Pollution

Introduction to GRID-Arendal

GRID-Arendal is a non-profit environmental communications centre based in Norway. We transform environmental data into innovative, science-based information products and provide capacity-building services that enable better environmental governance. We aim to inform and activate a global audience and motivate decision-makers to effect positive change. Our vision is a society that understands, values, and protects the environment on which it depends.

GRID-Arendal was established in 1989 by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment to support environmentally sustainable development by collaborating with the United Nations Environment Programme and other partners.

We work closely with UN agencies, regional organizations, national governments, and other strategic partners to create positive environmental outcomes and impact, particularly in developing countries. A major focus for GRID-Arendal is supporting fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris climate agreement, and other regional and international commitments.

Our work is organised under four programmes: Polar and Climate, Marine Environment, Waste & Marine Litter, and Transboundary Governance & Environmental Crime, supported by a Production and Communications Office and a Project Support Office.

Background

To tackle the world challenge of pollution and waste, GRID-Arendal supports global policy development through the UN frameworks, including the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Secretariat of the BRS Conventions . GRID-Arendal contributes to the UNEA and to expert working groups on waste and marine litter and develops products to inform international policy-makers. Marine plastic pollution, circular economy, waste management, waste trade, and sanitation and wastewater are topics that GRID-Arendal specializes in through research and communication services.

GRID-Arendal supports developing countries with capacity building and research on the impact of waste and marine litter, their sources and pathways. Our staff are developing technical research and communication tools and expertise to address waste and marine litter, including the leakage of plastic waste into the environment. We work closely with the Regional Seas Conventions and other UN agencies to find regional and global solutions to tackle the issue of waste and marine pollution.

In view of the expanding work under the Waste and Marine Litter Programme, GRID-Arendal seeks the services of a dynamic and committed Expert with proven work experience and with an interest in waste and marine plastic pollution issues to increase the programme´s impact. The Expert will be working part-time, approximately 10-15 hours per week.

The Expert is expected to bring a wealth of experience and skills to assist in project work as well as to effectively communicate new knowledge on various areas that include marine plastic pollution, waste management or other topics related to the environment.

The position will require good analytical and organisational skills, and a strong talent in communication. You will be working with a strong international team composed of people from different cultures, bringing together a broad spectrum of experiences.

We work with people from across the globe in different time zones. Therefore, sometimes flexibility is required in making yourself available after working hours.

Main activities

Provide expertise in conducting desk study research, analysis, summarize findings, policy-oriented papers, and assessment reports in support of the Waste and Marine Litter Programmes;
Develop integrated approaches to planning of waste management at local, national and global lever in developing countries and countries in transition e.g., facilitate guidelines, contribute to action plans, strategies, inventories etc.;
Contribute with knowledge-based information to regional and global level policy development;
Facilitate relevant workshops, stakeholder consultations etc.;
Develop and maintain good relationship and regularly report to project clients and donors when necessary;
Provide expertise to Waste and Marine Litter Programmes’ communications and awareness raising activities;
Promote good external understanding of the Waste and Marine Litter programmes’ objectives and outputs;
Support collective ownership and accountability to successes and failures by actively communicating internally about progress and challenges in project implementation;
Contribute to a good and positive working environment;
Other responsibilities that may be assigned by the Head of Programme, Waste & Marine Litter.

Qualifications & Skills

Preferred required skills:

Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences or a related field;
Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of environmental protection, solid waste management, and/or marine plastic pollution;
Professional work experience in environmental impact assessments and integrated waste planning and strategies at local, regional and national level;
Work experience in land based sources of marine litter and plastic pollution;
Familiar with solid waste treatment technologies;
Familiar with circular economy policies in waste management;
Successful fund raising and writing grant proposals;
Minimum of 5 years of international working experience and knowledge about the UN system/international organizations preferred;
Excellent English written and verbal communications skills. Additional language skills would be an advantage;
Established network of contacts in support of the aforementioned goals would be a great asset.

Preferred personal qualifications

Excellent team player and ability to work independently;
High motivation and energy;
Ability to pursue multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines;
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
Excellent networking capabilities and diplomatic skills; and,
Interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international and culturally diverse environment.

Duration

15 August 2022 – 31 December 2022

Type

Independent consultancy contract / Service providing contract

Process for submission

All interested parties must submit their expressions of interest to procurements@grida.no no later than 10 August 2022 and mark in the subject “Expert, Waste & Marine Plastic Pollution” (cc clever.mafuta@grida.no).

Any questions about the project and work to be carried out should be addressed to clever.mafuta@grida.no.

Submisssions must include: a cover letter (1-page max) and curriculum vitae (including contact details of at least 2 referees for which similar work has been undertaken)

Consultant will be selected based on the consultant’s qualifications and record of experience.

Compensation

GRID-Arendal will offer a competitive fee based on qualifications and years of experience.

Type: Expression of Interest

Starting date: 2022-08-15

Ending date: 2022-12-31