Project Management Specialist – South Asia

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ROAP) helps to implement its global programmes in the regions by initiating, coordinating, and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies.

UNEP is one of the implementing agencies under the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) assisting developing countries to implement activities at the national level to phase out consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and to phase down consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). In addition to its role as an implementing agency under the MLF, UNEP OzonAction provides direct support to developing countries to maintain compliance with the obligations of the Montreal Protocol through its Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP). The UNEP CAP South Asia Network team supports 13 countries in the region through a range of CAP services. These services include regional network and thematic meetings, compliance monitoring, data reporting, policy advice, technical assistance, monitoring and control of ODS trade, and capacity building for National Ozone Units (NOUs). Additional activities include facilitating South–South cooperation, promoting awareness raising initiatives, and strengthening information sharing among participating countries. The CAP South Asia Network team also supports the implementation of several projects approved under the MLF. These include the preparation and implementation of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs), Institutional Strengthening (IS) Projects, and Kigali HFC Phase-down Implementation Plans (KIPs). These projects assist countries in developing and implementing policies and regulatory measures such as licensing and quota systems to control the consumption of controlled substances and ensure gradual reductions in their use. Implementation activities further include strengthening enforcement of trade controls through cooperation with and training of customs authorities, capacity building of the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sector, and awareness-raising activities targeting both stakeholders and the general public. Many initiatives also promote cross-sectoral approaches to support the phase-out of ODS and the phase-down of HFCs across sectors such as building and construction, cold-chain systems, and information technology. Policy tools such as public procurement policies, fiscal incentives, and incentive-based replacement schemes are also promoted to facilitate the adoption of climate-friendly technologies. These measures support governments in enabling a smooth transition of the RAC sector towards alternative refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies while maintaining compliance with the Montreal Protocol. UNEP OzonAction works closely with national governments, primarily through National Ozone Units (NOUs) and National Ozone Officers (NOOs), typically located within Ministries of Environment or other relevant government institutions. These units coordinate project implementation at the national level and collaborate with key stakeholders including customs authorities, technical and vocational training institutions, standards agencies, other line ministries, and the private sector. This includes engagement with end-users of cooling technologies, importers and traders, manufacturers of RAC equipment, and producers of refrigerant substances. Through these partnerships, UNEP supports countries in strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving technical capacity, and ensuring effective implementation of Montreal Protocol commitments.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator – South Asia Network or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Project Management Specialist will support projects in the South Asia (SA) Network with the following responsibilities : Planning, Implementation and Monitoring of approved Multilateral Fund Projects: To support the South Asia Network in o Maintaining regular communications with the National Ozone Officers (NOOs) in the planning, implementation and follow-up of project activities to ensure effective implementation and timely delivery of the projects approved by the ExCom including the IS Project, Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plans(HPMP),Kigali HFC Phase-down Implementation Plans(KIP) and other approved projects under special funding opportunities, etc. o Developing scope of work for the non-government partner and Term of Reference for the consultant to support delivery of activities under relevant projects. o Liaising regularly with and monitoring performance of non-government partners and consultants in the delivery of the assignments, submitting reports/deliverables and providing update on implementation status, challenges and solutions to overcome the challenges to the Activity Leader. Preparing the Multilateral Fund (MLF) Project-related Reporting: To support the South Asia Network and provide input for : o Preparing progress reports for Asia and the Pacific, which is to be prepared by UNEP OzonAction and submitted to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat on annual basis. o Preparing the Project Completion Report (PCR) of individual projects and multi-year agreement projects upon completion of the projects. o Drafting specific reports as required by the Executive Committee for Activity Leader review. Providing Technical and Policy Support to Countries : o Conduct regional and country specific policy research to support evidence-based policy advocacy and development. o Provide technical and policy assistance to countries for updating the national policy frameworks related to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. o Identify and disseminate good practices among NOUs including developing a guidance tool on the policy framework for the Montreal Protocol. o Contribute to the drafting of policy objectives papers and policy proposals for the updating of national regulations. Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA)/Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA)/UN to UN Transfer Agreement (UN2UN): To support the South Asia Network in : o In consultation with countries and Activity Leader, preparing PCA/SSFA Agreements as per the templates of UNEP and approved project proposals by the ExCom. o Liaising and assisting the NOOs in the preparation and submission of relevant reports such as progress reports and expenditure reports etc. to meet the requirements of UNEP. o Monitoring the implementation of the PCA/SSFA/UN2UN Agreements and facilitate the process of making requests for release of advances as per provision of the agreements. Others : o Support innovation within the Asia Pacific Compliance Assistance Programme team on project and knowledge management and collaborative tools. o As assigned by the Montreal Protocol Programme Officers – South Asia Network.