E-waste Management Policy Specialist (Retainer) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Policy and Regulation Advisory

• Analyze the current e-waste policy and any supporting legal instruments to identify existing gaps, inconsistencies, or lack of enforceability.
• Contribute to quality assurance processes by flagging strategic, operational, or regulatory risks that may affect the feasibility or sustainability of proposed technical solutions.
• Contribute to the development of policy implementation roadmaps, operational procedures, compliance mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities  and provide ongoing advisory support to national regulatory bodies.
• Support the project’s communications and reporting on legal and policy progress.
• Review reports, legal drafts, and recommendations submitted by the engaged consulting firm contracted under the project.
• Support the review process of technical deliverables submitted by the engaged consulting firm by identifying areas where alignment with the National E-Waste Strategy and broader environmental policy objectives can be strengthened.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure that policy and regulatory recommendations provided by the engaged consulting firm aligns with national priorities, international best practices, and project objectives.

Reporting

• Advisory work plan with key milestones;
• Gap analysis report on current e-waste policy and legal framework which will be used as baseline for the implementation of the project;
• Regular  technical review notes on legal firm deliverables such as ;
• Legal, Institutional and Policy Assessment Report
• Stakeholder Coordination Framework Design
• Policy Implementation roadmap
• Framework and Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for Legalization, Permitting, and Inspection of E-waste Recyclers
• Private Sector Engagement Framework
• Technical and Financial Instrument Report 
• Develop regulatory roadmap and implementation support plan to ensure the proper coordination is made with the relevant stakeholders;
• Technical notes on implementation options proposed by the engaged consulting firm and the relevant stakeholders ;

Communication

• Contributing to project updates, donor reports, and presentations by providing verified environmental data and key messages.
• Ad hoc calls may be scheduled as needed to review specific deliverables, reports, or indicators.
• Preparing concise, accessible briefs or environmental summaries for both technical and non-technical audiences, including community stakeholders where appropriate.

Impact of Results

• The effective delivery of high-quality legal and policy advisory services by the E-waste Management Policy Specialist will directly contribute to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s regulatory framework for electronic waste management. By ensuring alignment with national legislation and international best practices, the E-waste Management Policy Specialist’s work will help build a sustainable and enforceable system to address the country’s growing e-waste challenge.

Education:

• Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in Law, public policy or a related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience, with at least 3 in policy/legal advisory for environmental or waste management sectors
• Experience working in the Pacific Region is an advantage.
• Proven experience with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, preferably in developing countries
• Familiarity with the PNG policy environment and legal system is highly desirable
• Strong communication, facilitation, and drafting skills
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder advisory groups or donor-funded projects is an advantage