“Regional Programme Associate – Chemical Waste: Driving Sustainable Environmental Solutions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia”

1. Position Overview

This position is within the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and is focused on supporting the Chemicals and Waste Programme in the Nature, Climate and Energy Practice. The role is based in Istanbul, Türkiye and primarily supports countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECIS) region. The Programme Associate will assist with the implementation and management of projects related to chemical and waste management, which are crucial for environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and public health.

2. Key Responsibilities

The Programme Associate will be responsible for a broad range of tasks related to project management, monitoring, administration, and support across various stages of the project cycle.

a. Project Support and Development:

• Coordinate document processing: Assist with the preparation and submission of project documents at various stages of the project cycle, from development to approval. This involves ensuring that documents are accurate and comply with UNDP’s guidelines and formats.
• Database management: Update and maintain project information in the UNDP’s database (PIMS+), ensuring that all data is correct and up-to-date.
• Project development assistance: Work with project proponents (UNDP Country Offices, HQ) to support the development of new projects, ensuring the proper documentation and processing of project details.

b. Project Monitoring and Implementation:http://Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste – UNDP

• Support monitoring of ongoing projects: Track project progress and ensure that milestones are met according to the approved work plans and budget. This involves ensuring that annual work plans are submitted, and project deliverables are on track.
• Financial oversight: Work closely with the UNDP Country Offices to monitor the financial aspects of projects, including budget revisions and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. The Programme Associate will assist in processing financial reports and tracking the deployment of funds.
• Collaboration with Country Offices (COs): Provide ongoing support to UNDP’s country offices, helping them navigate project cycles, answer questions, and provide technical support when necessary.

c. Communications and Coordination:

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders: This includes communicating with various UNDP offices, donors, and project partners to ensure smooth project execution. You’ll assist with reporting requirements, project status updates, and any needed clarifications related to environmental finance and chemicals management.
• Support workshops and training: The Programme Associate will also assist in organizing regional workshops, training programs, and meetings. This includes logistics, communication with participants, and documentation.

d. Capacity Building:

• Assist in organizing training: Support the development and delivery of training programs that aim to build the capacity of Country Offices in managing chemicals and waste projects. This may involve both technical knowledge and procedural understanding.
• Knowledge sharing: The Programme Associate will contribute to maintaining a knowledge management system by ensuring that key insights from projects are captured and disseminated. This helps in raising awareness about UNDP’s achievements and initiatives in chemicals and waste management.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications@vacancyspaces.com

The role requires the following key qualifications and skills:

Education:

• Secondary education: A high school diploma is required, but a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Economics, Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, etc.) is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Certification in project management and/or procurement would be a plus.

Experience:

• Project management: The candidate should have at least 3 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 6 years of experience with a secondary education, in areas like financial resources management, project management, or administrative support functions.
• Experience with grants or vertical funds: Experience working with organizations that manage grants or international funds, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) or the Green Climate Fund (GCF), would be highly advantageous.
• Technical tools: Proficiency in office software (Word, Excel) is required, and experience with database management or ERP systems like Atlas would be an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Turkish is required, while knowledge of additional UN languages is a plus.

4. Competencies

The position also emphasizes a range of core competencies that the ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Achieving Results: Planning, monitoring, and delivering work with attention to detail and by deadlines.
• Innovative Thinking: Finding pragmatic solutions to problems and making improvements when necessary.
• Learning Continuously: Being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and sharing knowledge with others.
• Adaptability: Handling change with flexibility and composure.
• Determination: Having drive and motivation, especially in challenging situations.
• Engaging and Partnering: Building positive relationships and collaborating effectively.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives and avoiding discrimination.

5. Work Environment

The role is part of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (RBEC) and requires strong collaboration with other regional and country office teams, as well as with HQ. There is no mobility required, meaning that the Programme Associate will be based in Istanbul and not required to travel frequently.

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Conclusion

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for sustainable development, climate action, and environmental management. The Programme Associate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic international environment, managing key projects that contribute to global environmental sustainability and climate change goals.

Would you like to dive deeper into any specific part of the job?

The Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Istanbul, Türkiye offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global environmental sustainability. The role is based in the Nature, Climate, and Energy Practice under the Chemicals and Waste Program, which plays a critical role in addressing issues related to chemical waste management, climate change, and environmental protection. This role is particularly focused on the Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECIS) region, supporting the delivery of key environmental projects.

1. About UNDP and its Mission

The UNDP is a global organization that supports countries around the world in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the major challenges that the UNDP seeks to address is the environmental crisis, including issues like chemical waste management, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of ecosystems. The Nature, Climate and Energy Practice within UNDP works across these fields to deliver projects that mitigate these environmental challenges, focusing on areas such as climate finance, sustainable energy, chemical waste management, and more.

The UNDP’s Chemicals and Waste Programme, for which this position is being recruited, works closely with UN member countries to ensure that they can manage chemicals in a sustainable manner, thereby minimizing risks to human health and the environment. This includes working on projects under global treaties like the Montreal Protocol, the Stockholm Convention, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which aim to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and protect both human populations and ecosystems.

The role of the Regional Programme Associate is essential for supporting the effective delivery of the Chemicals and Waste Programme in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECIS), specifically dealing with chemical waste management, and providing technical and operational support to ensure that these projects run smoothly, are completed on time, and meet UNDP’s goals and compliance standards.

2. Key Responsibilities and Duties

The position of Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste will require the successful candidate to take on a wide range of responsibilities related to the management, administration, and support of projects in the field of chemicals and waste management. These tasks will include assisting with project development, implementation, monitoring, and financial oversight, as well as maintaining an effective communication flow between UNDP’s Country Offices (COs), regional offices, and headquarters.

a. Project Development Support

One of the core responsibilities of this role is to assist with the development of chemical waste management projects. This process begins with the identification of regional needs and ends with the submission and approval of project proposals. The Regional Programme Associate will play a key role in the preparation and coordination of the documentation required for these projects, including reviewing project documents for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with UNDP and donor guidelines.

This includes ensuring that project proposals meet the guidelines set out by UNDP’s vertical funds (such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Multilateral Fund for the Montreal Protocol). The Programme Associate will support the preparation of proposals and project documents for submission to these funds, ensuring the necessary background information, data, and financial details are accurate and consistent.

b. Project Monitoring and Implementation

Once a project has been approved, the Regional Programme Associate will transition to supporting its monitoring and implementation phase. This includes working with the UNDP Country Offices to ensure that the project’s objectives are met and the timeline and budget are adhered to. The Programme Associate will support the monitoring of progress reports to track milestones, ensuring projects meet their performance targets.

Monitoring is a crucial part of ensuring that funding is allocated correctly, and projects are delivered efficiently. The Programme Associate will play an important role in tracking the financial health of the project, including monitoring budget revisions, expenditure, and ensuring that all activities are compliant with the project’s financial framework. This involves regular interaction with the project teams, COs, and the project’s financial oversight teams.

One of the essential tools that will be used in this role is the PIMS+ (Project Information Management System), a key platform for monitoring and managing project data. The Regional Programme Associate will be responsible for ensuring that the PIMS+ system is updated regularly, tracking the progress of the project, and ensuring that all relevant information is logged in the system for easy access by other stakeholders.

Additionally, the Programme Associate will coordinate the preparation and submission of annual work plans for approval by UNDP’s Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs), Specialists (RTSs), and other stakeholders. These work plans are essential for ensuring that the project team and other key actors stay aligned on the key goals and activities for the year.

c. Financial Management and Budget Oversight

The financial management component of this role is crucial, as it ensures that project funds are used effectively and efficiently. The Programme Associate will assist in reviewing project budgets, tracking financial disbursements, and helping to ensure that budget revisions are completed on time. This aspect of the role requires close attention to detail and the ability to work with both project and finance teams to manage funds according to the requirements set out by UNDP and the vertical funding organizations.

The Programme Associate will also provide ongoing financial follow-up for projects under their portfolio, tracking spending against budget plans and raising any issues or discrepancies to the attention of the relevant Regional Technical Advisors or Specialists. The role requires an understanding of budgeting and financial planning, as well as familiarity with UNDP’s internal financial systems.

d. Stakeholder Communication and Coordination

A key part of this role is ensuring smooth communication between the different stakeholders involved in a project. This includes regular correspondence with project teams, donors, Country Offices, and UNDP headquarters to ensure that the project’s objectives and expectations are clearly understood by all parties.

The Programme Associate will be responsible for organizing meetings, workshops, and seminars related to chemicals and waste management. This involves all aspects of event coordination, from booking venues and preparing agendas to ensuring that all relevant materials are prepared and disseminated to the attendees.

Additionally, the Programme Associate will coordinate with Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs) and Specialists (RTSs) to ensure that training and capacity-building activities are effectively implemented. This may include helping Country Offices build the capacity of local stakeholders to better manage chemicals and waste, which is an integral part of improving environmental health at the national and regional levels.

e. Knowledge Management and Learning

In this role, the Programme Associate will also be expected to contribute to knowledge management activities. This means supporting the development of tools and resources to help share lessons learned, best practices, and technical knowledge related to chemicals and waste management.

The Programme Associate will also contribute to the preparation of presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting the achievements of the Chemicals and Waste Programme. This could include creating PowerPoint presentations, infographics, and other materials that communicate the progress and successes of various projects.

The Programme Associate will be encouraged to learn continuously from their colleagues and the broader UNDP organization. This includes participating in training sessions, workshops, and conferences to improve their own knowledge and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the Chemicals and Waste Team.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

The Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste role requires a strong set of both technical and managerial skills:

Educational Qualifications:

• Secondary education with specialized certification in areas like Business Administration, Finance, Environment, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Engineering, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, or closely related fields is preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in programme/project management, financial management, or administrative support with a Secondary education.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior experience in project oversight and working with international organizations or managing grants or vertical funds would be a significant advantage.
• Experience with budgeting, financial monitoring, and database management is also highly valued.
• Familiarity with UNDP systems, particularly the Atlas ERP system, is an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Turkish is required.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

4. Key Competencies

In addition to technical and managerial skills, the role requires several key core competencies that will ensure the candidate can thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment:

• Achieving Results: Ability to plan, monitor, and deliver quality work with attention to detail.
• Innovative Thinking: Open to new ideas and approaches for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability: Comfortable with change and can handle ambiguity constructively.
• Determination: Shows strong drive and motivation, especially in challenging situations.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate, both written and verbally, with different stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Demonstrates the ability to engage positively with colleagues, building a collaborative working environment.

5. Conclusion

The Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste position is critical for ensuring that UNDP’s chemicals and waste management projects are successfully planned, implemented, and monitored in the ECIS region. The role involves a combination of administrative tasks, project oversight, financial monitoring, and communication, all aimed at supporting

the successful delivery of sustainable environmental projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Regional Programme Associate will work closely with diverse teams and stakeholders, from national governments to UNDP field offices, helping to foster collaboration and alignment with global environmental frameworks, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.

6. Working in the Chemicals and Waste Sector

The chemicals and waste sector is an increasingly important area for environmental and public health protection. Hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and toxic waste, can have devastating impacts on the environment and human health when not properly managed. As countries seek to comply with global environmental agreements, there is a growing need for highly skilled professionals to support effective management and disposal of hazardous materials.

The Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste will support efforts in the ECIS region, where some countries face particular challenges in managing chemicals and waste due to economic, technical, and institutional barriers. This role is crucial in building national capacities to manage chemical risks, supporting countries to meet their obligations under international conventions and treaties. By promoting sustainable chemical practices, the Programme Associate will be contributing to a global effort that ultimately seeks to reduce harmful chemicals, protect biodiversity, and ensure healthier communities.

7. Challenges in Chemical Waste Management in ECIS Region

The Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECIS) region faces several challenges when it comes to managing chemical waste. These challenges vary from country to country but generally include the following:

a. Outdated Infrastructure

Many countries in the ECIS region still use outdated and inadequate waste disposal facilities. This includes limited capacity to handle hazardous waste safely, inadequate infrastructure for recycling, and a lack of modern technologies to treat and neutralize hazardous substances.

b. Lack of Technical Expertise

While some countries in the ECIS region have made significant progress in chemical waste management, others still struggle due to a shortage of technical experts and trained personnel. The Programme Associate will help bridge this gap by supporting capacity-building activities that aim to equip local governments and organizations with the necessary skills to safely manage chemicals.

c. Regulatory and Policy Gaps

In some ECIS countries, national legislation on chemicals and waste management is either lacking or not fully enforced. This can be attributed to the absence of a unified legal framework on chemical safety, as well as weak enforcement of existing regulations. The Programme Associate’s role will involve collaborating with national governments and key stakeholders to help strengthen policy frameworks and improve the implementation of environmental standards.

d. International Cooperation

Cooperation between countries in the ECIS region is often fragmented, and it can be difficult to share knowledge or coordinate efforts to tackle chemical waste management. Many countries in this region also rely heavily on international donors, such as the European Union and the World Bank, to fund environmental projects. The Programme Associate will play a key role in facilitating cooperation between national governments, international donors, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure that best practices are shared.

Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities to promote improvements in chemical waste management across the ECIS region. UNDP’s expertise in project management, funding mechanisms, and policy advocacy makes it uniquely positioned to support countries in the region to enhance their chemical safety protocols, improve waste management infrastructure, and increase awareness of the importance of sustainable chemical practices.

8. The Impact of the Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste Role

By successfully supporting projects aimed at reducing hazardous chemicals and waste, the Regional Programme Associate will play a direct role in ensuring that the countries in the ECIS region can protect both human and environmental health.

The impact of this role can be seen in the reduction of pollution and toxicity in the region, as well as improvements in the quality of life for local populations who are exposed to harmful chemicals. Many of the environmental projects that the Programme Associate will help implement focus on reducing the release of dangerous chemicals into water, air, and soil, which in turn mitigates environmental damage and ensures that resources like clean water and healthy ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

Further, the Programme Associate will support the regional capacity-building efforts, helping countries develop the necessary technical expertise and institutional frameworks to take ownership of chemical waste management in the long term. This institutional sustainability ensures that the progress made through UNDP-supported projects is maintained and built upon in the future.

9. Professional Development and Career Growth

The Regional Programme Associate position provides an exciting opportunity for professional development and career growth in the field of environmental management. UNDP offers a supportive environment for employees to develop their skills through training opportunities, workshops, and on-the-job learning. Working in this position will expose the Programme Associate to a variety of multidisciplinary topics, from environmental policy to sustainable development goals, to financial management and project implementation.

Moreover, the Programme Associate will have the opportunity to engage in regional and global networks related to chemical waste management and environmental sustainability. This exposure can help expand the Programme Associate’s professional connections and offer a stepping stone for further career advancement within UNDP or other organizations working in the environmental sector.

As UNDP is a global organization with a broad mandate, there will be significant opportunities for growth within the organization, including possible transitions to roles in other regions or areas of environmental practice.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Regional Programme Associate-Chemical Waste position at UNDP is a critical role that supports the implementation and management of essential projects in the chemicals and waste management field. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges by supporting the development and management of projects that reduce the impact of harmful chemicals on both human health and the environment.

By joining the UNDP team, the Programme Associate will be part of a larger, global effort to tackle the issue of hazardous chemicals and waste, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and building a sustainable future for all. The opportunity to work within a collaborative, diverse, and impact-driven team in the Istanbul Regional Hub promises both personal and professional growth while also ensuring positive, lasting environmental outcomes for countries across the ECIS region.