Regional Management Specialist, Circular Economy & Waste Solutions

March 21, 2025

12 minutes read

The Regional Management Specialist role at UNDP in Bangkok, Thailand focuses on environmental sustainability, particularly waste management, circular economy, and climate change mitigation. This position is part of the Chemicals & Waste Hub (CWH) under the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and involves regional project management, strategic planning, and technical assistance in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Responsibilities:http://Regional Management Specialist Job Posting

Strategic Planning & Advisory Support:
- Identify strategic programme areas and new opportunities for collaboration.
- Conduct research on potential donors and funding sources.
- Support business planning and workflow mapping for project implementation.
Technical Guidance & Project Implementation:
- Lead and support regional programs on plastic waste management, circular economy, and energy efficiency.
- Provide technical assistance to countries under the Montreal Protocol, Global Environment Facility (GEF), and other international environmental agreements.
- Oversee project implementation in collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, and government partners.
Project Oversight & Resource Management:
- Ensure projects are executed according to UNDP rules and financial regulations.
- Guide partners in overcoming operational and financial challenges.
- Monitor project progress and ensure effective risk management.
Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Management:
- Conduct portfolio analysis, review Annual Work Plans (AWPs), and track project outcomes.
- Develop knowledge-sharing materials and best practices.
- Contribute to advocacy and communication efforts on environmental sustainability.

Key Areas of Focus:

Plastics & Circular Economy: Managing plastic waste through recycling, policy innovations, and public awareness campaigns.
Cooling Efficiency & Climate Action: Supporting efforts under the Montreal Protocol to phase out harmful refrigerants and promote sustainable cooling solutions.
Hazardous Waste Management: Helping countries handle persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury, and other hazardous chemicals.
Regional Program Coordination: Working with various stakeholders in South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific to implement large-scale environmental projects.

Required Qualifications:@vacancyspaces.com

Education:
- A Master’s degree in Environmental Science or related fields.
- A Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of experience may be accepted in place of a Master’s degree.
Experience:
- At least 5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) in environmental project management, climate action, or waste management.
- Experience working with multilateral environmental agreements (e.g., Montreal Protocol, GEF, or SAICM) is desirable.
- Knowledge of climate finance, sustainable cooling, or pollution control policies is an asset.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage regional projects, coordinate teams, and work with international partners.
- Experience in knowledge management, advocacy, and policy planning.
- Fluency in English is required; other UN languages are an asset.

Why This Role Matters:

This role is critical in helping countries transition to sustainable waste management practices, reduce pollution, and support climate action. By coordinating regional programs, mobilizing resources, and providing technical expertise, the Regional Management Specialist will contribute to UNDP’s mission of environmental sustainability and a circular economy in the Asia-Pacific region.

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UNDP Regional Management Specialist: Job Overview

Position Summary

The Regional Management Specialist for the Chemicals and Waste Hub (CWH) in Bangkok, Thailand, offers a pivotal role within the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). The position is aimed at individuals with experience in environmental management, circular economy practices, and international development, especially those with expertise in waste management, climate action, and sustainable development. This job directly contributes to advancing the Asia-Pacific region’s efforts to meet global environmental goals, such as those outlined in multilateral agreements like the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, and the Stockholm Convention.

The role involves overseeing complex, multi-faceted projects aimed at combating plastic pollution, promoting circular economy initiatives, and improving energy efficiency in the region. The specialist will coordinate a range of regional programs related to chemicals and waste management, climate mitigation, and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Advisory Support

A significant part of the role will be to assist with strategic planning for regional programs. The specialist will:

Identify key strategic areas for the regional UNDP portfolio, focusing on environmental challenges like waste management, pollution control, and sustainable development.
Conduct policy research to find new funding opportunities and support the development of substantive briefs on potential areas of cooperation, such as cross-country and cross-regional synergies.
Engage with donor agencies and the private sector to secure financial backing for regional and national environmental projects.
Facilitate business planning within the UNDP teams, streamlining the project development process and ensuring that the planning activities align with the overall mission and objectives of the organization.
Support the design and development of national and regional environmental projects to meet the climate, energy, and waste management goals in line with UNDP’s objectives.

2. Technical Guidance and Project Implementation

Another major responsibility of the Regional Management Specialist is to provide technical guidance and assistance on the implementation of key programs related to waste management, circular economy, and climate action. This includes:

Coordinating efforts with other regional teams, country offices, and partners to implement complex programs, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that projects are progressing toward their objectives.
Offering technical support to the Global Plastics Innovation Program (GPIP), specifically Phase II, which focuses on tackling plastic pollution through policy change, innovative practices, and increasing awareness.
Supporting energy efficiency projects related to the Montreal Protocol, particularly concerning HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and the improvement of cooling systems.
Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, and international agencies like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), and other multilateral and bilateral donors.

3. Project Oversight & Resource Management

The specialist will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of various projects and ensuring that they are managed according to UNDP’s internal standards. This entails:

Ensuring projects follow the Results-Based Management (RBM) framework, establishing clear performance targets, and monitoring progress against these indicators.
Providing operational guidance to partners, helping them resolve challenges, particularly those that may affect financial or operational efficiency.
Managing budget oversight, ensuring that funds are being allocated in line with the approved project budgets and that all financial procedures are adhered to.
Ensuring that projects comply with UNDP’s procurement and administrative regulations, maintaining effective internal controls to safeguard the integrity of the funds and resources used.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management

The role will also require a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The specialist will:

Conduct thorough analysis of ongoing programs and projects, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the objectives of the UNDP’s Chemicals & Waste Hub.
Lead Annual Work Plan (AWP) reviews, assess progress, and identify areas for improvement, making recommendations based on performance and impact.
Document best practices and lessons learned throughout the program’s lifecycle, ensuring that these are captured in knowledge management products and shared across relevant stakeholders.
Actively contribute to the development of advocacy strategies that raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities in the fields of climate change, circular economy, and environmental governance.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

A critical component of the Regional Management Specialist’s role is to engage with various stakeholders. The specialist will:

Build and sustain relationships with key players in the public and private sectors, especially those involved in climate finance, waste management, sustainability, and environmental policy.
Facilitate cooperation between UNDP and other multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and GEF, as well as national governments and regional bodies.
Promote inter-agency collaboration and cross-functional team engagement to ensure that all actors are aligned in their efforts to address common environmental challenges.
Advocate for the inclusion of gender considerations and local community engagement in project designs and implementations.

Required Qualifications

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, or related fields is required.
A Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of experience in public/private/international institutions working on environmental issues, particularly related to multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, or the Stockholm Convention.
Experience in waste management, circular economy initiatives, energy efficiency, or climate action projects is highly desirable.
Proven ability to design and implement large-scale environmental programs with a focus on regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Familiarity with the operational and financial management requirements of multilateral projects funded by donors such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) or bipartisan donors.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and make informed decisions.
Excellent project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and lead cross-functional teams.
Knowledge management skills: ability to capture lessons learned, best practices, and disseminate them in an accessible format to enhance knowledge sharing.
Ability to engage diverse stakeholders, navigate complex political landscapes, and build consensus on programmatic initiatives.
Strong skills in communication and advocacy, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences and promote environmental policies.
Fluency in English is required; proficiency in other UN languages, such as Spanish or French, is a plus.

Key Competencies

Results-Oriented: The ability to set challenging yet achievable objectives, follow through on commitments, and achieve measurable results.
Innovation: Proactively addressing emerging challenges and developing creative solutions to tackle complex problems.
Adaptability and Agility: The capacity to manage multiple competing demands and navigate organizational and programmatic changes with flexibility.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align UNDP’s global vision with localized program needs, creating actionable plans that address systemic challenges.
Collaboration: A team player who fosters partnerships, engages with stakeholders, and promotes cross-functional collaboration.

Global Environmental Impact

This role is essential in addressing key global environmental challenges related to climate change, plastic pollution, and the sustainable use of resources. By leveraging partnerships, securing funding, and implementing impactful projects, the Regional Management Specialist plays an integral role in helping the Asia-Pacific region transition towards a circular economy and sustainable development mode

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Broader Context and Importance of the Role

The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) has a long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) across the globe. As the largest development organization in the world, UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working towards inclusive growth, climate action, and environmental sustainability. The Regional Management Specialist role in Bangkok, which is part of the Chemicals & Waste Hub (CWH), specifically contributes to these global goals within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the most significant environmental challenges, including rapid urbanization, plastic pollution, improper waste management, and growing climate risks. This region also bears the brunt of many environmental crises, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and hazardous chemical exposure. In this context, the Regional Management Specialist will work at the forefront of environmental governance, climate change adaptation, and the promotion of green economies.

The Chemicals & Waste Hub is one of the key components of UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN), which leads the organization’s technical expertise in the areas of chemicals management, waste reduction, and circular economy. This hub integrates the technical knowledge required to guide countries through complex environmental challenges, providing support at both policy and implementation levels.

Core Areas of Focus for the Specialist:

1. Plastics and Circular Economy

The Plastics Pollution crisis is one of the most pressing environmental issues globally. With the Global Plastics Innovation Program (GPIP), the Regional Management Specialist will play an essential role in shaping the development and implementation of strategies that:

Reduce plastic waste by advancing recycling technologies, introducing new material substitutes, and promoting policy change at national and regional levels.
Focus on the innovative circular economy models, ensuring that plastics are reused, recycled, and repurposed to prevent them from becoming environmental hazards.
Raise public awareness through educational programs, media campaigns, and partnerships with businesses and governmental bodies to encourage sustainable plastic use and waste reduction.

This work directly contributes to achieving the SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as reducing plastic waste not only impacts terrestrial environments but also has profound effects on marine ecosystems.

2. Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment

The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful international agreements to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances that deplete it. The Kigali Amendment specifically addresses the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of chemicals that contribute to global warming. The Regional Management Specialist will support regional Montreal Protocol initiatives, ensuring that:

Countries comply with their obligations to eliminate ozone-depleting substances and HFCs.
The Kigali Amendment and cooling efficiency goals are integrated into broader climate change mitigation programs, especially in regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific that have rapidly growing energy needs and are vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Energy-efficient cooling technologies are promoted, reducing the demand for harmful refrigerants and reducing the carbon footprint associated with refrigeration and air-conditioning.

This aspect of the role is crucial for achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

3. Chemical Safety and Waste Management

The Chemicals and Waste Hub is focused on managing and reducing the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste on human health and the environment. The Regional Management Specialist will help UNDP assist countries in the region to address challenges related to:

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Mercury, which are highly toxic and persist in the environment for long periods.
Healthcare waste management, especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing hospital waste, which requires careful handling and disposal.
E-waste management, a growing challenge due to the increasing disposal of electronic devices that contain hazardous materials.
Minimizing residual waste, focusing on reducing what ends up in landfills through better waste sorting, recycling programs, and encouraging extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies.

By focusing on these issues, the specialist will contribute to the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

4. Green Economy & Sustainability

The Green Economy concept plays a critical role in sustainable development. It encompasses the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient systems that also promote social equity and economic inclusion. The Regional Management Specialist will:

Promote the shift towards green and blue economies by supporting the development of sustainable practices in industries like agriculture, tourism, and energy.
Encourage the integration of sustainability into national development plans, including green finance, which helps countries access funding for environmental projects while fostering private sector involvement.
Advocate for policies that promote resource efficiency, green growth, and the transition away from traditional industrial practices that damage ecosystems and harm biodiversity.

This work aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Collaborative Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

The success of environmental projects heavily relies on the ability to build and maintain strong partnerships. As a Regional Management Specialist, a core part of the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including:

National governments: Guiding them in implementing international environmental agreements and frameworks.
Private sector: Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, innovate with eco-friendly products, and reduce their carbon footprint.
NGOs and civil society organizations: Ensuring local communities are involved in decision-making and project implementation, especially for marginalized or vulnerable groups.
Academia and think tanks: Promoting research on environmental sustainability, waste reduction, and circular economy models.
Other UN agencies: Facilitating inter-agency collaboration to align efforts and pool resources toward shared environmental goals.

By working with these diverse actors, the specialist will be able to scale up impact and ensure that the Asia-Pacific region advances toward achieving international environmental targets and contributes to the broader UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Impact

The overall objective of the Regional Management Specialist is to ensure that regional environmental projects have a long-term impact. This includes:

Scaling up successful models of waste management, recycling, and plastic reduction across the region.
Increased capacity in countries for sustainable waste management, climate adaptation, and mitigation strategies.
Improved regional cooperation on issues like chemical safety, pollution control, and green energy solutions.
Strengthening the policy frameworks in countries that facilitate a transition to more sustainable economies.

By achieving these outcomes, the Regional Management Specialist will help build a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region.

I hope this extended explanation provides a more comprehensive understanding of the Regional Management Specialist role at UNDP. If you need even further clarification or have any specific areas you’d like to delve deeper into, feel free

March 21, 2025

12 minutes read