National Expert to support MED POL in the implementation of desalination guidelines in Libya (NO-A)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN system's entity for global and regional environmental issues. Its mandate includes coordinating environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to international attention. The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)/Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution (MED POL) in Athens, Greece, focuses on marine environment protection. This consultancy supports MED POL in implementing desalination guidelines in Libya.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to support UNEP/MAP – MED POL in the implementation of desalination guidelines within Libya. The role will guide national authorities in retrofitting the desalination sector towards sustainable and innovative practices, focusing on a lower carbon footprint, in alignment with UNEP/MAP Guidelines on Sustainable Desalination. The consultant will assess the national legal framework, evaluate pollution loads from desalination plants, and map their energy and technology configurations. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the promotion of a sustainable desalination sector in the Mediterranean region, addressing environmental impacts and regulatory compliance, and presenting findings at a regional meeting.

Responsibilities

The National Expert will prepare a detailed work plan and timetable. This includes proposing and coordinating the selection of 2-5 desalination plants in Libya for assessment with national authorities. The expert will prepare a comprehensive Assessment Report, including an annotated outline covering the introduction, overview of Libya's desalination sector, plant descriptions, national legal framework, technical configurations, brine and chemical discharges, gap analysis against UNEP/MAP guidelines, and practical recommendations. Additionally, the expert will prepare technical descriptions for each selected plant, analyze national legislation related to desalination, assess pollution loads, and develop case studies and presentation materials for a regional meeting. The role involves revising the report based on feedback and submitting final deliverables.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required. This experience should be in the water treatment sector, drinking water management, international policies, regulatory frameworks, or sustainable desalination policies. Knowledge of desalination treatment technologies is considered desirable.

Skills

Expertise in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, or mechanical engineering. Experience in water treatment, drinking water management, international policies, regulatory frameworks, or sustainable desalination policies. Knowledge of desalination treatment technologies is desirable. Fluency in English and Arabic.

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