Consultant - Life Cycle Analyst - UNEP Industry and Economy Division

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its Industry and Economy Division promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns, efficient resource use, and sound chemical management. This role sits within the UNEP Life Cycle Initiative Unit, supporting the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) in Saudi Arabia.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to apply life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) to analyze Saudi Arabia's waste management system. The consultant will identify environmental and economic hotspots, quantify the impacts of policy interventions, and benchmark against international best practices. The role will provide evidence-based recommendations to inform MWAN's strategic decisions, evaluate environmental and economic benefits, and build MWAN's capacity in life-cycle thinking and impact assessment tools. The ultimate goal is to support MWAN in achieving its ambitious 2040 waste management targets through scientifically informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

Apply life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to identify environmental and economic hotspots within Saudi Arabia’s waste management system. Quantify the environmental and economic impacts of various policy and financial interventions, benchmarking against international best practices. Develop evidence-based recommendations to guide MWAN’s strategic decision-making, evaluating environmental benefits like avoided emissions and pollution reduction, as well as indirect economic benefits and cost savings. Design and deliver tailored training modules to enhance MWAN personnel's capacity in applying life-cycle thinking and impact assessment tools. Conduct scenario analysis and sensitivity testing for policy/financial mechanisms, and assess cost-effectiveness.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is required. Experience in building Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and using LCA software tools is essential. Strong knowledge of waste management systems, policies, and financial instruments is also necessary.

Skills

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), LCA software tools, Waste management systems and policies, Financial instruments in waste management, Environmental and economic impact assessment, Training program design and delivery, Technical report writing, Communication and presentation skills.

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