Head, International Environmental Technology Centre
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The Industry and Economy Division encourages sustainable practices, efficient resource use, and sound chemical management. The International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC), based in Osaka, Japan, focuses on holistic waste management, providing technical support and implementing demonstration projects in developing countries to improve well-being and resilience.
Job Purpose
The Head of the International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) will lead the development and implementation of UNEP's strategy on waste reduction and recycling, focusing on a circular economy approach. This role involves directing the IETC's program of work, particularly in high-impact sectors like electronics, plastics, textiles, and construction. The incumbent will lead resource mobilization efforts, manage a diverse portfolio, and engage across UNEP and with partners to scale up waste management solutions. Key contributions include ensuring strategic value for stakeholders, leveraging innovative financing, and integrating waste considerations into broader sustainable development agendas, ultimately aiming for significant impact on waste reduction and resource efficiency globally.
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and assess the IETC's waste reduction and recycling strategy, and its program of work in key sectors, with a circular economy lens. Lead resource mobilization efforts and direct the IETC team, integrating waste considerations across UNEP. Manage a portfolio to leverage waste management opportunities, ensuring strategic value and impact at scale. Develop and oversee the IETC's work program and portfolio on waste management in a circular economy context for sectors such as electronics, plastics, textiles, and construction. Provide technical guidance, direct program monitoring, coordinate policy development, and supervise the preparation of various outputs. Ensure quality oversight of the IETC portfolio, leading field missions and providing guidance to ensure scaled impact. Oversee program and budget utilization, reporting, and corrective actions. Engage with internal and external actors to strengthen opportunities for impact and ensure effective staff utilization, supervision, and development.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of experience in environment and development issues, focusing on circular economy, resource efficiency, or waste management in key sectors (e.g., electronics, plastics, textiles, construction). Required experience includes working through partnerships, program management, and understanding waste management technologies, MEAs, and funding mechanisms. Desirable experience includes resource mobilization, donor engagement, managing large-scale international programs, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, excellent technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Expert knowledge of waste management, recycling, and circular economy approaches. Strong understanding of global environmental trends, waste policies, financing, and resource efficiency. Strategic thinking and data analysis abilities. Technological awareness. Teamwork and collaboration. Vision and ability to inspire. Trust-building and leadership qualities. Commitment to gender balance.