Regional Consultant - Circularity in Electronics Sector in ASEAN region
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, promoting sustainable development and sound environmental practices. Its Industry and Economy Division encourages decision-makers to adopt policies and technologies for sustainable consumption and production. The UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) focuses on circular approaches to waste reduction and management, supporting governments with technical advice and demonstration projects to achieve zero-waste strategies.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to advance circularity within the electronics sector in the ASEAN region by assessing and facilitating the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) provisions on remanufactured goods. The role will involve analyzing trade flows, economic and environmental evidence, and mapping the state-of-play across ASEAN Member States. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based policy recommendations that overcome identified challenges, thereby laying a validated foundation for future regional programs. This work directly supports UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy priorities on waste prevention and the environmentally sound management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), contributing to resource efficiency and green job creation.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape for remanufactured goods in the ASEAN electronics sector. This includes analyzing trade flows, economic benefits, and environmental impacts, as well as mapping the state-of-play across 11 ASEAN Member States. Key duties involve designing and administering a survey to gather data on industry presence, regulations, and commitments, and identifying Member States' concerns such as environmental risks and regulatory barriers. Based on this evidence, the consultant will develop and document policy recommendations to overcome identified challenges, refine existing recommendations, and present findings to UNEP and ASEAN stakeholders for feedback and revision. The work contributes to UNEP's Circularity in High-Impact Sectors programme.
Work Experience
A minimum of 6 years of professional experience is required in areas such as waste management, circular economy, chemicals and pollution control, trade-environment linkages, electronics sector policy, or environmental policy. Demonstrated experience in regulatory analysis, quantitative assessment, and stakeholder consultation is necessary. Familiarity with ASEAN structures or regional policy frameworks is advantageous.
Skills
Strong understanding of circular economy principles and trade-environmental issues. Quantitative skills for socio-economic impact assessment. Familiarity with trade facilitation mechanisms (ATIGA, Basel Convention, WTO principles). Experience in regulatory analysis, quantitative assessment, and stakeholder consultation. Ability to write UN documents in English.