Int. HFC Implementation and Digital Regulatory Tools for Guatemala and Honduras

Result of Service

-Enhanced institutional and technical capacities in Honduras and Guatemala to implement their Kigali HFC Implementation Plans (Stage I), including the development of regulatory instruments, digital tools, and training programmes that support HFC phase-down in accordance with the Montreal Protocol obligations and national climate commitments. -Technical assistance provided to both countries for the strengthening of their national HFC licensing and quota systems, including the design and rollout of customized online platforms, in line with the strategies approved by the Executive Committee and the evolving regulatory frameworks of each country

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

7 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Law Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. In line with Decisions 94/44 and 95/55 of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, the Governments of Honduras and Guatemala have initiated the implementation of their respective Kigali HFC Implementation Plans (KIPs), with UNEP as the cooperating agency. These KIPs include a set of activities specifically under UNEP's responsibility, aimed at strengtheninginstitutional, regulatory, and enforcement capacities for the control and reduction of HFC consumption, particularly in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sector. The scope of UNEP's work involves technical assistance, training, and development of digital tools, which require sustained coordination and specialized expertise. To ensure effective execution of UNEP's components, an international consultant is required to provide technical and strategic support across multiple areas. The consultant will contribute to the design and implementation of institutional tools—such as HFC control manuals for customs, digital platforms for quota/licensing systems, and feasibility studies for policy options like the restriction of second-hand equipment. The consultant will also help prepare training content, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and guide coordination with national ozone units and regional partners. This support is essential to maintain coherence with national strategies and to fulfill UNEP's deliverables on time and within scope. Given that UNEP's interventions in both countries are interlinked and follow a similar regulatory and capacity-building logic, the engagement of a single technical expert will enable synergies, ensure consistent methodological approaches, and foster regional alignment—especially in areas such as customs training, digital solutions for HFC tracking, and sector-specific regulatory proposals. The consultant's role will be instrumental in translating policy commitments into operational tools and practices, thus contributing to both countries' compliance with the Kigali Amendment while promoting sustainable refrigerant management. Duties and Responsibilities: The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNEP OzonAction Latin America Regional Network team and provide technical assistance remotely and/or in-country to stakeholders in Honduras and Guatemala. Duties include: -Coordinate the preparation and national validation of the HFC Customs manual in Guatemala and deliver one training session. - Coordinate the development of the HFC Customs manual in Honduras and deliver one training session. - Lead the conceptual design and development of a digital platform for HFCquota/licensing in Honduras, including stakeholder validation and user training. - Draft and present a feasibility report on second-hand appliance import restrictions in Honduras, followed by a national dissemination workshop. -Develop a national labour competency standard for the MAC sector aligned with safety and environmental requirements.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in mechanical or chemical engineering, environmental sciences, law or economy, or related area, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least seven (7) years of work experience in the design and implementation of projects orprograms related to the Montreal Protocol, including the preparation of technical content and the delivery of technical training for key stakeholder groups in the RAC sector, such as customs officers and RAC technicians. Is required Experience in developing digital platforms for tracking and tracing document review and approval processes. Is highly desirable. Previous work experience within the United Nations system, and knowledge of the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances and other Montreal Protocol–related matters. Is desirable Excellent inter-personal skills for interfacing with government officers, private sector andcivil society as well as Programme Officers from Implementing Agencies of the MultilateralFund.Is highly desirable. Ability to combine independent work with effective participation in teamwork, based on information sharing and collective work with peers and supervisors..Is highly desirable. Capacity to work in teams and in a multicultural environment. Is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills.Is highly desirable. Proven experience in cooperation with National Ozone Offices on the implementation of national liaising and quota systems and national competency-based labor standards. Is required

Languages

Fluency in oral and written Spanish is required. Any knowledge of other UN language is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.