Debris Recycle Analyst, NPSA-8, DS - Kyiv (National Position)

The escalation of the war since February 2022 has caused severe damages to the increasingly fragile social and humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has experienced destruction on an unprecedented scale, resulting in the rapid accumulation of debris and construction and demolition waste. Managing this material has become a critical challenge for recovery, while also presenting an opportunity to transition towards more resource-efficient and circular approaches in the construction sector.

Thus, to further address the problem of accumulating a large amount of debris, it is necessary to apply a combination of best practices for managing various types of waste.

Therefore, it is important to develop system of debris and construction and demolition waste management, with provision recycling and reuse activities, including operations with backfilling using non-hazardous construction and demolition waste (up to 70% by weight) to replace other materials.

As according to feasibility study on recycling and reuse of debris in Ukraine results there is estimation of more than 17.2 million tones of debris generated across Ukraine (excluding critical infrastructure, industrial buildings and structures, and territory which is not under government control of Ukraine). Due to that there is a need for regulatory & institutional framework development with adoption of legal framework and clarification of status and rules, development of digital systems for debris management system; market development & economic incentives with improvement of price competitiveness of secondary materials, implementation of pilot projects for recycled materials; development and implementation of standards for recycled materials; promotion of use of recycled materials through policy and communication, and support knowledge exchange and innovation.

To this end, UNDP is recruiting an Debris Recycle Analyst who will coordinate the engineering and technical day to day works to facilitate the sorting, segregation, recycling, and reuse of debris and C&D waste within the Debris Management Unit to ensure the effective and timely implementation of debris management work in accordance with the guidance of the Debris Management Analyst and the Head of Debris Management Unit, under overall direction of the Project Manager. The incumbent will also provide advisory support and supervision to ensure the quality and efficiency of debris management works for relevant projects under Energy and Environment pillar.

The services will support activities and projects related to debris recycling, reuse, and circular economy of construction and demolition (C&D) waste through providing his/her technical expertise to develop recycling approaches and strategies, plan and oversee C&D waste recycling operations, and advance circular economy principles in debris management, ensuring that materials are recovered, reused, and reintegrated into reconstruction efforts to the maximum extent possible. 

Coordinate effective project planning and implementation:

• Coordinate the engineering and technical day-to-day works to facilitate the sorting, segregation, recycling, and reuse of debris and C&D waste, prioritising circular economy principles and maximising material recovery in accordance with national, regional and local government priorities.
• Support the Debris Management Team in assessing the composition, volume, and recyclability of debris, and C&D waste, including mapping of material streams, identification of reusable and recyclable fractions, and characterisation of hazardous components requiring special treatment prior to recycling.
• Support and engage national and local government, its authorities, private sector to identify the needs and priorities regarding debris and C&D waste recycling, reuse, and circular economy, including identification of recyclable material streams, recovery rates, and barriers to circular debris management through:
  • assessments of active actors at the national, local government levels;
  • private sector mapping to understand who is active, who has latent capacity, and where market gaps exist, etc.;
  • consultation mechanisms such as technical working groups, memorandum of understanding, and public-private coordination platforms, etc.;
  • partnerships with private recycling facilities and sorting stations, local construction firms, and material recovery enterprises;
  • roundtables, joint field assessments, and shared monitoring of recovery rates;
  • other activities that can improve and support debris management system.
• Identify and develop opportunities for the application of circular economy principles by promoting the reuse of crushed debris and recycled aggregates from debris, and C&D waste in reconstruction and infrastructure rehabilitation (roads, levelling of areas, building materials, etc.), thereby reducing dependency on virgin materials and minimising landfill disposal in targeted areas.
• Facilitate needs assessments and consultations with respective government and non-government partners, including women and men in local communities; determine recovery plans following the Project objectives and tasks that meet the needs of all people regardless of their sex, age, or disability, with a strong emphasis on circular economy principles, recycling and reuse of debris and C&D waste, and the development of sustainable debris recycling strategies and approaches.
• Incorporate innovative methods, such as AI, analytical technologies and tools, to improve sorting and mobile crushing, for further effective quality of debris, C&D waste reuse.
• Review, check, and appraise engineering designs (drawings and blueprints), cost estimation documentation, and technical specifications for debris, C&D waste recycling facilities and operations prepared by qualified local companies, covering but not limited to, mobile and fixed recycling plants, material sorting lines, reprocessing of aggregates, and other recycling infrastructure activities.
• Ensure that government laws and regulations as well as selected direct administration procedures regarding debris, C&D waste recycling, reuse, circular economy, and environmental protection are observed throughout all project activities, including adherence to applicable recycling standards and certification requirements.
• Collaborate with the project team in:
• prepare specifications, tender documents, ToRs and other supportive documents to procure goods and services related to debris, C&D waste recycling operations, mobile and stationary recycling equipment, and material recovery facilities, in line with Programme objectives and circular economy principles.
• leading the development of a comprehensive debris, and C&D waste recycling strategy and approach, covering material sorting and segregation, processing methods, quality standards for recycled materials, market linkages, and circular economy targets aligned with Ukraine’s national reconstruction framework.
• ensure procedures are in place for a selection of vendors (consultants, suppliers and construction companies) through transparent and competitive processes for provision of services.
• assessing any indications of poor/unsatisfactory performance of UNDP’s contractors and/or defective equipment that could cause malfunctioning and promptly inform Debris Management Specialist, Head of Debris Management Unit and respective Project Managers.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set:

• Ensure efficient and effective delivery of the Project activities of debris, C&D waste recycling and circular economy, including tracking of recycling rates, material recovery volumes, and reuse outcomes:
• Coordinate data collection and reporting among different actors; promote and train different partners using available digital tools and consolidate the data and follow up the dashboards.
• Consult Debris Management Unit during preparation of annual, quarterly, and detailed implementation work plans, and other related documents for timely commencement and implementation of component activities related to civil works.
• Take measures to prevent and eliminate defects and make propositions on optimization.
• Coordinate the engineering and technical matters which will supervise the site engineers and demolition & debris removal contractors who perform (daily) oversight of UNDP’s Contractor works. Ensure that the Engineering team collates the site engineer reports and feedback into daily and weekly works progress report to Debris Management Analyst, Head of Debris Management Unit and respective Project Managers.
• Monitor field activities and provide technical support to ensure the Project objectives are met.
• Support the monitoring of progress of debris, C&D waste recycling and reuse operations, ensure quality assurance of recycled materials, and track circular economy indicators related to activity implementation and environmental protection.
• Maintain close liaison with regional and local project partners, ensuring optimum participation and promoting ownership of authorities in the implementation of the Project.
• Ensure handover of the completed works to the relevant authorities.
• Participate in relevant meetings and share information with partners and UN agencies.
• Support with the preparation of project reports, including progress and annual reports, as well as ad-hoc technical reports.
• Review norms, certification and other requirements (esp., environmental safety and energy efficiency) and provide technical advice in case selected projects require permissions and construction certificates, other permitting documentation, as required;
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits during bidding process and ensure that all biding documents are within UNDP standard and regulation, coordinate and contribute to the evaluation process.

Build partnerships and open channels of communication:

• Coordinate the development of innovative recycling approaches and strategies; review and analyze national legislation regarding debris, C&D waste recycling, circular economy, and construction material reuse, advocating for policy improvements that support increased recycling rates, market development for secondary raw materials, and environmentally sound treatment of hazardous fractions within the debris, C&D waste stream. 
• Contribute to preparation of operational and management guidelines for the implementation of debris, C&D waste recycling and circular economy approaches, including site works reporting on material recovery, recycling outputs, and reuse of secondary raw materials.
• Liaise with respective governmental organizations to ensure the component activities are implemented in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure full compliance of programme activities with UNDP rules, regulations and procedures, specifically principles of gender equality and universal design.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s)

• Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Under the direct supervision of the Debris Management Analyst, in close collaboration with Head of Debris Management Unit and the overall guidance from Programme Manager, the service provider will provide assistance in technical support on various aspects of engineering and related technical issues to regional and local government clients.

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

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