The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has opened an exciting consultancy opportunity for highly qualified environmental and water management professionals to contribute to global efforts in pollution reduction and circular economy development. The position of International Expert – Wastewater Emerging Pollutants is a home-based international consultancy under UNIDO’s Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development, within the Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG).
This role offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of environmental policy, wastewater management, and industrial pollution control while supporting countries in aligning with advanced European Union environmental standards. With a strong focus on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, plastics, and microplastics, the assignment is both timely and impactful.
About UNIDO and Its Mission
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations mandated to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). Its mission is rooted in the Lima Declaration (2013) and the Abu Dhabi Declaration (2019), emphasizing poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. UNIDO’s work directly contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
As UNIDO transitions into its 2026–2029 Medium-Term Programme Framework, the organization is prioritizing renewable energy, climate action, circular economy practices, innovation-driven food systems, and sustainable global value chains. Cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, digitalization, cleaner production, and private sector engagement remain central to its approach.
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Organizational and Technical Context
This consultancy is situated within the Circular Industrial Resource Efficiency Unit (TCS/CEG/CRE), a unit dedicated to advancing circular economy policies and practices across industries and value chains. The unit supports cleaner production, resource efficiency, sustainable product design, and nature-based solutions that allow industries to grow while minimizing environmental harm.
The Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry also serves as UNIDO’s focal point for major multilateral environmental agreements, including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and emerging global frameworks such as the international instrument to end plastic pollution. Through these efforts, UNIDO supports countries in addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Project Background: EU4Green Recovery East
The International Expert will contribute to the EU-funded project “Recovery through a Circular Economy and Pollution Reduction in the Eastern Partnership Countries (EU4Green Recovery East)” (2025–2028). This multi-partner initiative supports Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries in achieving a green, inclusive, and resilient economic recovery.
Under Component 2: Water as a critical resource for the economy, UNIDO leads Activity 2.5.2, which focuses on identifying measures to address pollution from pharmaceuticals, plastics, PFAS, and microplastics. The activity aligns with the updated EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2024) and the Zero Pollution Ambition of the European Green Deal.
The consultancy will directly support work in Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine, combining regional dialogue with the development of concrete, country-specific action plans.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
Under the supervision of a UNIDO Project Manager, the International Expert will work closely with national authorities, water experts, and international partners. The assignment spans 35 working days over the project period and is divided into two main phases:
Phase I – Regional Dialogue (Q1–Q2 2026)
The expert will design and deliver a regional dialogue on emerging pollutants, including:
- Developing the event concept, agenda, and background materials
- Delivering an online or hybrid regional workshop
- Presenting EU policy frameworks and good practices for managing micro-pollutants
- Facilitating interactive discussions and group work
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Phase II – National Action Plans (Q3–Q4 2026)
The expert will:
- Identify gaps and opportunities for alignment with EU directives
- Conduct consultations with national authorities and industrial stakeholders
- Draft three National Action Plans (one for each target country)
- Present the Action Plans and incorporate stakeholder feedback
Each Action Plan will outline short-, medium-, and long-term policy, regulatory, and technical measures, define institutional responsibilities, and suggest funding and partnership opportunities.
Required Qualifications and Experience
To be eligible, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Water Management, Industrial Pollution Control, or a related field
- Experience: At least 7 years of professional experience in wastewater management, industrial pollution control, or water-related environmental policy
- Demonstrated expertise in emerging pollutants and familiarity with EU regulatory frameworks is highly desirable
- Proven experience in developing national or regional action plans
- Strong analytical, writing, and stakeholder engagement skills
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of Russian is considered an asset.
Competencies and Values
UNIDO places strong emphasis on integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Successful candidates are expected to be results-oriented, collaborative, innovative, and effective communicators who can build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers more than professional advancement—it provides a platform to influence environmental policy and industrial practices at a regional level. By contributing to pollution reduction strategies and circular economy transitions, the selected expert will play a meaningful role in protecting water resources, improving public health, and supporting sustainable development in transitioning economies.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through UNIDO’s official recruitment system. UNIDO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Application Deadline: 27 January 2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna time)
