About this role

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is the development of comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines on the application of green and sustainable chemistry principles across the life-cycle of electric vehicles (EVs), including materials sourcing, battery design, production, vehicle manufacturing, use phase, and end-of-life management. The guidelines will support policymakers, industry stakeholders, and relevant institutions in integrating sustainable chemistry approaches into EV value chains, thereby reducing environmental and health impacts, promoting resource efficiency and circularity, and contributing to a more sustainable and low-emission transportation system.

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. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in governments, local authorities and industries to develop and adopt policies, strategies, practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities.

The Chemicals and Health Branch in UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division gathers, compiles and analyses state-of-the-art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste.

The Chemicals and Health Branch is supporting the Mobility Unit in executing some of the activities under the UNEP/GEF project “Global Project to Support Countries to Upscale Integrated Electric Mobility Systems”.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Conduct a comprehensive literature and policy review: Review existing scientific literature, technical reports, and policy frameworks related to green and sustainable chemistry in the electric vehicle (EV) value chain. Analyse current practices, innovations, and standards related to EV battery and sustainable energy systems. Review relevant international agreements and standards.
Assess environmental and chemical risks across the EV life-cycle: Analyse environmental and health impacts associated with key stages, including raw material extraction, production, and life.
Map EV material flows and life-cycle stages: Examine material flows of key EV battery materials (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel, and others) and identify priorities.
Identify best practices and insights: Gather insights on emerging technologies and good practices, including from low- and middle-income countries.
Develop practical guidelines: Prepare comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Draft and finalize the guidance document: Draft, review with UNEP and stakeholders, and finalize guidelines.
Development of training materials: Prepare a set of PPT training materials equivalent to 1-2 hours based on the deliverables.
Integration into the online Regulatory Framework: Organize the content into a format suitable for the Toolkit and prepare finalized content.
Coordination and reporting: Regularly liaise with UNEP project team and incorporate feedback.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, engineering, or materials sciences is required. A first-level degree with two years of additional experience may be accepted.

Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in the fields of sustainable chemistry and materials, or a closely related field is required. Experience with EV battery chemistries, recycling, and management is desirable. Familiar with international frameworks and low- and middle-income countries is desirable.