Job Description

Result of Service
- Comprehensive mapping and synthesis of private sector initiatives in resource efficiency and circular economy within selected productive sectors, providing a clear evidence base for policy action. - Identification and analysis of economic incentives, financing mechanisms, and enabling conditions to accelerate the adoption and scaling of circular practices, with a focus on SMEs. - Development of an illustrative case study demonstrating successful technical implementation and the effective use of financial or policy incentives. - Delivery of a final, actionable report with strategic recommendations to guide public policy, strengthen incentive frameworks, and advance the implementation of Argentina's National SCP Strategy in line with OECD standards.
Work Location
Remote
Expected duration
4 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), an interagency initiative involving the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports nations and regions in reframing economic policies and practices around sustainability to foster economic growth, create income and jobs, reduce poverty and inequality, and strengthen the ecological foundations of their economies. The Economic and Trade Policy Unit is executing the PAGE country delivery activities on behalf of UNEP. Argentina requires updated and targeted information on private sector initiatives in resource efficiency and the circular economy, particularly in high-impact productive sectors. Beyond identifying existing practices and barriers, there is an urgent need to assess the economic conditions that enable or hinder the adoption of sustainable production models. This includes mapping available incentives, identifying public and private financing mechanisms, and highlighting gaps that limit investment--especially for SMEs. The resulting evidence will inform more effective policy design, support the implementation of the National SCP Strategy, and help align Argentina with international frameworks such as those of the OECD. This consultancy directly builds on PAGE's long-standing engagement in Argentina, where circular economy has been a priority since 2019. PAGE has supported the creation of the Circular Economy Competitiveness Council, the Sustainable Production Roundtable, the National Plan for the Promotion of the Circular Economy, fiscal impact assessments, the Circular Economy Roadmap, industrial waste flow analysis, and, most recently, the Circular Economy Information System. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for evidence-based policymaking and public-private collaboration. However, the type of work now required--gathering and analysing up-to-date, sector-specific data; assessing financing conditions; and engaging with local businesses and public institutions--demands in-depth knowledge of Argentina's economic landscape, regulatory environment, and industrial sectors. This expertise, along with the networks necessary to access relevant stakeholders and data sources, is not available in-house within UNEP. Conducting this work from headquarters or regional offices would not be cost-effective, as it would require multiple missions, limit responsiveness, and risk missing critical local insights. Engaging a national consultant with proven technical expertise and local networks will ensure high-quality, context-specific outputs, efficient use of resources, and continuity of PAGE's work at a pivotal moment for advancing Argentina's circular economy agenda. Product 1. Inception Report A detailed work plan and methodology, specifying selected sectors, sources of information, and the proposed analytical approach to assess incentives and financing mechanisms for circular economy practices. Product 2. Mapping Summary Report A summary report providing an overview of key private sector initiatives, along with a preliminary identification of barriers, incentives, and financing options relevant to the circular economy. Product 3. Case Study Document One documented case study of a circular economy initiative, illustrating good practices and the associated economic or financial enablers. Product 4. Final Report with Recommendations A concise final report (maximum 15 pages) synthesizing key findings and providing strategic recommendations for policy design, incentives, and financing mechanisms to support SCP implementation.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (master's level or above), in Economics, Public Policy, or related field (Desirable). -At least 5 years of relevant experience in public policy, environmental regulation, or sustainable production, preferably linked to resource efficiency or circular economy. -Experience conducting policy-relevant research, diagnostics, or mappings in collaboration with public or private sector stakeholders. -Familiarity with international frameworks and standards on sustainable consumption and production (e.g. OECD). -Demonstrated ability to produce clear and concise technical reports and synthesize information for policy use. -Knowledge of Argentina's productive sectors and institutional context is an asset.
Languages
Fluent Spanish is required 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.