TERMS OF REFERENCE
I. General Information
| Position Title: | Knowledge Management Expert |
| Unit: | Communications, Advocacy, and Knowledge Management |
| Contract period: | 6 months |
| Project: | Reduction of Unintentionally Produced Persistent Organic Pollutants and Mercury through an Environmentally-Sound Approach on Healthcare Wastes Management in the Philippines with a Special Focus on the Pandemic |
| Reporting to: | Communications Manager |
| Duty Station: | Quezon City |
| Employment status: | Project-term employee (output-based) |
II. Background
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) as lead agency and BAN Toxics as executing entity.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization’s application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG) contributes to greener and more circular industries and products by minimizing both resource use along value chains and the emission of pollutants to the environment. The Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit (TCS/CEG/RMC) is responsible for supporting Member States to implement the chemicals and Conventions and other relevant agreements, in particular where it relates to larger and formalized industries and sectors, and to leverage its experience to address industrial pollution mitigation in general as well as other emerging compliance mechanisms.
DENR-EMB is a national authority responsible for pollution prevention and control, and environmental impact assessment. EMB is guided by the vision of a nation empowered to protect its finite natural resources in pursuit of sustainable development, to ensure a healthy environment that enhances the Filipino quality of life for present and future generations. Its mission is to restore, protect, and enhance environmental quality towards good public health, environmental integrity, and economic viability. Particularly, EMB is mandated to implement the following national environmental laws:
- Presidential Decree 1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System)
- Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990)
- Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999)
- Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)
- Republic Act 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004)
- Republic Act 9512 (Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008)
BAN Toxics is an independent non-government environmental organization that works for the advancement of environmental justice, health, and sustainable development in the area of chemicals and wastes with a special focus on women, children, and other marginalized sectors.
BAN Toxics’ intervention approach emphasizes how the mismanagement of toxic chemicals can impact society. Chemicals are a part of daily life, and they typically play an important role in society. The organization views toxic chemicals issues as important human rights issues.
PROJECT CONTEXT
“Reduction of unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (uPOPs) and Mercury through an environmentally-sound approach on healthcare waste management” or the HCW project.
This project aims to achieve the protection of human health and the environment from the impacts of improper medical waste management. It also focuses on the avoidance and reduction of the releases of unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury in the healthcare waste sector.
Below are the major components of the project:
- Component 1: Unintentionally produced POPs release reduction in the healthcare waste sector
- Component 2: Management of mercury, mercury-added products (MAPs), and mercury wastes in the health sector according to the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Philippine National Action Plan for MAPs phase-out
- Component 3: Capacity-building, awareness-raising, and knowledge management
- Component 4: Monitoring and Evaluation
The project is going to be implemented in three major sites in the country covering hospitals, healthcare facilities, and various communities in Region 2, Region 8, and the National Capital Region.
III. Scope of Work
In relation to Output 2.1.2, “Inventory and monitoring systems for MAPs and mercury wastes, emissions, and releases institutionalized,” the consultancy entails the improvement of existing databases for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau,” specific details of the engagement include:
- Assess and review the EMB’s Hazardous Waste Management system to identify areas for improvement of efficiency and ease of use.
- In coordination with BAN Toxics and the EMB, develop and execute a knowledge management plan in relation to the HWMS and existing databases.
- In coordination with the EMB, improve and streamline data collection mechanisms, tools, and related items.
IV. Qualifications
- A degree in web development, knowledge management, communications, or other related courses.
- At least 5 years of experience in developing websites with proven experience in data and/or knowledge management, and systems development.
- Ability to travel to the project sites, when needed.
V. Expected Outputs
Improved HWMS database, Improved and streamlined data collection mechanisms, tools, and website.
Proposed Timeline of Activities
| # | Activity | Projected Timeline | Notes |
| 1 | National Workshop for the Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project | Jan. 31, 2025 | Attendance, participation, and introduction to project partners |
| 2 | Consultation with stakeholders (HWMS, DENR-EMB, etc.) | Month 1 to Month 2 | |
| 3 | Drafting of document outlining technical recommendations based on initial consultations | Month 2 to Month 3 | |
| 4 | Presentation and validation of technical recommendations | Month 3 | |
| 5 | Development of improved HWMS database and related outputs | Month 3 to Month 5 | Based on approved interventions by DENR-EMB |
| 6 | Presentation and demonstration of improved HWMS database and related outputs | Month 6 | |
| 7 | Endorsement of results of activity | Month 6 | DENR-EMB |
Please submit your CV and cover letter, including your expected salary, to: hr@bantoxics.org
Deadline of submission is on December 31, 2024