BCCC-Africa Vacancies for Regional Experts in Plastics Project

The Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC-Africa) has announced multiple vacancies for its flagship project titled “Circular and POPs-free Plastics in Africa (GEF ID 11049)”. These positions include Regional Policy Expert, Regional Communication Consultant, Regional Finance Expert, and Regional Industry Expert.

This transformative project aims to tackle the challenges posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastics across the African continent. The selected candidates will contribute to a five-year initiative designed to revolutionise plastic production, use, and waste management in Africa. Applications are now open, and professionals with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.

BCCC-Africa Regional Expert Roles Explained

The Africa POPs in Plastics Project seeks to minimise the environmental and health impacts of POPs, which are hazardous chemicals commonly found in plastic products. The project prioritises three key sectors:

• Automotives (Kenya and South Africa)
• Construction (Zimbabwe)
• Electronics (Nigeria and Uganda)

The initiative aims to:

1. Reduce the importation, production, and use of POPs in plastic-containing products.
2. Encourage governments to adopt and enforce policies promoting sustainable practices.
3. Support industries in transitioning to circular economy models.
4. Enhance awareness and knowledge about managing POPs-containing plastics.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project will be executed by BCCC-Africa in collaboration with national partners in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

1. Regional Policy Expert

• Develop and implement policies targeting the reduction of POPs in plastics.
• Liaise with governments to integrate circular economy principles into national frameworks.
• Provide technical expertise for policy formulation and implementation.

2. Regional Communication Consultant

• Design communication strategies to raise awareness about the project.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and public outreach efforts.
• Produce reports and presentations on project milestones.

3. Regional Finance Expert

• Develop financial models to support policy interventions and industry shifts.
• Oversee project budgets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Provide financial training and guidance to stakeholders.

4. Regional Industry Expert

• Engage with private sector stakeholders to implement circular economy practices.
• Support pilot projects that aim to reduce POPs in plastics.
• Conduct training sessions on environmentally sound management (ESM) methods.

All positions are part-time, with the duty station being any of the project countries: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, or Zimbabwe. Selected candidates may also be required to travel to partner countries for project activities.

The project is structured around four major components:

1. Developing frameworks to reduce POPs in plastics.
2. Promoting sustainable production and waste management.
3. Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) – Ensuring safe handling and disposal of POPs-containing plastics.
4. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building – Raising awareness and building expertise among stakeholders.

Experts in each role will contribute to these components, reporting directly to the Regional Technical Coordinator and the Project Manager.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Advanced university degree in relevant fields such as:
  • Policy Expert: Political Science, Environmental Policy, or Public Administration.
  • Communication Consultant: Media Studies, Communications, or Public Relations.
  • Finance Expert: Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
  • Industry Expert: Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science.
• A minimum of five years of post-qualification experience is required. Alternatively, a first degree with ten years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Strong analytical, political, and interactional skills.
• Familiarity with policy formulation and political landscapes in African countries.
• Knowledge of environmental and industrial policies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or contributing to large-scale projects.
• Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Knowledge of additional local languages is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Detailed resume
3. Scanned copies of credentials (all certificates must be submitted in PDF format).

Applications should be emailed to:

The Executive Director
Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC-Africa)
Ibadan, Nigeria

• Email: bccc-nigeria@gmail.com
• Copy to: oluseunbadejo@gmail.com

The email must clearly state the job title being applied for (e.g., Regional Policy Expert).

Closing Date for Applications

The deadline for submissions is Monday, 6 January 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

Why Join This Project?

By joining the Africa POPs in Plastics Project, successful candidates will:

• Contribute to a groundbreaking initiative addressing critical environmental challenges.
• Work alongside leading experts from UNEP, GEF, and other partner organisations.
• Gain invaluable experience in international project execution and collaboration.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team driving sustainable development across Africa while reducing the risks posed by harmful plastics.

Conclusion

BCCC-Africa, based in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a leading regional centre under the Basel Convention. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management and reducing environmental hazards across Africa.hThrough partnerships with governments, industries, and international organisations, BCCC-Africa continues to spearhead efforts for a cleaner, healthier continent.

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