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Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls, PCBs, are due to the harmful effects and tendency for long-range transboundary environmental transport included in the initial list of globally managed Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Kazakhstan is committed to safe management of PCB as demonstrated by signature of the Stockholm Convention and its subsequent ratification on 7 June 2007. For planning appropriate action in the field of controlling POPs substances and releases as well as fulfilling the reporting requirements of the Convention, the Government of Kazakhstan developed an Action Plan for PCB management as a part of its draft National Implementation Plan (NIP) on POPs.
The PCB Action Plan evolved into a project called “Design and Execution of a Comprehensive PCB Management Plan for Kazakhstan” which is a joint undertaking by The Government of Kazakhstan, private sector partners and UNDP. The Global Environment Facility is providing substantive grant funding for co-financing the project. The project will implement a comprehensive PCB management plan for Kazakhstan. The overall objective is to ensure that there is a modern fully-enforceable PCB regulatory system in place in order and systematic capacity development for sound PCB management in the country. The Project includes the following components:
Regulatory and administrative strengthening for sound PCB management.
Capacity building for sound PCB management, identification of additional PCB sources.
Replacement, setting-up safe dismantling of 850 tons of PCB transformers and their safe disposal.
Regionally organized secure storages and disposal of PCB capacitors
Duties and Responsibilities
The policy and legal consultant will be hired part-time to provide assistance primarily within components 1, 2 and 3 of the project, i.e. regulatory and administrative strengthening, capacity building and disconnecting and disposal of PCB transformers. The role of the consultant is to ensure that project activities related to regulatory and capacity building components support the establishment of a solid and comprehensive PCB management system in Kazakhstan as well as the development of the National PCB Management Plan, in accordance with international guidelines and best practices.
Specifically his/her tasks and outputs include but are not limited to:
1. Regulatory and administrative strengthening:
Finalization of the National PCB Management Guidelines
Development of National PCB Management Plan
Technical advice on defining BAT/BEP on PCB disposal and decontamination methods and technologies
2. Disconnecting, dismantling and disposal of 850 tons of PCB transformers:
Participation in 5-day technical workshop on management of PCB transformers (disconnection, phasing out) for ArcelorMittal Temirtau.
3. Other tasks assigned by the Project Manager
Competencies
Proven experience in elaborating policies/strategies.
Strong experience in conducting instructional and participatory trainings, workshops, and presentations.
Good communication skills and technical report writing;
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree Natural Sciences, Engineering, or similar;
PhD an asset.
Experience:
Minimum 15 years of experience in the field of POPs/PCB management, legal practice is preferable.
Advanced knowledge of international hazardous waste and PCB legislation and management practices.
Experience in design of POPs/PCB legislation and elaboration of PCB Management Plans in his/her own country or other countries.
Knowledge of the Stockholm and Basel Conventions.
Familiarity with the national conditions of CA region and Kazakhstan in particular and current situation in hazardous waste management.
Work experience in CIS in the field of POPs/PCB is preferable.
Language Requirements:
Excellent knowledge of English including writing and communication skills.
