Technical Assistant for Project Execution MMA Ozone Unit Vacancy-Job Ref: BJCLUNDP/2007/2025827

Technical Assistant for Project Execution MMA Ozone Unit Vacancy-Job Ref: BJCLUNDP/2007/2025827

Santiago (Chile)

Job Description

1. Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values ​​and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

2. Office/Unit/Project Description

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a universally ratified environmental agreement whose objective is to protect the Earth’s ozone layer and contribute to mitigating climate change by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Chile has ratified both the Protocol and all its amendments.

ODS and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting, and foam production, among other applications. HFCs were introduced as replacements for HCFCs due to their zero impact on the ozone layer; however, they have a high global warming potential (GWP). Therefore, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol promotes their gradual phase-out.

In Chile, the Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment is responsible for coordinating and managing all programs, projects, and activities related to the Montreal Protocol. Its main function is to ensure compliance with its provisions and the commitments made by the country to the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund of the Protocol, in collaboration with the implementing agencies.

In this context, UNDP is acting as the lead implementing agency for Phase III of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP-III) and the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP-I) in Chile. HPMP-III includes technical assistance activities aimed at eliminating the use of HCFCs, such as training in good refrigeration practices, certification of female refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, implementation of the “zero leak” program, technical support for refrigerant regeneration centers, and a monitoring and technical support program for the Ozone Unit.

For its part, the KIP-I includes actions focused on reducing the use of HFCs, including updating refrigeration and air conditioning curricula, strengthening technical training in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAA), certifying technicians, promoting good practices in servicing mobile air conditioning (MAC) equipment, and monitoring and supporting activities for the Ozone Unit.

Additionally, the Kigali Amendment also promotes maintaining or improving the energy efficiency of the technologies involved in the transition. Within this framework, the project “Pilot to maintain and/or improve the energy efficiency of substitution technologies in the context of HFC phase-down (non-investment activities):

Demonstration project for the use of heat pumps based on R-744 (carbon dioxide) as a refrigerant in industrial refrigeration” proposes to demonstrate the use of heat pumps based on CO₂ (R-744) as a refrigerant in industrial applications, particularly in the dairy sector. This project includes the installation, commissioning, and operation of two individual pilot projects with different heating and cooling capacities in different regions of the country. The objective is to demonstrate the advantages of the technology in reducing energy consumption, refrigerant performance, process quality, reducing operational costs, and, where possible, reducing food losses.

In this context, and within the framework of the aforementioned projects, UNDP seeks to incorporate the position of Technical Assistant for the Execution of Ozone Unit Projects. Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator and in direct coordination with the Ozone Unit team/staff of the Ministry of the Environment, the professional will support the implementation of activities for the HPMP-III, KIP-I, and heat pump projects, in accordance with the respective Project Documents signed by UNDP, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Scope of work

The main objective of this position is to provide technical support to the Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment in the implementation, monitoring, and strengthening of activities and projects related to the elimination of ozone-depleting substances and the reduction of greenhouse gases, particularly within the framework of the HPMP-III, KIP-I, and heat pump projects.

Among the expected functions and results are: Technical support for the implementation of good practice projects in refrigeration and energy efficiency

Provide technical support for the implementation of the Zero Leak Program, including support for developing technical bases for public calls, monitoring the implementation of low-GWP technologies, promoting energy efficiency practices, and controlling leaks.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the sector to promote the replicability of sustainable models and the coordination of inter-institutional efforts.
Capacity building and technical training in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAA)

Support the review and update process of RAA curricula, promoting the incorporation of clean technologies, a gender perspective, and inclusion.
Supporting the design and implementation of training activities for teachers and contributing to the design and implementation of training activities for teachers, students, and technical staff, strengthening the quality of technical and vocational education in the sector.
Promoting good practices in mobile refrigeration (MAC)

Support the design and implementation of training activities and the provision of equipment for educational centers and workshops in the MAC sector, promoting the adoption of good practices in refrigerant management.
Collaborate in the development of content, technical materials, and courses aimed at teachers and technical staff in the field.
Support for the implementation of the heat pump project (CO₂)

Contribute to the implementation of demonstration pilots in industrial refrigeration using CO₂-based heat pumps, including support in the design of the technical bases, coordination with key stakeholders, and monitoring of results.
Support the development of guidelines and dissemination actions that promote the scaling and replicability of the project.
Operational management, monitoring and transversal support to the Ozone Unit

Maintain fluid coordination with the Ozone Unit team/staff and its technical counterparts, collaborating in the planning, monitoring, and execution of project activities.
Support the delivery of verification tools, systematization of technical information, maintenance of organized records, and participation in review and audit processes.
Contribute to the implementation of communication, awareness-raising, and dissemination activities related to ongoing projects.

The incumbent may perform other functions within his/her professional profile that are considered necessary for the proper functioning of the project.

4. Institutional Agreement

The hired individual will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in coordination with the team/staff of the Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment. Their duties will be carried out in a hybrid work environment (in-person at the Ministry of the Environment and remote work).

5. Competencies

Essential Competencies

Achieving Results – LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors work, paying attention to detail, produces quality work on time.

Thinking Innovatively – LEVEL 1: Open to new ideas, knows the risks, solves problems pragmatically, makes improvements.

Continuous Learning – LEVEL 1: Curious and open-minded, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 1: Adapts to changes, handles uncertainty/ambiguity constructively, is flexible.

Act with Determination LEVEL 1: Demonstrates control and motivation, able to face adversity calmly, confidently.

Participate and Associate – LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding toward others, forms positive relationships.

Facilitating Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 1: Appreciates/respects differences, is aware of biases, confronts discrimination.

Functional and Technical Competencies

Institutional Management – Project Management

Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific objectives.
Institutional management – Monitoring and evaluation

Ability to systematically monitor the results of strategies, programs, and activities to verify their effective implementation. Ability to provide management and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reports on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities, program management, and actual results.
Ability to independently evaluate the management and results of strategies, programs, and activities, following established criteria and benchmarks, while considering the needs and concerns of current and future clients.

Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgment based on established criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client needs and concerns.
Institutional Management – Customer Satisfaction/Management

Ability to respond in a timely and appropriate manner, with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver quality results and solutions within a timeframe appropriate to meet and understand real customer needs. Contribute to the development of the customer service strategy. Look for ways to add additional value beyond immediate customer requests. Ability to anticipate future customer needs and concerns.

Institutional Management – Association Management

Develop and maintain partnerships with broad networks of stakeholders, governments, civil society and the private sector, experts, and other actors aligned with UNDP strategy and policies.
Agenda 2030 – Planet – Chemicals and Waste Center

Chemicals and waste: substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Agenda 2030 – Planet – Chemicals and Waste Center

Chemicals and waste: hydrofluorocarbons.
Agenda 2030 – Planet – Chemicals and Waste Center

Sustainable cooling.
6. Minimum qualifications of an NPSA

Minimum academic education required

A professional university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas of Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical or other similar), Environmental Sciences, or related careers will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
It will be considered an advantage to have a professional degree in the mentioned areas

Minimum years of relevant work experience

Minimum 5 years (with Secondary Education) or 2 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of relevant experience.
Relevant experience shall be understood as the set of work experience that includes:Experience in implementing technical projects in refrigeration and air conditioning, linked to alternative technologies to substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.
Experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector, including production processes, key players, technical regulations, and energy efficiency measures.
Required skills and competencies

Advanced level of Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
Proficiency in remote work tools such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, cloud storage, and collaborative work tools.
Outlook email management and its features.
Desirable skills and competencies

Experience in the application and interpretation of legal and technical regulations related to substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Experience coordinating with public, private, and trade union stakeholders, including supporting the implementation of pilot projects, certification processes, and technical training activities.
Knowledge of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, including its key players, production processes, and aspects related to energy efficiency, as well as the Montreal Protocol and the substances controlled by said agreement.

Experience in preparing technical and administrative reports for international cooperation projects related to ozone-depleting substances.
Knowledge of incorporating a gender perspective into technical or training projects, especially in contexts related to technical and vocational education, energy efficiency, or sustainable technologies.
Required languages ​​(at work level)

Fluency in the Spanish language is required.
Intermediate knowledge and handling of the English language is desirable.
Professional certificates

Applicants will be required to provide certificates or other similar documents to prove their work experience in using the indicated tools.

7. Travel

Official national and/or international travel is planned for this position as part of outreach, training, and experience-sharing activities that contribute to expanding the project’s results and scope.

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