Result of Service

To establish the technical foundation for a national GHS capacity-building programme in Vietnam by assessing the existing legal, regulatory and institutional framework, identifying priority capacity-building needs, and developing a comprehensive training programme and supporting materials tailored to the Vietnamese context.

Work Location

Home-based / Working remotely

Expected duration

70 days over 10 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division leads UNEP's sub-programme on Chemicals, Waste and Air Quality. UNEP’s programme of work centers around assistance to countries and multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) secretariats to assist in technical-scientific issues related to priority chemicals and implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly and Governing Council resolutions. The Chemicals and Health Branch promotes scientific approaches and knowledge for the sound management of chemicals including through implementation of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The Branch also addresses chemicals and waste topics highlighted by governments, such as the issues of concern, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) and chemicals management systems. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Agrifood and Health Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch, the Consultant will be responsible for the following:

Inception and Technical Planning o Review relevant national legislation, policies, regulations, guidance documents, institutional arrangements, and existing training resources related to the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in Vietnam. o Consult with UNEP, ICCA, Vinachemia, and other relevant stakeholders to identify technical priorities, target audiences, existing capacities, and priority capacity-building needs. o Prepare an inception overview outlining the proposed methodology, detailed workplan, workshop approach, preliminary programme structure, learning objectives, and implementation schedule.
Assessment and Design of the GHS Capacity-Building Programme o Assess priority technical and institutional capacity-building needs based on the desk review and stakeholder consultations. o Design a comprehensive GHS capacity-building programme tailored to the Vietnamese context and the identified needs of government authorities, industry, and other relevant stakeholders. o Develop the proposed workshop agenda, learning objectives, training methodology, and structure of the technical sessions. o Prepare an initial draft of the training programme and core technical content for review by UNEP and relevant stakeholders.
Development of the GHS Capacity-Building Package o Develop the technical content and materials required for the training programme, including presentations, participant materials, trainer's guide, practical exercises, case studies, and technical reference materials. o Develop practical examples and exercises supporting the application of GHS requirements, including, as appropriate, hazard classification, chemical labelling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and hazard communication. o Prepare pre- and post-training assessments, participant evaluation tools, and other workshop resources to support effective learning and subsequent evaluation of the training. o Ensure that the training materials are technically accurate, practical, user-friendly, and appropriately adapted to the Vietnamese context.
Review and Finalization of the GHS Capacity-Building Package o Present the draft capacity-building package for review by UNEP and relevant technical stakeholders and respond to comments and technical inputs received. o Revise and finalize the GHS capacity-building package based on the feedback received. o Submit the complete package in editable formats, ready for subsequent use in the delivery of the national GHS training workshop.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Toxicology, Environmental Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Chemical Safety, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in one of the above fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in chemical management, chemical safety, or the implementation of GHS is required. Demonstrated expertise in GHS hazard classification, chemical labelling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), hazard communication, and the application of GHS requirements is required. Demonstrated experience in assessing capacity-building needs and designing technical training programmes and guidance materials on GHS, chemical safety, or chemicals management for government authorities, industry, or other stakeholders is required. Experience working with Vietnam's chemical management and regulatory framework, including with government agencies, industry associations, chemical manufacturers, or other relevant stakeholders, is desirable. Experience supporting international organizations, industry associations, or multi-stakeholder initiatives related to chemical safety, chemicals management, or GHS implementation is desirable.

Languages

English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in oral and written Vietnamese is highly desirable.

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.

GHS Training Strategy and Programme Development Consultant