The ultimate result of this consultancy is to provide decision-ready feasibility studies that enable Moroccan local authorities to initiate and implement waste valorization projects, contributing to sustainable waste management, reduced landfill dependency, and the promotion of circular economy principles.

Morocco

6 months

Organizational background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations programme working for a better urban future. Its mission is to promote the development of socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. In October 2016, at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development - Habitat III - member states signed the New Urban Agenda. This is an action-oriented document that sets global standards for achievement in sustainable urban development, rethinking how we build, manage and live in cities. By combining cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders and urban actors, including all levels of government as well as the private sector, UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity building to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11 - make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1978 to address the problems of urban growth, it is an institution that is knowledgeable about urban development processes and understands the aspirations of cities and their inhabitants. For forty years, UN-Habitat has worked in human settlements around the world, focusing on building a better future for villages and cities of all sizes. Through these four decades of in-depth experience, from the highest political levels to a range of specific technical issues, UN-Habitat has acquired a unique and universally recognized expertise in all things urban. This has placed UN-Habitat in the best position to provide answers and workable solutions to the current challenges facing our cities. UN-Habitat capitalizes on its experience and position to work with its partners to formulate the urban vision of tomorrow. It works to ensure that cities become inclusive and affordable engines of economic growth and social development. Since 1995, UN-Habitat has been active in Morocco in partnership with the Ministry of National Territorial Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Policy to support the government's efforts to achieve sustainable urban development. A headquarters agreement was signed with the government of the Kingdom of Morocco in 2016 and a country program for housing (HCPD) was drafted in 2019 for the period 2020-2023. This document brings together operational projects in UN-Habitat's areas of intervention, at national, regional, and local levels, aimed at achieving sustainable urban development in the country and provides technical support to the partners involved. Context In a context of accelerated urban growth, Moroccan cities are facing increasing challenges in solid waste management, particularly with regard to reducing the volumes sent to landfills, optimizing collection and treatment costs, and promoting waste valorization as a lever for sustainable development, green job creation, and the transition toward a circular economy. The Government of Morocco, through the Directorate General of Territorial Communities (DGCT), and more specifically the Directorate of Local Public Networks (DRPL), has committed to strengthening the capacities of territorial communities in sustainable waste management. In this framework, UN-Habitat Morocco, in partnership with the DRPL/DGCT, plans to conduct feasibility studies on waste valorization in two (3) pilot Moroccan cities. These studies aim to identify technically viable, economically profitable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable solutions, adapted to local contexts and aligned with national strategies and Morocco’s international commitments. Duties and responsibilities Under the overall supervision of UN-Habitat Morocco, and in close coordination with the Directorate of Local Public Networks (DRPL) of the General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT), the Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Support coordination and governance arrangements between UN-Habitat Morocco, the DRPL/DGCT, and the selected municipalities to ensure effective implementation of the waste valorization feasibility studies. 2. Conduct comprehensive diagnostic assessments of municipal solid waste management systems in the two selected cities, including waste generation, composition, collection, treatment, disposal practices, institutional frameworks, and existing infrastructure. 3. Identify and analyze waste valorization opportunities, including material recovery, organic waste valorization, recycling, and energy recovery options, tailored to local contexts and aligned with national strategies and international best practices. 4. Assess the technical, economic, financial, institutional, environmental, and social feasibility of prioritized waste valorization scenarios for each city. 5. Develop implementation and governance models, including management options (municipal management, delegated management, PPPs) and potential financing mechanisms. 6. Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops with municipalities, public institutions, private sector actors, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders. 7. Prepare an operational roadmap and action plan for waste valorization for one selected city. Reporting Line The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Morocco Programme in coordination with the Cities Investment Facility and in close coordination with the Directorate of Local Public Networks (DRPL) of the General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT).

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban/territorial planning and/or design, urban climate change/adaptation, or related field is required. A first degree with 2 additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. • 7-year relevant experience in project development, resource mobilization, urban development, sustainability, finance, or commercial investment, with a proven track record in supporting Arab States urban development initiatives is required. Relevant knowledge of the current Morocco urban development project landscape with experience in waste-to-energy projects, energy or environmental protection is required. • Relevant knowledge of sustainable urban development project financing and development is desirable. • A strong understanding of UN-Habitat and the Cities Investment Facility mandates, goals and principles is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency (both oral and written) in English is required; Fluency in French is also required.

Not available.

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.