Programme Management Officer (Zero Plastic Waste)

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Programme Management Officer to lead the Zero Plastic Waste initiative within its Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, based in Osaka, Japan. The role focuses on analysing and reducing plastic waste in municipal streams, alongside other waste streams such as food waste, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions at national, regional and global levels.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate qualitative and quantitative environmental, social and economic analyses related to baseline reduction and recycling of plastic waste in municipal waste streams.
• Extend analysis to other municipal waste types, including food waste, and assess intervention effectiveness across scales.
• Collaborate closely with UNEP Regional Offices, national and local governments, industry partners, and civil‑society organisations.
• Develop surveys and consultation questionnaires, design data‑collection tools, and oversee data review and analysis.
• Support the implementation of in‑country demonstration projects that promote innovative waste‑prevention and management technologies.

Required profile

• Proven ability to coordinate environmental, social and economic analyses.
• Experience working with international partners, including UN agencies, governments and industry stakeholders.
• Familiarity with designing surveys, consultation tools and managing data collection processes.
• Strong understanding of waste‑management challenges, particularly plastic and food waste in municipal contexts.

Required skills