GIZ Albania Job Vacancy; Advisor – Extended Producer Responsibility Implementation

Program: Circular Economy for Sustainable Urban Development in Albania

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The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) is a federal enterprise that supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

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Program Background

In July 2022, the EU opened accession negotiations with Albania and is examining the extent to which Albanian law needs to be adapted to EU legislation. Although 70% of household waste is collected, only 17% is recycled. More than 50% of the waste is of organic origin, but is not used to create added value, but is disposed of in landfills or unregulated dumpsites. The collected wastewater is mostly discharged untreated into influent waters, resulting in massive pollution of groundwater, rivers, and the Adriatic Sea.

For the transition from a linear waste and wastewater management to a sustainable circular economy, a better basic understanding of circular economy principles, their implementation in concrete measures by efficient national and local authorities, a better participation of the private sector, but also an improved environmental behaviour of the population is essential.

The module objective is: The legal and financial foundations for the transition to a sustainable circular economy for waste and wastewater management have been created.

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?GIZ Office Albania seeks the following staff:

Advisor - Extended Producer Responsibility Implementation

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We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced EPR Implementation Advisor to take a lead role in assuring the successful implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law practice. The EPR Implementation Advisor will be responsible for establishing Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) for three different waste streams (Packaging Waste, WEEE, and Batteries & Accumulators) in close collaboration with the Consultant. The selected candidate will work towards creating a sustainable waste management system that complies with EU legislation and engages all relevant stakeholders, including the private sector, informal sector, municipalities, and citizens.

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A.???? Responsibilities

·???????? Assuring the implementation of the EPR law practise by establishing Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) for 3 different waste streams (Packaging Waste, WEEE and Batteries & Accumulator) in close collaboration with the Consultant.

·???????? Clarifying roles and responsibilities within the EPR scheme, including working procedures the financial and regulatory framework for the private sector to be established.

·???????? Involvement of the informal sector in the PROs with special focus on gender transition.

·???????? Assisting in signing contracts between Municipalities and PROs to collect specific waste streams separately and treat the resources in compliance to EU legislation.

·???????? Enhance citizens responsibility and involve them in the EPR scheme.

·???????? Assuring the establishment of a robust monitoring and regulation system.

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In this capacity you perform the following tasks:

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A.???? Tasks

In terms of Establishing Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs):

?·???????? Collaborate with the Consultant to create and register separate PROs for Packaging Waste, WEEE, and Batteries & Accumulators waste streams.

·???????? Assisting at development of comprehensive operational guidelines and protocols for PROs, outlining roles, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms.

·???????? Ensure PROs' financial sustainability by assisting in formulating funding models and fee structures for producers' extended responsibilities.

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In terms of Financial and Regulatory Framework:

?·???????? Design a transparent and equitable financial framework that distributes costs among producers based on their waste generation and environmental impact.

·???????? Develop a regulatory framework that sets clear performance targets and penalties for non-compliant producers, fostering accountability and adherence to the EPR law.

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In terms of involvement of the informal sector:

?·???????? Based on the gender-sensitive analysis of the informal waste sector, identifying barriers and opportunities for the inclusion of women waste workers and empowering them to participate effectively in the PROs.

·???????? Establish fair and transparent channels for informal waste workers to integrate into the formal waste management system, ensuring their social and economic welfare.

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In terms of Contract Negotiations:

·???????? Facilitate dialogues between Municipalities and PROs to establish clear waste collection and treatment responsibilities and targets for each party.

·???????? Ensure that contracts include provisions for regular performance assessments and adjustments to meet evolving waste management needs.

·???????? Advocate for sustainable waste treatment technologies and resource recovery methods to be incorporated into the contract agreements.

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In terms of citizens engagement:

?·???????? Develop sensitisation campaigns and workshops to raise public awareness about the importance of waste separation, recycling, and responsible consumption.

·???????? Establish community-driven initiatives, such as recycling drives and cleanup programs, to actively involve citizens in waste reduction efforts.

·???????? Foster partnerships between PROs, local communities, and educational institutions to promote environmental consciousness among the younger generation.

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In terms of monitoring and regulation of EPR

·???????? Implement a comprehensive data collection system to track waste generation, collection rates, and recycling performance for each waste stream.

·???????? Regularly assess PROs' compliance with EPR regulations and key performance indicators, reporting findings to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

·???????? Conduct periodic evaluations of the EPR scheme's overall impact on waste reduction, resource recovery, and environmental outcomes, suggesting improvements as necessary.

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?B.??????? Required qualifications, competences and experience:

?·???????? Education/training: Master's degree in Environmental or Natural Science, Waste Management, Sustainability, or a related field

·???????? General professional experience: Experience in EPR law implementation, waste management, and sustainability initiatives; In-depth knowledge of EU waste regulations, policies, and best practices related to EPR and waste stream management; strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively

·???????? Languages: Fluent in Albanian, excellent English language skills required (especially written skills)

·???????? Specific professional experience: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of authority; experience in working with informal waste sectors and promoting gender inclusion is a plus; familiarity with data analysis and reporting for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

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B.?? Contract conditions

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·???????? Full-time employment

·???????? Program office in Tirana

·???????? Assignment period: until 30.06.2026

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Please forward your application until 19th of September 2023, to GIZ Office Albania by E-Mail: giz-albanien-hr@giz.de including the following information: Application letter, CV in English (Euro Pass format), references.

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?GIZ wants to increase the proportion of people with disabilities in the company. Therefore, we look forward to receiving appropriate applications!

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?Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring certified copies of their diplomas and work certificates.

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GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested groups with-out any discrimination!

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