Humanitarian agencies play a vital role in delivering essential life-saving services during crisis, which often involves the distribution of electronic products (e-products) to improve access to energy and communication. E-product distribution results in the generation of electronic waste (e-waste) once they reach their end of life.

Displacement camps and settings where IOM operates face numerous unique challenges that hinder effective e-waste management, resulting in nearly all waste being managed informally, having negative impacts on human health and the environment. These challenges include limited access to repair centres, a shortage of necessary tools and spare parts for effective repairs, and harsh environmental conditions that contribute to the relatively short lifespan of e-products. Despite these obstacles, e-waste retains value within displacement settings. Households often sell e-waste to waste scrappers who extract useful components such as wires and batteries for charging other devices or for small-scale profit through repurposing at the camp level.

In response to the challenge of e-waste management in displacement settings, and its subsequent impact on human health and the environment, in 2019, Innovation Norway funded IOM to implement an innovation pilot aimed at creating a circular economy for e-waste through repair, recovery and recycling in displacement settings, thereby extending the lifespan of electronic products and reducing the cost of having to replace items to households as well as reducing the unsafe and environmentally harmful disposal of waste items. Due to the pilot`s success, IOM has been granted further funding by Innovation Norway to transition the project to scale under the “E-waste Circular Economy Scale Project” (“the Project”). - E-waste - circular economy scale | Humanitarian Innovation Programme (innovationnorway.com). The Project's objective is to gather evidence, create a viable business model and establish partnerships with key e-waste stakeholders for potential full scaleup. It aims to build up on the findings of the pilot in Bidibidi, Uganda, and further develop the proof of concept, whilst conducting evidence-based contextual analysis, insight activities and small-scale prototyping in other potential camps.

The long-term goal is to catalyse a paradigm shift in e-waste management in displacement settings, transforming it from a linear, wasteful approach to a circular model. The project promotes repairability, recovery, recyclability, green employment and partnerships to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and host communities` self-resilience, thus driving socio-economic development, and transforming them from aid recipients into self-reliant communities with multiple income streams. IOM is partnering with The University of Edinburgh, BRIGHT Products, Aceleron and Total Energies to deliver the project.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM Uganda, with direct supervision of the Head of Programme and Policy Development and in close coordination with the relevant units at the mission level and headquarters, the Project Officer (E-waste) will coordinate and assist in managing various elements of the E-waste project. These elements may include planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, project-related public relations, budget management, donor meetings and reporting, coordination with project partners and engagement with relevant stakeholders including private sector and the Government of Uganda. Overall responsibility for the project is exercised by the Head of Programmes.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Provide technical, administrative and logistical support for the organization and implementation of a project inception workshop with all project partners, to be hosted in Nairobi or Kampala as soon as possible.
In close coordination with partners at the workshop, draft inputs to support the developmentof a comprehensive project plan that outlines activity, timelines, resource requirements, budgets and key deliverables.
Coordinate closely with the Global E-waste Task Force to facilitate the publishing and launching of a multi-agency document, the Toolkit for Creating a Circular Economy for E-waste in Displacement Settings.
Coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders, including national and local government agencies, the private sector and UN agencies, to facilitate the establishment of partnerships for the full scale of the project.
Recommend a mechanism for the payment of refugee field staff and/or monitor IOM`s implementing partner particularly in relation to contracting and payments.
Work closely with project partners to support the establishment of new forms of e-waste collection, transportation and recycling, and sourcing of battery feedstocks.
Research avenues for selling recycled battery packs.
Supervise the focal point in Bidibidi.
Ensure the project is intentional about equality, diversity and inclusion by engaging with and supporting people of diverse genders and people with disabilities, facilitate representation and the inclusion of diverse groups in monitoring and evaluation and within different roles.
Check that a complaints and feedback mechanism is in place and that it is regularly monitored, and follow up on corrective actions as needed.
Monitor the project budget and risks, and recommend mitigation actions as needed.
Conduct site visits to monitor project implementation, and work to address issues or concerns promptly.
Work closely with the communications officer to collect stories and case studies, and facilitate the publishing of articles for the project`s visibility at a global level.
Organise quarterly internal Project Advisory Board meetings with the project donor, Innovation Norway, and implement strategic recommendations. Draft and facilitate the submission of the final donor narrative and financial report.
Provide technical and process support to the University of Edinburgh for the collection of monitoring data as needed.
Stay informed about emerging technologies, regulations, and trends related to e-waste management, and facilitate the incorporation of relevant advancements in project strategies and activities.
Attend global conferences and events with project partners to help raise awareness for effective e-waste management in displacement settings.
Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education
Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Project Management, Innovation or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
At least 2 years’ (4 years for bachelor’s degree holder) experience in innovation project management and/or implementation, particularly in the circular economy and field of environmental management or waste management in East Africa;
Experience in working with public-private business models within the circular economy is an advantage; and,
Practical experience of multi-tasking, prioritizing, and working independently.
Skills
Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Suite;
Excellent writing, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively;
Excellent organizational skills, analytical and creative thinking;
Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage teams and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders;