Consultant - Cold chain and port decarbonization

Organizational context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) seeks a consultant to support the Port of Mombasa's transition to a low-carbon operational model. This role is part of UNEP's Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain Solutions Programme, focusing on integrating cold chain infrastructure into broader port decarbonization strategies, aligning with national and international climate goals.

Job purpose

The consultant will conduct a scoping study to examine cold chain infrastructure as a critical component of green port development at the Port of Mombasa. The purpose is to identify practical pathways for reducing energy use and emissions within these energy-intensive systems, which are vital for export logistics. The role contributes to UNEP's mandate of promoting climate-friendly solutions and supports Kenya's emission reduction targets and the Port Authority's green initiatives by providing strategic recommendations for technical assistance, investment, and policy integration into port decarbonization frameworks.

Responsibilities

The consultant will map cold chain assets and infrastructure within the Port of Mombasa ecosystem, identifying gaps in areas like cold storage and logistics. They will conduct a qualitative assessment of energy consumption patterns, refrigeration technologies, and refrigerants to profile energy use and emissions. A diagnosis of infrastructure and institutional constraints will be performed, followed by the development and assessment of context-appropriate decarbonization options, including renewable energy integration and efficiency upgrades. Finally, the consultant will analyze how cold chain systems can be integrated into port decarbonization policies and identify priority areas for engagement and investment.

Education

An advanced university degree in engineering, energy, refrigeration, environmental sciences, logistics, maritime studies, or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience with refrigeration technologies, cold storage systems, and energy efficiency in cold chains is necessary. Knowledge of port operations, logistics, and decarbonization strategies is desirable.

Work experience

Required experience includes demonstrated expertise in refrigeration technologies, cold storage systems, and energy efficiency within cold chains. Experience working in Kenya or East Africa, understanding local infrastructure and supply chains, and knowledge of public-private partnerships in logistics or energy projects are also required. Desirable experience includes familiarity with port operations and international decarbonization frameworks like the IMO GHG Strategy.

Skills

Refrigeration technologies, Cold storage systems, Energy efficiency in cold chains, Refrigerant knowledge, Cooling-demand profiling, Port operations, Logistics systems, Decarbonization strategies, Infrastructure analysis, Stakeholder consultation, Policy integration, Project management, English fluency. Swahili knowledge is desirable.

Desired languages

Swahili, English