Result of Service
Completion of a PRS inception and design framework comprising an assessment of existing U4E PRS assets and source code, stakeholder and requirements analysis, and the development of system architecture, security specifications, and country-specific configuration requirements to guide implementation
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Through its OzonAction programme, UNEP assists developing countries in complying with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, in force since 1 January 2019, commits Parties to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), refrigerants widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration, and pairs this with opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of cooling equipment. This work is supported by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF). Several ASEAN member states (AMS) are introducing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labelling for cooling products.
To put these requirements into effect, each country requires an electronic Product Registration System (PRS) that enables manufacturers and importers to register products, allows the responsible national authority to verify MEPS compliance and manage approvals, records import quantities and market-surveillance activities, and gives the general public access to information on registered products.
To ensure efficient implementation and long-term sustainability, UNEP requires a consultant to undertake the preparatory, analytical and design work necessary for PRS development and deployment in the AMS. This includes stakeholder consultations, requirements gathering, assessment of existing U4E PRS assets, functional and technical design, country-specific configuration specifications, and implementation planning. The consultant will establish all technical, functional and institutional prerequisites required for the successful implementation of a Product Registration System in AMS.
The consultant shall undertake the following activities: I. Existing System Assessment
Review and assess the existing U4E PRS.
Conduct source-code and architecture review.
Identify reusable modules and components.
Document gaps, risks and improvement opportunities. II. Stakeholder and Requirements Analysis
Consult UNEP, National Ozone Units and partner institutions.
Document operational workflows, and institutional procedures to support system design and implementation
Define user roles, access controls, and permission structures in accordance with governance and compliance requirements
Analyze, and consolidate country-specific functional and technical requirements to support Product Registration System (PRS) development III. Functional and Technical Design Develop the system architecture and define the database model, data structures, and application modules required for the platform. Establish security requirements aligned with OWASP ASVS Level 2 standards, and specify system integration requirements, data exchange mechanisms, and reporting functionalities to support secure, scalable, and effective platform operations. IV.
Country Configuration Specifications Define and configure country-specific requirements for the platform, including Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) thresholds, energy labelling schemes, language localization, country branding elements, and regulatory approval and compliance workflows to align with national policy and implementation requirements V. Implementation Planning
Develop deployment strategy.
Prepare testing framework.
Develop training strategy.
Produce implementation roadmap.
Define acceptance-testing procedures. VI. U4E PRS prototype assessment Operational support for U4E PRS prototype systems for a one-year period including bug identification and remediation, corrective maintenance, SSL certificate installation and renewal, uptime monitoring and reporting, coordination with external developers to ensure continuous availability and reliable operation of the platform.
Qualifications/special skills
University degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in full-stack web application development.
Demonstrated experience delivering database-driven registration, licensing or similar transactional systems, preferably for government or public-sector clients.
Proficiency in a mainstream web development framework; experience with Node.js is an asset, as the existing U4E PRS may be reused as a starting point.
Experience applying secure coding practices, including familiarity with the OWASP standards.
Competence in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for public-facing and administrative interfaces.
Familiarity with energy-efficiency MEPS and labelling schemes is desirable.
Ability to work with U4E staff, government agencies, and relevant national stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
Languages
Fluency in written and spoken English