Nigeria’s environmental regulator, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified professionals to apply for several expert roles under a major international environmental initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The project, titled “Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution in Nigeria,” aims to tackle the country’s growing plastic waste crisis—particularly the widespread disposal of single-use sachet water packaging—while expanding access to safe drinking water.
The five-year programme will strengthen environmental policy frameworks, support circular economy solutions, promote reuse models, and increase public awareness around sustainable water consumption.
According to project documents, more than 2.5 billion litres of sachet water are consumed annually in Nigeria, with over 32,000 producers nationwide, making discarded plastic sachets one of the most visible and persistent forms of urban waste pollution.
The initiative is expected to generate measurable environmental benefits, including:
350,078 metric tonnes of avoided residual plastic waste pollution
1.87 million metric tonnes of reduced CO₂ emissions
Reduced release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the atmosphere
To support implementation, NESREA is recruiting professionals across several specialist roles.
Available Positions
1. Policy Expert (Part-Time)
Duty Station: Abuja (with field travel)
Engagement: Part-time
Project Duration: Up to 5 years
The Policy Expert will support the development of an enabling regulatory environment for circular solutions in Nigeria’s water sector.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting policy gap analyses on plastic waste and water packaging regulation
Drafting policy briefs, legislative proposals, and regulatory frameworks
Supporting federal and state governments in circular economy policy planning
Coordinating stakeholder consultations and multi-agency policy dialogue
Contributing to a national roadmap for circular systems in the water sector
Requirements
Degree in Public Policy, Law, Environmental Studies, Economics, or related field
At least 5 years of experience in environmental policy or legislative drafting
Experience with waste management, plastics regulation, or circular economy policy
Strong analytical and policy writing skills
2. National Communications Officer (Full-Time)
Duty Station: Abuja
Project Duration: 5 years
NESREA is also seeking a National Communications Officer to design and execute the communications strategy for the project.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing and implementing the project’s communications strategy
Managing digital platforms and social media campaigns
Producing media releases, newsletters, and awareness materials
Coordinating media engagement and stakeholder outreach
Documenting project success stories and knowledge products
Requirements
Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field
Minimum 5 years professional experience in communications or journalism
Demonstrated expertise in digital campaigns and public awareness initiatives
Strong writing, storytelling, and media relations skills
3. Project Technical Officer (Full-Time)
Duty Station: Abuja
Project Duration: 5 years
The Project Technical Officer will provide technical coordination across the project’s multiple components.
Responsibilities include:
Providing technical oversight for circular economy interventions
Supervising consultants and technical experts
Supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) activities
Preparing technical reports, project workplans, and monitoring indicators
Coordinating with national and international project partners
Requirements
Degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, or related field
3–5 years of professional experience in waste management or plastics projects
Experience with circular economy or donor-funded environmental programmes
4. Gender and Inclusion Expert
NESREA is also recruiting a Gender and Inclusion Expert to ensure the project delivers equitable benefits and promotes inclusive participation.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading gender mainstreaming across all project components
Updating the Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan
Ensuring at least 40% women’s participation in governance structures
Supporting capacity-building and stakeholder engagement activities
Requirements
Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, or related field
Minimum 5 years experience in gender mainstreaming within development projects
Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and community groups
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter
A detailed CV
Scanned academic and professional certificates
Evidence of past professional engagements
A 2–3 page technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment
Applications should be sent to:
Director General/CEO
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
Email: dg@nesrea.gov.ng
procurement@nesrea.gov.ng
krisbeka@gmail.com
elichucks@gmail.com
Application deadline: 24 March 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why the Project Matters
Plastic sachets have become one of the most persistent sources of environmental pollution in Nigeria. The new UNEP-GEF initiative seeks to address the problem through a circular economy approach, combining policy reform, industry partnerships, behavioural change campaigns, and pilot projects.
By aligning environmental protection with improved access to safe drinking water, the project aims to demonstrate that economic development, public health, and environmental sustainability can advance together.
