UNDP Jobs - 29383- Low Emission Development Strategy Consultant

Low Emission Development Strategy Consultant

Location :

Banja Luka, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

07-May-2012

Application Deadline :

26-Apr-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The 2011 UNDP Human Development Report provides overwhelming evidence that we are reaching an upper limit to our capacity to emit greenhouse gases without dire consequences. It has been estimated that stabilizing the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents catastrophic climate change will require a 50% reduction of the GHG emissions by 2050 from 1990 levels. This is especially relevant to the Eastern Europe and CIS region, which has some of the most carbon intensive economies in the world. The region has 12 percent of the global GHG emissions, 10 percent of the world’s energy demand, but only 5 percent of the world GDP and remains the most energy-inefficient region both in consumption and production of energy. Additionally the demand is expected to rise in the period to 2030 – electricity consumption grows at an average annual rate of 3.7 percent – and fossil fuels are expected to remain the most dominant source of energy.

Detailed and complex official data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in BiH exist for a year of 1990, prepared during development of the Initial National Communications (INC), while official national GHG emission projections for the period beyond 1990 do not exist in BiH. At the moment BiH is in the process of developing its Second National Communications (SNC). The SNC is a valuable source of data and analysis, which include GHG inventory 1991-2001, emission projections, identification and prioritization of abatement measures by sector for 2012-2025 including cost estimations. However, it should be noted that the National Communications (NCs) are generally not tailored to the decision-making process.

The emissions projection for BiH, generated by the internationally recognized International Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA) GAINS7 Europe model (scenario PRIMES 2009), estimates that the GHG emissions in BiH will grow by almost 30 per cent between 2005 and 2030, driven mainly by the increase in CO2 emissions.

As potential EU Candidate Country and as a Party of the Energy Community, BiH cannot afford to not take effective and appropriate act on the climate change, as EU accession process requires from all the candidate countries to implement important elements of the EU Acquis Communautaire and to adopt the relevant EU targets, which are currently set to reducing GHG emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. It has also indicated that if other countries undertake comparable action, and an international post-2012 agreement is reached, it will tighten the emission reduction target to 30% below 1990 levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

Desk review of all relevant documents for background information and initial situational analysis (list not exhaustive):
Initial National Communication of BiH under the UNFCCC;
Information gathered under SNC Project;
UNDP 2011 National Human Development Report;
2nd Environmental Performance Review for BiH (2011);
NEAP-National Environmental Action Plan, BiH (2003);
Energy Sector Study BiH (2008);
Sectoral Development Strategies;
Existing regulations;
Identification of additional national expertise needed and provide inputs for Terms of Reference
Two missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Drafting a concept paper outlining the country’s strategic shift to a low-emission development, including communication strategy
Upon endorsement of the concept by the relevant UNDP and Government officials, develop a proposal on Low Emission Development Strategy including list of NAMAs. National circumstances and needs should be also taken into account, including usage of country specific models, poverty eradication, green jobs, gender issues and others.
Ensuring that all relevant national stakeholders are consulted during preparation of recommendations, in order to understand: i) national development priorities and policies that are likely to lead to high or low GHG emissions; ii) the national procedures for approval of strategies and plans; iii) whether the proposed mitigation solutions have been tried before, and which are the barriers to implementing/scaling up; iv) how the project will complement, reinforce and build on existing projects/investments; and v) the role of the carbon market mechanisms.
Ensuring that the recommendations meets the UNDP’s quality standards;
Finalizing the strategy considering the recommendations, including addressing comment and inputs from relevant stakeholders, with support from the CO and BRC
Closely coordinate work with an international consultant working on national adaptation strategy development.

Deliverables:

Concept proposal of LED strategy with general recommendation on shifting to low carbon development, including a communication strategy finalized; Preparation for and facilitation of a workshop with local stakeholders on LED strategy concept - 30 June 2012
Draft LEDs developed - 10 August 2012
Preparation for and facilitation of a workshop with local stakeholders on LED strategy finalization and identification of priority NAMAs;LED strategy finalized, priority NAMAs identified - 15 October 2012

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Knowledge on BiH gender equality mainstreaming institutions, regulations and mechanisms;
Excellent communication skills;
Excellent analytical skills;
Strong oral and writing skills;
Extensive knowledge of computer applications;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Ability to work independently as well as part of a fairly big team;
Ability to operate under strict time limits;
Pro-active, independent and responsible personality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree in economics, energy, development, or a closely related field.

Experience:

10 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in implications of climate change on development; finance, environment and other relevant fields is critical;
Knowledge and understanding of the UNFCCC and KP requirements;
Demonstrated experience in project document, implementation or management;
Knowledge on mainstreaming gender equality in environment;
Excellent and proven experience in dealing with national government partners;
Experience in the policy development process associated with environment, climate change and sustainable development;
Experience of work in non-Annex I countries, Annex I, or countries of the region would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English

The contract award will be based on the:

Highest qualified candidate; meaning the candidate obtaining the highest score

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

Letter of interest/ Proposal - explaining the applicant’s interest in applying for the position;
Personal History Form (P11) including past experience in similar projects and contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees - (blank form can be downloaded from www.undp.ba/index.aspx?PID=16)
Financial proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs).