UNDP Jobs - 29387- National Adaptation Strategy Consultant

National Adaptation 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.

Addressing climate change requires two types of response. Firstly, and importantly, we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) (i.e. take mitigation action) and secondly we must take adaptation action to deal with the unavoidable impacts. The EU’s recently agreed climate change legislation puts in place the concrete measures to reach the EU's commitment to reduce emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and is capable of being amended to deliver a 30% reduction if agreed as part of an international agreement in which other developed countries agree to comparable reductions and appropriate contributions by economically more advanced developing countries based on their responsibilities and capabilities. However, even if the world succeeds in limiting and then reducing GHG emissions, our planet will take time to recover from the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. Thus we will be faced with the impact of climate change for at least the next 50 years. We need therefore to take measures to adapt.

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, development of climate models, identification of adaptation priorities. 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, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct 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
Review best international practices on development of climate resilient development /climate change adaptation strategies and outline possible options for BiH;
Identify additional national expertise needed and provide inputs for Terms of Reference;
Conduct two missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Draft a concept paper outlining the country’s strategic shift to a climate-resilient development, including communication strategy. The concept paper should also suggest scope of the national climate resilient development/climate change adaptation strategy (NAS) and an annotated NAS outline. The concept shall also define possible barriers and factors that may impact the development of the comprehensive programme and realization of measures on adaptation. The concept paper should be submitted to the government and UNDP for consultation and feedback incorporated prior to the mission to BiH;
Upon endorsement of the concept by the relevant UNDP and Government officials, draft initial NAS;
Ensure 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 facilitate adaptation or lead to maladaptation; ii) the national procedures for approval of strategies and plans; iii) whether the proposed adaptation 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 potential role of private sector in adaptation;
Ensure that the recommendations meet the UNDP’s quality standards;
Finalize the strategy considering the recommendations, including addressing comments and inputs from relevant stakeholders, with support from the CO and BRC;
Closely coordinate work with an international consultant on low-emission development to ensure that the national strategy on low-emission and climate resilient development has adequate representation of adaptation and mitigation and low-emission and climate resilient sections are developed in close coordination and reinforce each other.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modelling 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 environment protection or management, economics, 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;
Profound knowledge of the issues in adaptation to climate change and development;
Proven successful accomplishment of similar assignments Knowledge and understanding of the UNFCCC and KP requirements;
Demonstrated experience in project development, implementation or management;
Knowledge on mainstreaming gender equality in environment;
Excellent and proven experience in dealing with national government partners;
Experience in drafting strategic documents;
Experience in the policy development process associated with environment, climate change and sustainable development;
Experience of work in 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).