Background

The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Application of the ecosystem approach will help achieve a balance of the three objectives of the UNFCC Convention. It is based on the application of appropriate scientific methodologies focused on levels of biological organization which encompass the essential processes, functions and interactions among organisms and their environment. It recognizes that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems.
The first principle of Ecosystem Approach states that the objectives of the management of land, water and living resources are a matter of societal choices. Different sectors of society view ecosystems in terms of their own economic, cultural and societal needs. Indigenous people and other local communities living on the land are important stakeholders, and their rights and interests should be recognized. Both cultural and biological diversity are central components of the ecosystem approach, and management should take this into account. Societal choices should be expressed as clearly as possible. Ecosystems should be managed for their intrinsic values and for the tangible or intangible benefits for humans, in a fair and equitable way.
The management should be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level. Decentralized systems may lead to greater efficiency, effectiveness and equity. Management should involve all stakeholders and balance local interests with the wider public interest. The closer management is to the ecosystem, the greater the responsibility, ownership, accountability, participation, and use of local knowledge.

Management interventions in ecosystems often have unknown or unpredictable effects on other ecosystems; therefore, possible impacts need careful consideration and analysis. This may require new arrangements or ways of organization for institutions involved in decision-making to make, if necessary, appropriate compromises.
Natural services provided by aquatic ecosystems to support livelihoods in Jordan, particularly in times of rising food prices are being lost at a dramatic rate due to urban expansion, developments including water resources infrastructure, intensification of agriculture, and the increasing competition for natural resources. A logical entry point for discussions with governments is a greater emphasis on ecosystems approaches through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) - a frame of reference that already has considerable national support in Jordan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives and tasks of the Assignment:

The overall objective of this assignment is to assess the feasibility of the application of Ecosystem Approach for the management of watersheds in Jordan, and develop a project document for potential joint program includes UNDP and UNEP. 

Scope of work:

  • Conducting a mapping on water sector initiatives including the donors’ agendas (meetings and review of available documentation);
  • Identification of gaps/needs that potentially can be supported by UNDP and UNEP for the application of ecosystem approach for the management of watershed in Jordan;
  • Identification of possible entry points for a UN joint program (UNDP and UNEP) for the application of ecosystem approach for the management of watershed in Jordan;
  • Develop a project document for UNDP and UNEP to support water sector in line with UNDP/UNEP’s strategies, the project document shall include, but not limited to: situation analysis, project strategy, project results framework, budget breakdown, detailed work plan, monitoring framework and evaluation and management arrangement.

Deliverables:

  • An inception report detailing work breakdown structure (work-plan), literature reviewed, list of information required, list of stakeholders to be met, and the methodology in which the consultant intends to carry out the assignment through, within a week of signing the contract;
  • Documented report on situation analysis of application of ecosystem approach for the management of watershed in Jordan, gaps to be supported and implementation plan of possible entry points for UNDP and UNEP, based on on-going initiatives and in complementarity with different stakeholders;
  • Submitting project document (UNDP format) for UNDP-UNEP joint program to support the application of ecosystem approach for the management of watershed in Jordan;
  • Weekly progress report should be provided to UNDP.

Competencies

  • Strong communication, and interpersonal skills;
  • Demonstrated research and analytical skills’
  • Strong command of English both written and spoken.
  • Good knowledge of the UN system.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in water management, environment and related fields.

Experience:

  • Substantive experience and record of accomplishment in the area of water management and ecosystem-based management;
  • At least 7 years of experience in the area of water management;
  • Experience in the region, would be an asset;
  • Excellent computer and word processing skills. 

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Arabic is an asset.
Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:
  • Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
  •  1-2 page proposal:
  • Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work.
  • Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work (if applicable);
  • Financial proposal (which includes a breakdown of consultancy fees, travel cost, per diem, etc);
  • Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.