UNDP Jobs - 45147- Integration of Climate Change Risks to the Komati

Integration of Climate Change Risks to the Komati Downstream Development Project and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Projects (6 Consultants)

Location :

Mbabane, SWAZILAND

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2014

Application Deadline :

27-Apr-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

different number of days for each consultant spreadover 6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

different number of days for each consultant spreadover 6 months

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 Department of Water Affairs of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, is seeking the services of individuals to form a TEAM of six consultants (one international, five locals) to identify and integrate specific climate change risks and tailor response measures for two national projects: Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) under the Swaziland Water and Agriculture Development Enterprise (SWADE). These are the two major government driven community development projects which aims at developing small scale farmers using water as a catalyst for development.

The climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA) conducted through this project reveals that both the Usuthu and Komati catchments are under immense threat of climate change with expected increase in temperature and drought severity, and decrease in rainfall. The changes in climate will increase risk to these investment initiatives.

Objective

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy - Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is seeking the technical services of a TEAM of international and national consultants to spearhead the integration of climate change risks and responses measures into the KDDP and the a LUSIP projects. The intervention will strengthen achievement of the socio-economic outcomes through the management of risks through climate proofing efforts that will ensure adaptation and sustainability of the small-scale farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities

A team of six (6) consultants:

Environmental lead Expert (international consultant), Agricultural Extension Expert (local consultant), Climate Change Expert (local consultant), Land Use Planner (local consultant), Workshop Facilitator/ Trainer (local consultant) and Water Expert (local consultant) will work under the guidance of the Department of Water Affairs, Project Board and Project Technical Committee with the Project Manager. The experts will be expected to work as a cohesive team with the responsibility for the timely implementation of the following activities:

Environmental Expert - 20 working days distributed across 6 months:

Participate in the review of Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) phase 1 and 2 Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) focusing on the environmental aspects and climate change;
Review and integrate climate change in 15 Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) (15 chiefdoms-LUSIP GEF SLM project to ensure that environmental aspects address climate change);
Participate in the review and integration of climate change in all the (LUSIP and KDDP) Environmental modules, environmental policy and train the trainers (ToT) courses;
Train (in the classroom and in the field) SWADE Environmental Officers assisting farmer’s association (KDDP and LUSIP) on climate change impacts and different land use practices to adapt to / mitigate;
Integrate climate change risk into all LUSIP and KDDP employment regulation;
Propose/ recommend innovative environmental adaptation options for integration into community projects within the LUSIP and KDDP;
Ensure overall oversight and quality assurance of the entire assignment.

Climate Change Expert - 30 working days distributed across 6 months:

Participate in the review of Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) phase 1 and 2 Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) focusing on all the aspects;
Participate in the integration of climate change risk into all LUSIP and KDDP training modules (water management / sugarcane productions / environmental policy / agri-business / employment regulation);
Participate in a team to review and integrate climate change in 15 Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) (15 chiefdoms- LUSIP GEF SLM project;
Participate in the preparation of the final report.

Agricultural Extension Expert - 40 working days distributed across 6 months:

Working in a team, participate in the review of Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) phase 1 and 2 Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) focusing on agricultural production and extension;
Integrate climate change risk into all LUSIP and KDDP training modules (water management , crop production and agri-business);
Participate in a team to review and integrate climate change in 15 Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) (15 chiefdoms- LUSIP GEF SLM project;
Participate in the preparation of the final report.

Land Use Planner - 25 working days distributed across 6 months:

Working as a team, participate in the review of Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) phase 1 and 2 Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) focusing on land use and land use planning;
Develop training materials on climate change impacts and different land use practices to adapt to / mitigate;
Participate in a team to review and integrate climate change in 15 Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) (15 chiefdoms- LUSIP GEF SLM project focusing on land use aspects;
Participate in the preparation of the final report.

Water Expert - 25 working days distributed across 6 months:

Integrate water resources management (IWRM) principles into the Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) with emphasis on the relationship between the developments on the tributaries and the major river;
Participate in the development of climate change modules for existing SWADE ToT courses (LUSIP and KDDP) to improve their technical content on the impacts of climate change on water resources;
Review all LUSIP and KDDP training modules on water management;
Participate in the preparation of the final report.

Workshop Facilitator / Trainer:

Undertake a desktop review of the research findings of the climate change vulnerability assessment for the water sector, focusing on the Usuthu and Komati basins and produce a synthesis report highlighting Environmental, Climate change, Land use, Agriculture and Water issues;
Based on the review above, conduct training needs assessment;
Working with all the other experts, organize and facilitate workshops for SWADE technical staff and engineers – to increase their capacity to include climate change considerations in development plans;
Coordinate the national consultants, ensuring liaison with the international consultant;
Coordinate input and participate in the preparation of the final report.

Deliverables:

An inception meeting and report, including a work plan with inputs from all the team members clearly specifying how the assignment will be undertaken, with clear tasks assigned to each member of the team within one week after the inception meeting. The report should not exceed ten (10) pages;
Monthly progress reports for review by the Project Manager and circulation to the Board/Project Technical Committee / Project Technical Advisor;
A synthesis and training needs assessment report based on Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment;
Revised Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) for the Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP) and the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP) Phases 1 and 2 in which climate change risk and mitigation options have been comprehensively integrated;
Chiefdom Development Plans (CDPs) (15 chiefdoms - LUSIP GEF SLM project) in which climate change risk, adaptation & mitigation options and integrated water resources management (IWRM) principles have been comprehensively integrated;
Technical content of climate change modules for existing SWADE ToT courses (LUSIP and KDDP) improved to ensure they effectively cover the predicted impacts of climate change and appropriate adaptation options (including climate smart agriculture - CSA);
All LUSIP and KDDP training modules (water management/sugarcane productions/ environmental policy/agri-business/ employment regulation) revised to integrate climate change risk and adaptation options;
Training materials developed (for classroom and field situations) on climate change impacts and different land use practices to adapt to / mitigate CC for community environmental officers;
Training sessions / programmes facilitated (in the classroom and in the field) for the community environmental officers appointed for each farmers’ association (KDDP and LUSIP) on climate change impacts and different land use practices to adapt to / mitigate;
Workshop organized and facilitated for SWADE technical staff and engineers - increasing their capacity to include climate change considerations in development plans;
A draft final report on achievements of assignment presented at a stakeholder workshop facilitated by the team;
Final report summarizing the achievements of the assignment (including numbers of people trained and feedback from training sessions), incorporating comments from the stakeholder workshop and project technical advisors.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

An understanding of the agriculture and /or environment sectors in Swaziland;
Familiarity with water sector policies in Swaziland;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
Ability to work as a member of a team or team leader working with diverse experts.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least a Masters Degree or PhD (or commensurate experience with increasing levels of responsibility) in the following areas of expertise (Environmental Science, Agriculture, Climate Change, Environmental policy / planning or related disciplines).

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years working on agricultural and the environment, ideally including adaptation to climate change, in Southern Africa;
Experience in climate change (CC) risk assessment and adaptation;
Experience in developing and (ideally climate-proofing) plans and early warning systems;
Any relevant additional qualification will be an added advantage.

Language:

Fluent in English.