UNDP Jobs - 45185- Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plans for Maj

Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plans for Major Dams in Swaziland (2 Consultants)

Location :

Mbabane, SWAZILAND

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

02-Jun-2014

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Different number of days for each consultant spreadover 4 months (June - September)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Different number of days for each consultant spreadover 4 months (June - September)

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 a TEAM of two international consultants to formulate comprehensive emergency preparedness plans for the three major dams in Swaziland: Mnjoli, Maguga, and Lubovane dams.

The climate change vulnerability assessment study for the water sector and infrastructure conducted through this project reveals that though there will be overall decrease in rainfall in the country and frequent droughts, occasional severe floods risk will still occur at a magnitude of 12% and above. The report further highlights that rainfall of short duration but with high intensities is expected, leading to increase frequency of flash/flooding. The possibility of increased droughts and flooding exacerbated by climate change and variability will require the development of comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that also address climate change risks posed on the infrastructure. This exercise will build on the existing KOBWA emergency preparedness plans for the Maguga Dam in the Komati Basin.

Objective

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy - Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is seeking the technical services of a TEAM of two international experts to formulate and strengthen comprehensive emergency preparedness plans for major dams in Swaziland. The plans will further address the inclusion of climate change risks in the management of the major dam infrastructure to ensure sustainable provision, use and management of water resources for Swaziland. This intervention will not only create awareness to stakeholders but also ensure that each key stakeholder has a clear understanding of their response roles related to emergency due to disaster emanating from climate change and related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of the Department of Water Affairs, Project Board and Project Technical Committee and with the Project Manager, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

Climate Change/Disaster Risk Specialist - (25 working days distributed across 4 months from June to Sept):

Review existing and formulate comprehensive emergency preparedness plans for Mnjoli, Maguga and Lubovane dams including the development/enhancement of early warning systems and climate change risks;
Conduct extensive stakeholder consultations in the process;
Conduct a validation workshop in which the proposed revised plans will be discussed with stakeholders;
Finalise revised comprehensive emergency preparedness plans;
Ensure overall oversight and quality assurance of the entire assignment and the final report.

Water Infrastructure Engineer - Team Leader (25 working days distributed across 4 months from June to Sept):

Participate in the desktop review of the research findings of the climate change vulnerability assessment of the water sector in Swaziland focusing on large infrastructure (Mnjoli, Maguga and Lubovane, Luphohlo and Hawane);
Participate in the extensive consultation of stakeholders;
Assess structural integrity of the major dams to cope with climate change risks and develop recommendations for inclusion in the comprehensive emergency preparedness plans;
Participate in the preparation of the final report.

Deliverables:

An inception meeting and report, including a work plan 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 five (5) pages;
Final report for the entire assignment;
Comprehensive emergency preparedness plans for the three major dams.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

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 (Disaster Management studies, Water Resources Management, Climate Change, Environmental policy / planning or related disciplines).

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years working in the aspects of climate change relating to water resources and the environment in Southern Africa;
An understanding of the water and wider agriculture / environment sectors in Swaziland;
Experience in water resources assessment, climate change (CC) risk assessment and adaptation;
Experience in developing (ideally climate-proofing) emergency plans and early warning systems;
Any relevant additional qualification will be an added advantage.

Language:

Fluent in English.