UNDP Jobs - 45471- International Consultants on GEF Project Design

International Consultants on GEF Project Design

Location :

Yerevan, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2014

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

40 days within 01 May-30 December 2014 period

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

01 May-30 December 2014

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 project major objective is sustainable land and forest management in the North-eastern (NE) Armenia to secure continued flow of multiple ecosystem services (such as water provision, land slide control and carbon storage and sequestration) and to ensure conservation of critical wildlife habitats through the removal of the aforementioned barriers. Within this conceptual framework, the detailed design and planning of the proposed project will be required at the preparation stage. This will serve to refine project objectives, outcomes, and outputs as well as the work plan and budget for each of the two project components above. A framework to help access the value of trade-offs of the multiple ecosystem services the project intends to focus on will be designed. Several STAP’s recommendations will be addressed at the PPG phase to refine the project document.

The conceptual project framework is defined in a Project Information Document (PIF) http://www.thegef.org/gef/project_detail?projID=4737 approved by the Global Environmental Facility for its funding pipeline. The detailed design and planning of the proposed Project will require a preparation stage that is financed by a GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG). In general the PPG will define the detailed project scope inclusive of technical studies, as well as cover development of TORs and technical specifications needed to rapidly implement the FSP. The principle overall output of the PPG will be the final full-sized project proposal and GEF Endorsement Document in UNDP/GEF format to be submitted to the GEF for final funding approval.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of UNDP environmental governance Portfolio Analyst and direct supervision of the Programme Policy International Consultant will be recruited to support UNDP CO with: i) assistance to and peer review of the various outputs of local consultants; ii) provision of international references and specifications for IFLUPs development implementation and monitoring, carbon assessment schemes, restoration activities; iii) development of detailed project design framework with component and sub-components, including full cost estimates; iv) finalization of full-sized project proposal and related GEF submission materials; iv) liaison with the Implementing Agency and parallel bilateral initiatives as requested; v) advice to the government on project implementation strategy in general.

The Consultant/s will work closely with local team of experts as coordinated by UNDP and will perform the following duties:

To address comments from the GEFSEC, STAP reviewers and GEF Council Members on the proposal during submission and final approval processes (including the case if approval period will exceed contracting period);
To assist in the development of the detailed PPG work plan, scope for the expert group and consultancy services, as well as implementation guidance in general;
To draft and finalize GEF Full-Sized Project CEO endorsement proposal in the required format and related documentation for further submission to the GEF by the Implementing agency, that will include:
Assistance with formulation of the project Logical framework in line with STAP comment, namely specifying the outcome and output indicators; Assistance in addressing other STAP comments.
Conducting detailed incremental-cost analysis as per GEF guidance: precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals and co-financial links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output; presentation of results of the incremental cost-analysis in matrices; Assessment of the social and financial sustainability of proposed project activities;
Quantification of community (and gender) benefits; Quantification and detailed presentation of the global environmental benefits of the project;
Thorough risk analysis and development of risk mitigation strategy for the project;
Quantified presentation of global environmental benefits for climate change mitigation, land degradation and sustainable forest management;
Definition of the replication strategy for project activities;
Development of the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and budget; provision of input into formulation of ToRs for the key consultants/contracts to be employed by the project;
Provision of input into preparation of the relevant tracking tools (BD, LD, CC), and preparation of TT SFM/REDD+ projects. This will include detailed description of the baseline and setting the respective indicators for each of the tracking tools;
Supporting in capacity building scope formulation.

Expected outputs and delivery time

Output 1-Draft Work Plan with conceptually defined steps and tasks at the PPG stage and check-list for background information gathering- May 15,2014;
Output 2-Interim report, including: outline of the full sized proposal – project implementation strategy, draft log-frame, baseline scenario analysis, outline of major activities- July 15,2014;
Output 3-Draft full – sized project proposal- September 10,2014;
Output 4-Final package for submission- October 10,2014.

One country visit is envisaged to attend interim workshops, conduct field visits and provide inputs into discussions around project log-frame and implemntation strategy.

Payment mode:

Lump sum payments (including travel cost) will be applied in the following installments upon completion of the tasks under each output and approval of deliverables by UNDP CO and Regional Technical Adviser:

Output 1 - 20% of total amount;
Output 2 – 35% of total amount;
Output 3 – 35% of total amount;
Output 4 – 10% of total amount.

Competencies

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different social and cultural backgrounds;
Strong track record with producing high quality research and strong quantitative skills in project design, scenario analysis;
Understanding of and practical exposure to the institutional framework governing climate change mitigation, land degradation and sustainable forest management related issues in the countries with economies in transition;
Proven knowledge of communication tools, excellent writing skills;
Excellent coordination and collaboration skills, with ability to work under time pressure and handle multiple activities and projects concurrently;
Ability to work independently and to participate effectively in a team based information sharing;
Good computer literacy, knowledge of MS office software and web based applications.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (MSc, MA or PhD) in environmental sciences, forestry, natural sciences, natural resource management or other relevant discipline;
A relevant university degree in combination with qualifying experience in the project design, monitoring and management may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least seven years of proven experience in GEF project design, preparation and implementation under UNDP and other Implementing Agencies; handling of GEF review processes;
Knowledge of and experience with implementation of the UNFCCC and other related conventions and agreements and their detailed requirements in terms of GEF strategic priorities;
Proven practical experience in information gathering and research methodology; experience in coaching/mentoring/assisting team of consultants;

Languages:

Proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. Familiarity with the Russian language is an asset.