UNDP Jobs - 49632- Conservation Biologist, GoI-GEF-UNDP India High Ra

Conservation Biologist, GoI-GEF-UNDP India High Range Landscape Project (HRML) - (Open to Indian Nationals only)

Location :

Munnar/ Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

24-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year (Extendable)

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

High Range Mountain Landscape (HRML) in the Western Ghats mountains of peninsular India is a globally significant biodiversity region. Its key attributes are: a) high levels of endemism and biological diversity; b) Important Bird Area; c) presence of globally threatened species of fauna and flora; d) part of one of the five viable breeding centre of tiger in India; e) harbour the largest global population of Nilgiri tahr and a significant population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel (both threatened species); f) catchment of three major river systems of peninsular India; g) strong eco-cultural affinities; and h) support important economic sectors like cardamom, tea and tourism. At present, HRML is a complex mosaic of land uses where conservation, economic production and livelihood requirements assume equal primacy and profoundly influence each other. These contribute to competitive use of natural resources and affecting vital ecological processes. The rapidly altering developmental context, demographic contours, resource use configurations place a challenge for HRML’s long term ecological sustainability and livelihood security. The existing planning and policy framework, as well as the institutional arrangements in HRML are inadequate to address biodiversity conservation from a landscape perspective. The project aims to put in place a collaborative governance framework for multiple-use management of HRML. The project will attempt a paradigm shift from current sector based planning to an approach for integrated multiple-use management of mountain landscapes to deliver global environmental benefits. The project aims to achieve this through the following Outcomes: a) Effective governance framework for multiple-use mountain landscape management in place; b) Multiple-use mountain landscape management is applied securing the ecological integrity of HRML; and c) Strengthened capacities for community based sustainable use and management of wild resources.

The project region covers 3,000 sq. km spread across three districts of Kerala viz. Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur in Kerala.

UNDP aims to engage a Conservation Biologist for the implementation of the HRML Project. S/he will work closely with the State Project Manager and the State Project Coordinator. For operational purposes, the Conservation Biologist will also consult the Programme Analyst, Energy and Environment Unit, UNDP, New Delhi. The Conservation Biologist shall extend all possible support to the State Project Manager, Landscape-level Project Management Unit (LLPMU), National Project Management Unit (NPMU) and UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Conservation Biologist will be responsible for the following tasks:

S/he will provide technical support to project implementation at the landscape level particularly in the effective and quality delivery of conservation related activities;
S/he shall assist the other technical specialists in the preparation of Landscape Level Land Use Plan, Sector Plans, and research studies related to biodiversity, climate change, etc.;
S/he shall be responsible for developing the capacity building training programme of the conservation sector;
S/he shall assist the other team members in the preparation of Natural Resource Management Plan, village micro-plans, and give inputs in greening the sectoral plans;
S/he will prepare Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Terms of References (ToRs) for any studies to be commissioned or any consultant to be engaged in his/her area of work;
S/he shall commission and undertake the ecological monitoring activities as envisaged in the project;
S/he shall provide technical support and guidance to the LLPMU/HRSDS and other project Consultants in coordinating and conducting different project activities related to conservation sector (trainings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, arrangements of study tour, etc.);
S/he shall advise the LLPMU/HRSDS in coordinating with the State Government, Consultants, other relevant agencies and stakeholders on the implementation of the project on technical matters related to conservation sector;
S/he shall keep regular contact with project experts and Consultants to inform them about the project technical details and review the reports and other documents emanating from the consultants for technical content with respect to conservation sector;
S/he shall make brief notes on the studies and progress of the studies and share with the NPMU, State Project Coordinator and UNDP;
S/he will also provide technical support to the development, implementation and/or evaluation of the project activities in the focal area;
S/he will help the Communications and monitoring officer in identifying and documenting good practices, success stories and lessons learned at different stages of the project in the area of natural resource management;
S/he shall provide regular inputs and feedback related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services evaluation and payments for ecosystem services;
S/he shall work under the overall guidance and supervision of State Project Coordinator, State Project Manager and Programme Analyst, UNDP;
S/he shall be expected to travel extensively in the project area.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Integrity and Confidentiality.

Functional Competencies:

Technical Knowledge and Expertise

Ability to develop and monitor implementation of biodiversity inventorying plans to be executed through consultants;
Familiarity on the traditional and cultural milieu of the area or similar areas;
Knowledge of conducting and understanding the results of scoping studies for identifying conservation value of important biodiversity landscapes;
Understanding of ecosystem services, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and other approaches of ecosystem services evaluation;
Communication, Analytical and IT Skills;
Understanding of office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is essential;
Outstanding communication, analytical and research skills;
Sound knowledge of drafting scientific publications is desirable.

Team Work

Results oriented and ability to find innovative solutions to a problem;
Builds and maintains constructive relationships with colleagues; treats people with respect, is cooperative, supportive and helpful with a positive contribution to the working environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters Degree in the field of Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Life Science or relevant field with excellent academic record.

Experience:

At least 3 years of post-Masters relevant experience at the state or national level in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management programmes;
Research or practical work experience in landscape based conservation approach would be desirable;
Working experience in the project landscape in Kerala or any other part of the country;
Experience of organizing and conducting workshops, meetings, etc.

Language:

Fluency in English and Malayalam.

Note:

Remuneration package is INR 6,71,705/- per annum (all inclusive and taxable). UNDP offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for Service Contract holder and encourages work life balance to its employees.