UNDP Jobs - 52435- Local Consultant

Local Consultant - Environmental Lawyer

Location :

Port of Spain, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

23-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

120 days (four (4) 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 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), acting as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is providing assistance to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in preparation of the GEF Medium Sized Project (MSP), “Capacity Development for Improved Management of Multilateral Environmental Agreements for Global Benefits”.

In accordance with UNDP/GEF procedures, UNDP is hiring a team of consultants to develop the MSP proposal for “Capacity Development for Improved Management of Multilateral Environmental Agreements for Global Benefits” for submission to the GEF Secretariat fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards as part of the GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG). The consultants will report to the Head of the Environment Unit at UNDP Trinidad and Tobago and work closely with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

The purpose of the PPG is to fully design the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the “Capacity Development for Improved Management of Multilateral Environmental Agreements for Global Benefits” medium size project and to fully develop a full set of project documentation for submission to the GEF Secretariat and approval. Normal rules for development of medium-sized GEF projects apply. Copies of the GEF templates and guidelines can be found at: http://www.thegef.org/gef/guidelines_templates

Project Description

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recently received Cabinet approval for nominations of individuals from all Ministries, Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Academic Institutions and Industry Organisations to act as Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Focal points. This will seek to build a registry of persons who will act as contact persons in the relevant agencies and further strengthen the on-going work in MEAs, particularly climate change, including reporting and the development of national policies and legislation to ensure the full, sustained and effective implementation of MEAs.

The duties and responsibilities of the MEA/Climate Change Focal Points include, but are not limited to:

liaising with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources as the National Focal Point in respect of the role and functions of their respective institutions in the context of the national obligations under the various MEAs;
providing advice and inputs into strategies and actions to be taken at the national level in the implementation of obligations under the MEAs and climate change;
providing inputs, data and information to facilitate reporting requirements of Trinidad and Tobago under the MEAs;
providing advice and inputs into work programmes of their respective Ministries/agencies in the context of national obligations under the MEAs and climate change; and
interfacing with other relevant stakeholders through relevant networking media to enhance co-operation at various levels.

This project will seek to augment the work that has already been started by the MEWR while simultaneously keeping with the objectives of the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) which include awareness, capacity building and information sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the framework of this ToR, National Consultant – Environmental Lawyer is expected to perform the following tasks and duties:

Review and assess the policy and legislation frameworks related to environmental agreements;
Review and assess the consultative and decision-making process in Trinidad with respect to implementing environmental legislation and regulation, in particular on the extent to which global environmental obligations are being addressed and the how global environmental issues are taken into account in national planning and decision-making;
Make recommendations for strengthening appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks to catalyze improved adherence to national and global environmental laws, regulation, standards, and other obligations;
Make contact and involve key agencies in the development of the project strategy to ensure strong national and local ownership. In close collaboration with key government representatives, identify, review and ensure full agreement on project objectives, outcomes, outputs, and activities, including partnerships for support and government co-financing. Undertake consultations with stakeholders to secure agreement(s) on project implementation arrangements, including roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of lead and partner agencies.

The incumbent will also organize a consultation workshop with relevant stakeholders to discuss strategy, priorities and partners to be involved in order to develop institutional capacities to mainstream Rio Conventions.

The consultant will also provide support to the International Consultant in preparing the Project Document for submission to GEF Secretariat.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Technical work:

Expertise in Environmental Law;
Environmental management, and capacity development expertise would be an asset;
Experience in developing environmental legislation and regulations for institutional arrangements for national projects;
Familiarity with the International Conventions addressing Climate Change, Desertification and Biodiversity Conservation;
Experience in assessment of policy and legislation frameworks related to environmental agreements, including in the context of sustainble development strategies;
Familiarity with GEF policies, templates and requirements for MSP would be an asset.

Partnerships:

Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team.

Corporate Competencies:

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Good team player and ability to maintain good relationships;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University degree in the field of Environmental Law or other related fields or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience;
Proven experience in aspects of environmental law and environmental management;
Proven experience in assessment of environmental legislation /policy;
Previous contributions to the development of successful project proposals for GEF submission is an asset;
Previous experience with UNDP is an advantage.

Languages:

Excellent verbal and written skills in the English Language.

How to Apply:

The Procurement Notice including the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the position can be obtained by visiting the UNDP Trinidad and Tobago website at: http://www.tt.undp.org/content/trinidad_tobago/en/home/operations/procurement.

Candidates should download and complete the P11 Personal History Form from the website and submit it together with the other submission requirements indicated in the Procurement Notice by December 23, 2014 to: registry.tt@undp.org