UNDP Jobs - 52525- International Expert in Coastal Zone Adaptation Po

International Expert in Coastal Zone Adaptation Policy Mainstreaming (Roster for Recruitment by Government)

Location :

Port Louis, MAURITIUS

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

01-May-2015

Application Deadline :

20-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

Over a period of 8 months including 3 missions in country

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

The Government of Mauritius has secured a grant of USD 9,119,240 from the Adaptation Fund for the implementation of the project “Climate Change Adaptation Programme in the Coastal Zone of Mauritius”.

This fund, set up under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is targeted to assist developing-country parties to the above protocol that is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting the costs of concrete adaptation projects.

The Republic of Mauritius (ROM) is a group of islands in the South West of the Indian Ocean, consisting of the main island of Mauritius, Rodrigues, and several outer islands located at distances greater than 350 km from the main island. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the ROM is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, especially in the coastal zone, where a convergence of accelerating sea level rise and increasing intensity of tropical cyclones will result in considerable economic loss, humanitarian stresses, and environmental degradation.

The visible and measurable effects of climate change in the coastal zone of the ROM have become more apparent over the last ten years. There is a direct linkage between climate change effects on coastal ecosystem services in particular coral reefs and lagoons and the integrity of the whole coastal zone of the ROM. Future development of infrastructure and buildings in the coastal zone will risk being vulnerable to increasing sea level and an increased frequency of storm surges, resulting in beach erosion, infrastructure damage, and flooding of buildings in low-lying areas. Adaptation therefore requires in situ changes in behavior, site management, and appropriate technical interventions, as well as Policy Mainstreaming that will ensure that all policies, strategies, plans and regulations are consistent in recognizing climate change impacts in the coastal zone over the next 50 years and actively supporting adaptation to them.

The Ministry of Environment, National Emergency Centre and Beach Authority is the implementing partner and intends to recruit a high profile consultant/expert for Policy Mainstreaming.

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective is to determine a National Coastal Zone Adaptation Strategy that will address all climate perceived risks in the coastal zone of Republic of Mauritius over the next 20 years and actively supporting adaptation to them, as well as recommendations for economic instruments to scale up adaptation in the coastal zone.

Scope of work

The International consultant shall be selected for the following tasks:

Drafting of a National Coastal Zone Adaptation strategy that addresses all perceived climate change risks in the coastal zone of Republic of Mauritius over at least the next 20 years, with recommendations for supporting policies and regulations;
Review of Climate change Adaptation Policy Framework for Republic of Mauritius, district outline schemes (with recommendations on spatial limitations and capacity limit to climate change risks), Tourism development plan and other documents that set targets and locations for development in the coastal zone;
Develop EIA guidelines with respect to coastal protection and rehabilitation works;
Produce a spatial-temporal vulnerability map to set development limits in each vulnerable area;
Develop guidelines for future climate resilient construction (location, design, resistance to waves and surges, energy and water conservation features, recommendations for retro-fitting existing infrastructure to improve climate resilience;
Review of strategies, policies and regulations to accommodate the practical climate resilient development measures;
Develop the best technical and institutional adaptation practices suitable for coastal zones of ROM;
Definition of the required structure and processes for one ‘clearing house’ for climate change oversight in the coastal zone of ROM and having enforcement capability;
Recommendation for developing new economic instruments (that will increase compliance of private sector developers with the new policies and guidelines that are intended to improve climate resilience in the coastal zone.

Deliverables

Review of documents pertaining to coastal zone management - June 2015;
Final National Coastal Zone Adaptation Strategy - Aug 2015;
Creation of one “clearinghouse” for climate change - Sept 2015;
Recommendation for new economic instruments to fund climate change related projects - Oct 2015.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UNs values and ethical standards;
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functionnal competencies:

Operational effectiveness;
Solid knowledge of financial and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration;
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business Management and Leadership);
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A postgraduate degree in Environmental Management or related fields and/or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

At least five years experience in Climate Change Adaptation Programmes in particular Policy Review and Policy Mainstreaming;
Proven hands on experience in Coastal Zone Management and/or Climate Change Adaptation;
Knowledge of international best practices in Climate Change Adaptation and Coastal Zone Management;
Experience in Programme/Project development;
Must have successfully delivered at least one Policy Mainstreaming project in the area of Climate Change Adaptation or Coastal Zone Management;
Working experience in SIDS, Indian Ocean and/or other AF beneficiary countries will be an advantage.

Language:

Excellent command in written and spoken English; and
Good working knowledge in French.