UNDP Jobs - 54690- Provision of Individual Services of an Internation

Provision of Individual Services of an International Project Development Consultant

Location :

Beirut, LEBANON

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

13-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Forty (40) working days spread over a period of Four (4) months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Forty (40) working days spread over a period of 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 Project Preparation Grant (PPG) process will engage stakeholders and will support activities that will inform the preparation of the complete project document and CEO Endorsement Request for the Medium Size Project (MSP) “Access and Benefit Sharing”.

These documents need to be prepared based on extensive information gathering and stakeholder consultation in Lebanon and will be submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) accompanied by co-financing letters. The respective partners and co-financers need to be fully engaged in the project design phase: one-on-one consultations, working group meetings, and project development workshops will be convened for the purpose, as appropriate, and in coordination with the Lebanon Country Office and the national project counterpart – the Lebanese Ministry of Environment (MoE).

The project document and its related activities will take into account the lessons learnt from previous UNDP-GEF projects in Lebanon, and initiatives of other agencies and donors relevant to the subject matter of the project. The project’s technical feasibility and economic viability need to be assessed, as well as the risks associated with its implementation.

The project document will need to include as a minimum, the following components; however the Project Development Expert needs to recommend additional components and activities based on the situation analysis of the Access and Benefit framework in Lebanon:

Detailing the present situation in terms of biodiversity and Lebanon’s commitment towards the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol;
Strengthening and/or creating the ABS system in Lebanon and building capacity to implement the Nagoya Protocol in Lebanon and the related proposed national legislation;
Improving conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources through various approaches suitable to the Lebanese context
Designing pilot projects in line with the ABS framework needs (if sufficient funds are available).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Development Specialist will ensure the quality and timely preparation of all reports and documentation with at least 1 mission to Lebanon and home-based work:

Provide methodological guidance for data collection related to project planning and monitoring with particular attention given to the description and quantification of the baseline investments;
Compile and share information on international best experience in policy development, legal and regulatory frameworks and enforcement systems related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and the Nagoya Protocol, including analysis of similar GEF projects in other countries;
Compile the final baseline/situational analysis for the project based on the inputs from local experts, the national biodiversity focal point and in close cooperation with the key national stakeholders. This will include a precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals, and co-financing links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output; and development of incremental cost matrices;
Based on the inputs from national experts and the best international practice, prepare a quantified assessment of global environmental benefits of ABS and any other requirements of the GEF for projects in this thematic area;
Determine the feasibility and socio-economic benefits of implementing pilot projects in at the national and local levels in line with the ABS framework;
Undertake feasibility assessment of the development and enforcement of the Nagoya Protocol and its implications on national commitments;
Based on international experience, assist in reconfirming/specifying the project strategy, finalizing project sections on: (a) An assessment of the social, economic and financial sustainability of proposed project activities; (b) Assessment of alternatives to the project strategy and establishing the cost effectiveness of the preferred strategy and suite of activities; (c) A replication strategy for project activities; (d) Assessment of the risks to the proposed project activities and identifying measure to mitigate these risks; (e) incremental cost analysis;
Develop the project monitoring and evaluation system for the medium size project (MSP) including the completed tracking tools for biodiversity, including a set of indicators, baselines and targets;
Define operational strategies and resource needs, and providing administrative support for effective project design; i.e. elaborate a Logical Framework of the project;
Elaborate the Public Participation plan;
Develop action plan for incorporation of gender aspects in the project, with quantifiable baseline and target indicators, as per GEF and UNDP guidance;
Draft terms of reference for the key consultants/contracts to be employed by the project;
Performing final reviews of the required project documentation, including responses to any comments received from the GEF Secretariat and/or UNDP Technical Advisor;
Conduct environmental and social safeguard screening following the UNDP procedure, producing the checklist and summary report.

For detailed information, please Refer to Annex I – Terms of Reference.

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;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

Proven ability to interact with and relate to people at all levels;
Proven ability to work flexibly and independently with limited supervision and deliver quality results against tight deadlines; and supervise a small team at a distance;
Strong planning, communications, research and analytical skills;
Excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s or equivalent degree in biodiversity, environmental science or policy, ecosystem management or other closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of work experience in biodiversity, environmental policy or relevant field;
Previous experience in preparing project documents for the UNDP and/or GEF;
Experience in working with government institutions as well as civil society organizations.

Languages:

Excellent in English.

Application:

Kindly refer to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and all related Annexes by visiting the below link:

http://www.lb.undp.org/content/lebanon/en/home/operations/procurement/

Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.