UNDP Jobs - 58420- UN-REDD Technical Advisor

UN-REDD Technical Advisor

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

10-Aug-2015

Application Deadline :

28-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

10 August 2015 to 30 June 2016 Full Time

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

10 August 2015 to 30 June 2016

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 UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations Collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in developing countries. The Programme was launched in 2008 to assist developing countries prepare and implement national REDD+ strategies, and builds on the convening power and expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

As a partner country of the UN-REDD Programme, Sri Lanka is committed to developing the necessary capacity to implement REDD+ according to the components of REDD+ readiness jointly identified by UN-REDD and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) of the World Bank. The national programme will thus contribute to ensuring that Sri Lanka is prepared to effectively participate in the REDD+ mechanism resulting from the UNFCCC negotiations, by focusing on key initial elements of REDD+ readiness.

The overall objective of the UN-REDD programme in Sri Lanka is “support the Government of Sri Lanka in catalysing the establishment of key mechanism and process and development of capacities, required to implement REDD+.”

This objective will be secured through the following five Outcomes:

National Consensus reached on the Sri Lanka REDD + programme;
Management Arrangements contributing to the National REDD+ Process defined;
Improved Stakeholder Awareness and Effective Engagement;
National REDD+ Strategy and Implementation Framework developed:
Forest Monitoring System for REDD+ Activities developed.

Scope and Objectives

UNDP, as a partnering agency within the UN-REDD Programme is seeking one (1) Technical Advisor (TA) to coordinate, manage and ensure efficient and effective implementation of UNDP-led activities and deliverables under the Programme in Sri Lanka. The TA will be supervised and guided by the UNDP Assistant Country Director, with additional guidance from the UN-REDD Programme Director, UNDP Program Officer and UN-REDD Programme Regional Advisors. The TA will work closely with the multiple partner institutions and stakeholders including the Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Climate Change Secretariat, Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples representatives, relevant private sector actors to achieve the tasks detailed below. The position is of full time basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

S/he is responsible for ensuring the quality and timely preparation of all reports and documentation related to the below described tasks. In addition to the below described tasks/responsibilities, the TA is also expected to provide monthly progress reports, covering all activities and results to which s/he has contributed over each reporting period.

Key tasks include

Timely delivery of expected technical outputs under the UNDP-led components (e.g. establishment and management of relevant institutional arrangements, a national REDD+ roadmap, analysis of drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, prioritisation of potential REDD+ policies and measures, effective and equitable stakeholder engagement mechanisms, design of a social and environmental safeguard system, capacity development plans for REDD+ institutions, and National REDD+ Strategy)

Prepare and implement annual and quarterly work plans and relevant operational budgets/procurement plans for the UNDP-led components to ensure timely and effective delivery of all relevant technical outputs.

Develop and finalize necessary Terms of Reference (TOR) for national and international consultants/experts and subcontractors under the UNDP-led components.

Coordinate, supervise and oversee tasks carried out by consultants/experts/subcontractors, in consultation with the PM, CTA, UNDP Country Office Assistant Country Director and UNDP/UN-REDD regional and global advisors, in order to ensure the delivery of expected results in a most timely, efficient and effective manner.

Monitor the progress of activities/tasks carried out by consultants/experts/subcontractors.

Proactively communicate with the identified consultants to identify possible challenges in delivering the results on time and of expected quality.

Take necessary actions or recommend the Programme Management to take necessary actions to overcome the progress impeding challenges identified.

Assure quality of all related processes and deliverables by consultants/experts/subcontractors; and ensure timely and effective dissemination of relevant information, knowledge and results which have resulted through the delivery of UNDP-led outputs within the PMU and with all relevant stakeholders.

Provision of technical assistance to the UN-REDD Programme Manager (PM) in implementation, reporting, and monitoring:

Support the PM in preparing annual and quarterly work plans and relevant operational budgets/procurement plans for the National Programme and ensure timely submission of these documents to the National Project Director for obtaining approval from the Programme Executive Board (PEB);
Keep the PM up-to-date on the progress of UNDP-led activities, outputs and outcomes in line with the corresponding overall Programme work plans and budgets;
Support the PM in preparing semi-annual and annual progress reports to the UN-REDD Global Programme Secretariat by providing an detailed assessment of progress, issues, and risks related to the UNDP-led components;
Assist the PM in identifying and monitoring issues and risks regarding the delivery of programme outputs and activities and recommend remedial as appropriate;
Oversee and coordinate engagement with civil society and their designated representatives in the Programme Executive Board and other multi-stakeholder platforms in relation to REDD+; and
Work with the PM and Communication Officer to ensure effective communication of UNDP-led activities, events, results and knowledge products with relevant stakeholders to facilitate meaningful stakeholder engagement and feedback processes, and knowledge transfer.

Co-ordination and technical vetting of narrative and financial reports to UNDP:

Ensure prompt submission of required technical and financial reports to UNDP, recommending appropriate measures for increased efficiency and effectiveness as necessary; and
Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for financial, administrative, and operational activities of UNDP-led components and ensure timely submission of progress and financial reports to the UNDP Country Office.

Expected Outputs

The key outputs to be delivered by the Technical Advisor are as follows:

Timely delivery of expected technical outputs and outcomes under the UNDP-led components;
Provision of technical assistance to the UN-REDD Programme Manager (PM) in implementation, reporting, and monitoring;
Co-ordination and technical vetting of narrative and financial reports to UNDP.

S/he is also expected to provide monthly progress reports, covering all activities and results to which s/he has contributed over each reporting period.

Within the time period of this consultancy, following activities are scheduled to be initiated, implemented and completed.

Finalization of Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Sri Lanka:

Assessment of Key Policies and Measures;
Prioritization of Policies and Measures related to REDD+ in Sri Lanka;
Explore modalities of financial management for REDD+ in Sri Lanka;
Strengthening women’s inclusion and address gender considerations in stakeholder engagement (including in the areas of Free Prior Informed Consent related work and Private sector engagement), framework for environmental and social risk mitigation and REDD+ multiple benefits enhancement work;
Community Based REDD+ programme;
Determine Non-Carbon Benefits in the context of REDD+;
Review of consultation and participation processes, and response mechanisms in the context of REDD+;
Develop National Free, Prior and Informed Consent Guidelines for REDD+ Implementation;
Development of REDD+ Roadmap for Sri Lanka;
Identify and agree on nationally appropriate REDD+ safeguards and indicators;
Capacity Building Needs Assessment of the stakeholders related to REDD+;
Demonstration of key Policies and Measures related to REDD+; and Preparation of National REDD+ Strategy.

The prospective candidate should have a relevant experience. The candidate is an expert in one or more of areas related to environmental governance, stakeholder engagement and social/environmental safeguards and also possesses extensive experience in national development processes in Sri Lanka and with a good track record of working with the international organizations in a related area. The candidate should also have good networks and contacts with relevant government, non-government, and private sector partners, within the context of natural resources management.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Technical work:

Good knowledge of forestry, development and REDD processes in Sri Lanka;
Specific understanding of the concept and practice of REDD+, and broad knowledge of climate change;
Capacity to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines;
Demonstrated facilitation and coordination skills; and
Demonstrated networking, team-building and organizational skills.

Partnerships:

Maturity and confidence in dealing with the staff of government and non-government institutions and private sector;
Ability to seek and apply knowledge, information and best practices from multiple sectors;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity, and adaptability;
Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of case studies and progress reports;
Excellent leadership, coordination and team working skills;
Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coordination skills, ability to manage technical team and long term strategic partnership.

Core Competencies:

Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

A Master’s level education in forestry, community development or relevant subject area

Experience

At least 10 years of professional and practical experience in forestry, natural resources management, or community development;
Familiarity with the concept and practice of REDD+, and broad knowledge of climate change will be an advantage;
Working experience with international organizations will be an added advantage.

Language

English with Sinhala or Tamil

How to Apply

The application should contain:

A brief methodology statement on how you will approach and conduct the work, including the estimated number of days for completing the assignment in the given time frame;
A CV with all relevant information (including two non related referees);
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of a desk review of the CV, the brief methodology statement, and the offer that provides the best value for money. (please refer and adopt the financial model format provided below in your financial offer). The Evaluation Panel may decide to call for an interview (face to face or telephone) if required.

Financial Proposal

Please provide a breakdown of the all-inclusive cost for three deliverables separately as per below:

Cost of providing technical support in REDD+ areas UNDP is responsible-LKR
Cost of provision of technical assistance to the UN-REDD Programme Manager (PM) in implementation, reporting, and monitoring LKR
Cost of co-ordination and technical vetting of narrative and financial reports to UNDP LKR
All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee (Professional Fees): (LKR) - (a1+a2+a3)
All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee (other costs as indicative below) - (LKR)
Total Lump Sum Fee (a+b) - (LKR)

Note:

Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee/Daily Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, return travel from home to office, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above.

The UNDP will provide and cover the following costs:

Actual costs for travels outside duty station will be reimbursed on actual basis and upon submission of invoices.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.