UNDP Jobs - 58830- Consultancy Services - Baseline Ecological Phase

Consultancy Services - Baseline Ecological Phase 1- SMSMCL Project

Location :

UNDP MCO Apia, SAMOA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-Aug-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

60 working days

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

This project is the first upscaling initiative by the Government of Samoa to ensure land degradation issues across all level of society are well addressed through the integration of sustainable landscape management into planning framework and actions across multi-sectoral arrangements in order to achieve the Government of Samoa’s long-term goal:

“Samoa’s productive landscapes are protected and sustainably managed to mitigate land degradation and to increase soil carbon sequestration so as to contribute to poverty alleviation and mitigation and adaptation to climate change impacts, as well as to contribute to global environmental benefits by overcoming barriers to integrated sustainable land management.”

The primary objective of this project is to strengthen local capacities, incentives and actions for integrated landscape management in order to reduce land degradation and greenhouse gas emissions and promote nature conservation whilst enhancing sustainable local livelihoods.

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct Phase 1 of the Baseline Ecological Surveys for 4 Key Biodiversity on Upolu and Savai’i Islands in Samoa - Pre-surveys - Participatory Biodiversity Appraisal (PBA)

Duties and Responsibilities

The main tasks to be undertaken for the successful delivery of the Phase 1 in conjunction with the work of the Samoa Conservation Society and DEC under the Manumea Recovery Plan are covered under two key activities:

Activity 1: To assess occurrence and distribution of key biodiversity assets and risk from hunting and wild meat consumption at 4 KBAs using traditional local knowledge:

Identify villages adjacent to 4 KBAs or people who are using the areas for hunting or farming;
prepare and design a questionnaire involving multiple tests of validity and reliability with both call and photo recognition, aimed at getting objective data from hunters and farmers about key biodiversity assets (e.g. Ma’oma’o, Manumea, Puana’i) occurring within their forests. Include within the survey questions aimed at gathering information on patterns of wild meat take (bats and pigeons);
Run the questionnaire in the selected areas. Collect additional information on proposed Baseline Ecological sites i.e. access.

Activity 2: To detect valuable biodiversity assets in the field led by villagers:

Field detection of key animals and plants is attempted in the sites where reliable positive feedbacks are obtained using a variety of methods: traditional methods, providing hunters with GPS-equipped cameras, surveys using recorded calls;
Data analysis and preparation of a map detailing occurrence and distribution of biological assets of the 4 KBAs. Information on local access and water source is mapped in preparation for the upcoming BIORAP. Key people for partnering with are identified.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning;
Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to administrative supports, including project data management support, reporting, and logistics for project implementation;
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;

Leadership and Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in multicultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Postgraduate degree in Ecology, Biodiversity conservation or related fields (PhD desirable).

Experience:

At least 10 years working and on-the-ground experience in biodiversity conservation and threatened species management;
Have demonstrated experience and skills in conducting and reporting on community-based Ecological and Biodiversity surveys;
Have extensive experience with field research on and/or biodiversity resources, an applied knowledge on biodiversity conservation work and should have good exposure to participatory aspects of PAs management;
Should be able to work effectively in multi-cultural situations and show sensitivity to local cultural values;
Good knowledge and working experience about Samoa and Pacific islands.

Language:

Fluency in English (oral and written) is a requirement.