UNDP Jobs - 58833- Consultancy Services - Soil Management and Conser

Consultancy Services - Soil Management and Conservation Expert - 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 :

30 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

30 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

The Government of Samoa signed SMSMCL Project Document in October 2013. The primary objective of the 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. In order to achieve this objective the project will support local household and wider community actions to reduce pressures on natural resources from competing land uses in the wider landscape.

The project has two outcomes and four outputs:

Outcome 1:

Communities and farmers are able to undertake and benefit from integrated land and water management on their traditionally owned land.

Output 1.1: Landowners engaged in farming in the targeted communities increase village land area under Sustainable Land Management practices;
Output 1.2: Community leaders in targeted villages endorse participatory action plans and engage in sustainable land management practices on village land.

Outcome 2:

Strengthened national enabling environment to promote integrated landscape management though local households and communities.

Output 2.1: National agencies involved in land use activities are able to effectively coordinate field interventions using a multi-sectoral approach;
Output 2.2: Policy makers and key stakeholders have an increased knowledge of Sustainable Land Management through services and training.

On behalf of the Government of Samoa and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, UNDP is now recruiting an expert to contribute to outcome 2: a soil management and conservation expert

Duties and Responsibilities

Through the support of this project, it is expected at least 62,730 ha of agricultural and forest land will have improved soil and water conservation and management practices. These will include at least 18,000 ha cultivated with ecologically sustainable traditional agricultural practices bolstered by integration with environmental friendly climate and pest resistant crop varieties, mixed cropping, organic farming, agroforestry, contour/alley/terracing farming, and another 43,800 ha covered with indigenous tree plantations under community management.

The tasks of the expert will include, but are not limited to:

Build on the work of the existing project management units and its experts to assess the existing literature and studies on soil management and conservation in Samoa. In particular, the following documents should be considered for review:

The national Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Sector Plan (2011);
The Soil Manual and Maps for climate resilient crops in Samoa, developed with the support of the GEF-UNDP ICCRAHS project;
The mid-term review of the ICCRIFS project. This project focused on site management planning for protected areas, agro-forestry techniques and practices for climate resilience of lowland forests, as well as mapping of climate change scenarios and plans to address climate change in forest management.
Where necessary, consult with local communities to get their input and feedback on the feasibility and challenges related to sustainable land management practices;
Develop a soil management and conservation manual in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and in cooperation with the regional institution Secretariat for the Pacific Community.

The manual will include:

An overview of the current/existing land management practices for agriculture, forestry & water resources in Samoa;
A summary of the most suitable sustainable land management practices for agriculture, forestry and water resources in Samoa;
An assessment of the impact of agricultural techniques on soils;
A compendium of the most appropriate alternatives for sustainable soil management for Samoa;
A cost-benefit analysis of the use of sustainable land management practices.

The most important information in the manual should be extracted and developed in an easily and accessible manner for local communities. The consultant should develop the text that needs to be included in these brochures, also to be used in potential audio-video communication. The project will translate into Samoan language and print the information leaflets.

Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
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:

Bachelor or Master science degree or equivalent in Agronomy, Soil Sciences, Agriculture, Biology, Environment, Forestry, or closely related field.

Experience:

Bachelor+10 or Master+7 years experience in planning and developing soil management and conservation guidelines and policies;
Bachelor+4 or Master+2 years practical experience in developing countries;
Demonstrate ability to shape technical experience in tropical sustainable agriculture;
Experience from the Pacific or similar climatic regions is a requirement.

Language:

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