UNDP Jobs - 59121- International Biodiversity Information and Monitor

International Biodiversity Information and Monitoring Specialist

Location :

Home-based with Travel to Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Tanintharyi Region, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

07-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

(15) 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

UNDP Myanmar has been implementing UNDP Country Programme for 2013-2017 with the aim to promoting local governance, growth and sustainable development with the emphasis on rights-based, gender sensitive, inclusive and equity. This goal will be pursued through three complementary components; Local Governance, Environmental Governance and Disaster Resilience, and Democratic Governance.

Environmental Governance and Disaster Resilience Component of focuses on strengthening capacities at local, regional and national level to manage and utilize natural resources in a sustainable way, and to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity to long-term climate change including variability impacts and to reduce the associated risk of natural disasters.

UNDP has been closely working with Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry to improve environmental governance in Myanmar. UNDP developed the Project Identification Form (PIF) on Ridge to Reef: Integrated Protected Area Land and Seascape Management in Tanintharyi” with the guidance of MOECAF and in consultations with the relevant line departments and Tanintharyi Region Government. The PIF was submitted to Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and it was approved by GEF Secretariat.

A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been obtained to carry out necessary preparation of the full-fledge project proposal. In order to ensure the results of the project preparation work, UNDP is seeking an international consultant, Biodiversity Information and Monitoring Specialist, to support the development of project document. The approved PIF is attached for reference and to be supported for fully formulated project document.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of Programme Specialist/Programme Analyst of UNDP CO and with the guidance of Regional Technical Adviser, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, Bangkok Regional Hub, and closely working with the PPG Team Leader and other international and national consultants, the specialist is responsible for the following PPG outputs:

National Biodiversity Survey framework assessment

Conduct a review of existing educational and training opportunities obtaining, understanding, and managing biodiversity knowledge for a range of target groups including front-line staff, mid-level managers, and other policy implementers in addition to high level decision-makers so they understand the importance and benefits of effective collection and management of biodiversity information. The assessment will: (1) identify staff and programs that already are involved, or should be involved in the collection, management, and application of biodiversity information; (ii) include a range of capacity building mechanisms, from university coursework, formal training courses and workshops, to informal mentoring and leadership opportunities; (iii) assess existing infrastructure for capacity building with MOCAF, universities, and technical schools; (iv) catalogue existing materials and curricula pertaining to biodiversity, and identify gaps in materials; (v) evaluate human resources and career development opportunities related to biodiversity. This will be accomplished through extensive consultation processes designed to encourage broad participation in the project development and implementation.

Biodiversity knowledge tools and platform assessment

Conduct a review of existing capacity and digital infrastructure for creating a biodiversity data platform. The assessment will: (i) catalogue existing hardware resources that could be utilized for storing, managing and distributing biodiversity information; (ii) assess existing digital and network systems and how they might be used for making biodiversity information useful and available to a broad range of users; (iii) assess existing skills and software that could be utilized in biodiversity information management and identify critical gaps; (iv) evaluate costs associated with building the digital infrastructure and capacity needed to operate a widely-accessible biodiversity data platform; (v) assess potential audience and user groups for the biodiversity knowledge platform; (vi) identify basic tools that would be useful through the platform. The assessment will provide a feasibility analysis, with the goal of developing a programme that can be implemented during the project period and provide a foundation that will be sustainable in the long-term.

The final outputs of the assignment are the following reports which fully support development of the UNDP-GEF Full Project Document.

National Biodiversity Survey Framework Assessment;
Biodiversity knowledge Tools and Platform Assessment.

For more details and documents to be download following link: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=24481.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
Advocates and 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.

Functional Competencies:

Good knowledge of the natural resource management particularly lake and watershed management, the concept of sustainability
· and sustainable development in the region and developing countries;
· Ability to quickly grasp and synthesize inputs from a range of disciplines related to environmental conservation and lake management;
· Ability to advocate and provide technical advice on the relevant sector/theme;
· Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
· Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
· Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff;
· Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
· Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
· Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in natural sciences, environmental studies or other related fields.

Experience:

Excellent knowledge and minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in planning national and regional level biodiversity information and monitoring system;
Specialist knowledge on and experience in developing/using IT based tools for data and information management, and associated capacity development support;
Substantial knowledge and experience in tropical biodiversity conservation and protected area management preferably in Myanmar and/or in similar ecosystems;
Strong coordination and relationship management skills;
Computer proficiency, especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office).

Language Requirements:

Excellent English language skills with strong technical writing skills.