Jobs - 59365- Consultant International Waters

Consultant International Waters

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Sep-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months - 50% time commitment

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months - 50% time commitment

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 GEF Small Grants Programme

Launched in 1992, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) (www.undp.org/sgp) has been promoting grassroots actions to address global environmental concerns. SGP is implemented by UNDP and executed by UNOPS, and is a corporate programme of the GEF. It aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation (primarily desertification and deforestation), and chemicals and waste management through community-based approaches, while gender is a cross-cutting theme. Since its inception, SGP has funded more than 18,000 community-based projects in 128 countries.

In the international waters focal area, SGP has supported 846 projects investing more than $22 million in GEF funding while leveraging $36 million in co-financing. The ecosystem of an international watershed (a regional sea, river, lake basin or underground water basin) is a complex system. For this reason, communities often lack the necessary information and knowledge to address threats beyond the immediate vicinity where the community is based. Actions at community level in different riparian countries of a transboundary river or lake basin or bordering a regional sea should however be well-coordinated in order to reach regional objectives. Transboundary learning, knowledge sharing and networking are of special importance to communities of a shared international waterbody.

SGP will cooperate with GEF full-sized projects and other regional initiatives to promote an integrated international waters management approach in which local community experience and lessons learnt will be communicated and shared with regional governance frameworks and processes. SGP will serve as a delivery mechanism for the UNDP/UNEP GEF project entitled “Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems management in Caribbean Sea (IWEco).” IWEco is a five year project to enhance the sustainable flow of ecosystem services and their contribution to sustainable socio-economic development in the Caribbean. The ten participating countries are: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Additionally, SGP is exploring other partnership opportunities with other projects and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant, working under the supervision of the SGP Programme Advisor on International Waters, and in collaboration with other members of the SGP Central Programme Management Team and UNOPS, is expected to provide managerial and technical support for the implementation of the community component of the IWEco project to be delivered through the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme.

Specific duties and responsibilities will include:

Under the supervision of the SGP Program Advisor on International Waters, liaise with SGP National Coordinators in participating countries, as well as other relevant partners and stakeholders, to facilitate the launch of the community component of IWEco project;
Undertake a thorough review of the Project Document, identify and plan for activities and targets; develop the work plan and manage and track its implementation;
Study priority areas and issues under the Project Document, and contribute towards good project ideas and practices.; propose follow-up actions;
Provide guidance and support to SGP country programmes on the development of the results-oriented portfolio to implement the priorities as identified in the Project Document;
Identify learning needs and develop knowledge products and information materials, and foster regional learning and networking among communities and related stakeholders in addressing transboundary waterbody management issues;
Assist in the organization of a regional workshop and other exchange or learning activities;
Assist on financial management and operational aspects of the IWEco/SGP component in coordination with UNOPS and SGP country programmes.

Deliverables:

Outreach materials prepared on the IWEco community component managed by SGP, outlining its objectives, priority areas of work and expected outcomes;
Identification of 3-4 priority thematic areas in consultation with stakeholders and partners, and development of guidance documents for these areas;
Preparation of grant allocation letters for countries and tracking and monitoring support to the portfolio of grant projects under development and implementation;
Organization of a regional workshop and preparation of background documents, and facilitation of workshop sessions;
Preparation of an inception report for the project component following the conclusion of the regional workshop with key targets and deliverables for the participating countries and for regional exchange.

Competencies

Excellent knowledge of and experience working in the field of international waters management (including education or relevant publications);
Experience working with GEF, UNDP and/or other international development organizations desirable;
Knowledge of SGP or other community grants programme strongly desirable;
Knowledge of the Eastern Caribbean region is an asset;
Demonstrated track record of academic excellence, strong analytical and writing skills and a commitment to sustainable; development. Experience in project management, including budget and operations management;
Candidate should possess ability to work independently, keep to deadlines, as well as consult appropriately with colleagues and supervisors;
Excellent communication skills, diplomacy and tact in dealing with multiple partners in the region.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree in environment science and policy, international development, or a related field.

Experience:

At least 3 years relevant work experience on environmental policy and international development.

Language:

Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of any other UN language is considered as asset.