UNDP Jobs - 60430- Policy Specialist

Policy Specialist

Location :

Suva, FIJI

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

26-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

06-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Under the Pacific Islands R2R Program framework, the Kingdom of Tonga has proposed two national R2R projects which will strengthen and expand marine and terrestrial protected areas, enhance carbon storage through restoration of damaged forests and farmlands, build national climate resilience, and strengthen capacity for integrated water resources and coastal management. The first proposed project (FAO-supported) will focus on sustainable land and agro-ecosystem management system for Tonga. The second proposed project (UNDP-supported) will focus on improving management of ecosystem services in existing marine protected areas (the Fanga’uta Lagoon) through integrated approaches to land, water, forest, biodiversity and coastal resource management.

This proposed project on Integrated Environmental Management of the Fanga’uta Lagoon Catchment (supported by UNDP) will be implemented within the framework of the Pacific Islands R2R Program.

In doing so, it is expected to implement the following outcomes:

Component 1: the establishment of an effective governance system and sustainable management of the lagoon ecosystems;
Component 2: to implement integrated environmental management approaches for improving conditions of critical habitats, productivity, water quality and fisheries in the lagoon catchment;
Component 3: to strengthen knowledge and awareness of the Fanga’uta Lagoon ecosystem functions and associated socio-economic benefits with the national stakeholders and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Policy Specialist through this work will be expected to conduct the following for each of the outputs:

Output 1.2.1:

Conduct a detailed review on the existing EMP FLS, update data, and identify information gaps;
Link the FLC management initiative to national development planning and programs and the activities of national and local NGOs as well as the private sector;
Evaluate current national policy, legal, institutional and human resource arrangements;
Formulate national and local policy initiatives to facilitate FLC coordination and joint planning;
Convene expert group meetings on FLC environmental policy, legislation and management and publish the results;
Draft a detailed FLC IEMP setting strategic functional priorities and fostering multiple uses; and
Present the final draft of FLC IEMP to local and national fora; dissemination of draft FLC IEMP to wider audiences.

Output 1.2.2:

a) Prepare and negotiate an updated EMP FLS (FLC IEMP) on the basis of FLC community and stakeholder consultation;
b) Clearly delineate responsibilities in implementation of the FLC IEMP across government and other stakeholders;
Solicit commitments from the government (national and local levels);
Develop guidelines on implementing the FLC IEMP (an updated EMP FLS);
Organize biannual capacity building activities for development policy makers and the wider public on FLC IEMP mainstreaming;
Confirm government’s commitments;
Major agency-donor conference to discuss the final draft of the FLC IEMP and solicit support for implementation;
Consensus on timetable for FLC IEMP implementation;
Present the Final Draft FLC IEMP to the FLCMC for adoption; and
Prepare draft FLC management agreements and protocols for consideration by the FLCMC and concerned departments/ministries.

Output 2.1.2:

Review of existing legal frameworks that govern fisheries activities in the lagoon; consolidate expert opinions on sustainable fisheries management in FL.

Output 2.1.5:

Conduct a detailed review and evaluation of the use and compliance of existing legal and institutional instruments for control of water quality in the lagoon.

In addition to achieving the outcome of this work, the Policy Specialist will be expected to also conduct the following:

Work with the FLC management committee to identify existing management arrangement necessary for the review process, including identification of best way forward in which to integrate the IEMP FLS into the existing management structures in order to ensure its sustainability;
Coordinate work with the Terrestrial, Marine and Socio-economic Monitoring team in order to understand the current socio-economic and environmental parameters affecting FL and where/what to priorities management on that could be integrated into other policies;
Building on the guidelines and action in the EMP FLS, taking into account findings from the socio-economic and environmental parameters, update the EMP FLS using an integrated management system that will focus on indicators and targets that needs improvement; and
In the framework of the EMP LS the following should be clearly identified – critical points, preliminary targets, relevant national and higher institutional development programs, availability and management of resources in FLC and monitoring systems.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by demonstrating positive values and ethical standards through his/her actions;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Tonga R2R project;
Displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism and must be culturally sensitive;
Analytical judgment, results-orientation and efficiency in a multi-tasking environment;
Shares information, knowledge and experience through effective and frequent communication;
Ability to plan and prioritize work effectively in order to keep deadlines;
Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders;
Ability to work in an organized and systematic manner and demonstrate professionalism with high level of integrity in the day-to-day performance of duty;
Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to work in multicultural environment;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates strong commitment and patience to deal with competing deadlines, demands, and interests;
Ability to build consensus and garner support under complex situations;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure; and
Exudes a friendly atmosphere where colleagues/counterparts can easily ask questions and seek assistance.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree (at least a Masters or equivalent) in the area of environmental policy, environmental management, environmental science, or equivalent.

Experiences:

More than 10 years’ experience in environmental planning and management in the Pacific Region;
Has worked in the Pacific region conducting similar work would be an advantage;
Technical understanding of development and environmental issues in the Tonga with focus on environment resource management;
Demonstrates capacity to assess environmental technical reports and in identifying management strategies;
Evidence base result of transforming management plans into policies in places where he/she has worked; and
Experience working with multiple stakeholders (government, civil society and ngo) in planning out policies and in facilitating it’s adoption across these stakeholders.

Language:

Fluent in English.

Application procedure

“Please combine all your documents (Signed P11/CV, Technical Proposal, Confirmation of Interest and submission of financial proposal form, etc - refer templates in Link: ftp://103.244.229.82/UNDP/Readvert.zip (Username : admin and Password : admin) into one (1) single PDF document as this system only allows to upload maximum one document, failure to combine all document in one will be considered as incomplete and proposal will not be accepted”.