UNDP Jobs - 61125- Consultancy Services - Economy-wide Adaptation to

Consultancy Services - Economy-wide Adaptation to Climate Change

Location :

Apia, SAMOA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

09-Nov-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

80 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

80 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 project “Economy-wide Adaptation to Climate Change (EWACC)” implemented by the Government of Samoa in collaboration with UNDP became operational in November 2014. The objective is to address expected impacts of climate change on lives, livelihoods, and assets of vulnerable communities in Samoa.

The US$12.3 million project, funded by the Global Environment Facility’s Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), will contribute to overcoming barriers to climate change adaptation by strengthening institutional capacity within the government; enhancing inter-ministerial coordination of climate change adaptation; promoting the inclusion of climate change concerns into development strategies across all sectors; climate-proofing of communities’ physical assets; introducing more climate-resilient livelihoods options; and sharing lessons learned and best practice on climate change adaptation across the Pacific region. The Implementing Entity is the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in Samoa. Responsible parties include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Women, Communities and Social Development, the Land Transport Authority and the UNDP.

MNRE will invest the bulk of the LDCF resources in Component 2, aimed to enhance the resilience of communities as first responders of climate change-induced hazards. This component focuses on flood-protection infrastructure interventions, ecosystem-based adaptation approaches, resilient livelihoods support and revision and implementation of Disaster Risk Management plans for targeted villages. It also involves the development of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) that will address up- and down-stream causes and effects of climate vulnerability within all five watersheds in the Greater Apia area. The IWMP will outline climate risks posed to the communities living in the Faleata West, Faleata East and Vaimauga West Districts in the Greater Apia Catchment Area. It will follow the “Ridge-to-Reef” principle following an integrated approach to building climate resilience and supporting community livelihoods through the inclusion of aspects such as water, land and coastal management within an overarching framework.

UNDP is recruiting an Environmental Engineer for the development of the IWMP for the Greater Apia Catchment Area. This position can act also as Team Leader and the role of Team leader will selected based on the experience and qualification of applicants. Please indicate clearly in your bid whether you also wish to take on the role as team leader in addition to the role as Environmental Engineer. The team leader will ensure coordination of a team of 6-8 specialists who will be developing the IWMP. The Engineer will oversee environmental issues related to the IWMP, specifically issues relating to water quality, watershed management, forestry conservation, protected areas management, and waste management.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the Environmental Engineer will include, but are not limited to:

Oversee the environmental issues of the IWMP for the Greater Apia Catchment Area, specifically issues related to water quality and watershed management. The consultant, in collaboration with the team, should also oversee issues relating to water resources management, forestry conservation, protected areas management, and waste management;
Review existing watershed management plans, environment plans, water supply and sanitation plan of Samoa and identify gaps in the current plans and mitigation measures;
Conduct characterisation of the Vaisigano sub-catchment and review the characterisation process currently employed;
Develop effective mechanisms to rehabilitate degraded watershed areas within the upper catchments;
Work closely with the Hydro-geology & Climate Change Specialist in assessing the the waterbalance and environmental flow calculations for the sub-catchments within the Greater Apia catchmentarea;
Look into salinity intrusion and determine any impacts on surface and ground water resources (including freshwater springs);
Design the rehabilitation of freshwater springs within the targeted site;
Develop and introduce an improved mechanism to collect, segregate, and dispose of solid waste, and provide a safe water supply system and sanitation facilities for increased public health and a clean environment;
Identify and assist (working with Drainage and Flood control Engineer) in the appropriate location, design, construction and management of water tanks, transfer stations, pit latrines, public toilet, and wash stations;
Assist in the selection of water supply subprojects following subproject selection guidelines. Subprojects may include intakes, production wells, treatment plants, overhead tanks, bulk water facilities, distribution pipelines, etc.;
Review existing policies and plans related to water resources in collaboration with Climate and Water Policy Expert. Examples of existing policy and plans are summarized in the ToR of Climate and Water Policy Expert.

Competencies

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;
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;
Excellent communication, analysis and writing skills;
Good interpersonal skills (the consultants will contact various actors and stakeholders of the project).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Post-graduate degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of experience and 4 years of practical experience in the planning and designing of urban infrastructure;
Proven experience in the implementation of initiatives, policies and programmes relating to coastal and riparian management, including substantial knowledge of climate change adaptation measures and climate proofing of infrastructure in coastal/riparian zones;
Working experience within the Pacific region in general and Samoa in particular is a asset;
Experience with UNDP-GEF projects in the Pacific is an asset;
Previous experience with MNRE and knowledge of the watersheds in the greater Apia area is an asset;
Experience in working as part of the a large, multi-disciplinary team of experts and consultants.

Language:

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