UNDP Jobs - 13286- Consultant: Developing Guidelines for Environment

Consultant: Developing Guidelines for Environment and Social Impact Assessment in LAO PDR

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Dec-2009

Application Deadline :

16-Nov-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

10 weeks

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Approx.8-10 wks (incl. travel)

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 Joint UNEP and UNDP Poverty-Environment Initiative (PEI) was formulated in Lao PDR to integrate pro-poor environmental concerns and opportunities in the national development planning, implementation and budgeting processes. PEI will provide targeted support to the Government of Lao PDR’s on-going efforts to achieve poverty reduction through sustainable natural resource management. PEI programme will be implemented over a period of 31 months (May 2009 – December 2011) by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Department of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (WREA) and provincial authorities in targeted provinces with support from the UNDP CO Lao PDR. Its expected outputs include the support to develop stronger and clearer mandate on ESIA, through the development of the workplan: Environmental and Social Impact assessment: reducing negative social and environmental impacts of investments in Lao PDR.

Under the overall guidance of Director General of the Environment and Social Impact Assessment Department of WREA, the International Consultant will be responsible for facilitating the development of general technical guidelines for environmental and social impact assessment (mainly related to agricultural sector) and strengthening the related capacities of WREA and MAF through providing trainings in the use of reviewing and monitoring guidelines for ESIAs at national and provincial levels (plus supporting tools, such as monitoring forms).

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop user friendly training materials on ESIA of investments, ESIA technical guidelines, etc., for Government staff.
Support the development of general technical guidelines for ESIA.
If time allows, use the training materials developed, plus other relevant training materials, to develop awareness raising sessions for provincial authorities, and technical training sessions for WREA, MAF and NLMA staff in two target provinces (Saravanne and Savannakhet).
Ensure the development of cross-project linkages with other relevant projects.

Detailed Terms of reference can be downloaded at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies

Expected outcomes / results

Inception report, progress reports and final report
General Technical Guidelines for ESIA in Lao PDR drafted and consulted
Final training and awareness raising materials on the Technical Guidelines for ESIA on investments in Lao PDR

Competencies

Excellent Analytical Skills
Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal)
Results orientation
Ability to manage and work well in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
Ability to work in an organized and systematic manner.

Required Skills and Experience

Proven and extensive international experience in environment and social impact assessments
Proven extensive experience in the development of legal and policy frameworks for ESIAs
Knowledge and experience working in ESIAs
Master Degree or advanced degrees in a related field and at least 10-15 years relevant experience
Proven experience conducting training of Government officials
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback; consensus-oriented
Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with ASIA including review of ESIA documents, environmental monitoring and inspection
Regional and national knowledge is highly desirable
Excellent in English report writing and communication skills
Knowledge of Lao language desirable

Requirements for submission of applications:

All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies or http://jobs.undp.org. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line. Please ensure that you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11) before making the on-line application,. The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from Please ensure that you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11) before making the on-line application,. The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undplao.org/vacancies (Current Vacancies Section). The completed P11 form further should be uploaded while applying on-line;
Detailed financial offer: Lump sum offer with clear cost breakdown (international travel, consultancy fee and DSA).

Note: Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more detailed information about UNDP Lao PDR please visit our website at http://www.undplao.org