Background

Project: EU-UNDP project “Promoting IWRM and Fostering Transboundary Dialogue in Central Asia”

Background Information

The project (started in 2009 and been implemented by the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre through its office in Almaty and the UNDP Country Offices) aims to Promote Integrated Water Resources Management IWRM and Foster Transboundary Dialogue in Central Asia through interventions mostly at national and local-transboundary level. A variety of projects and activities will support concrete interventions targeted towards rural drinking water supply, capacity building towards agricultural water efficiency, small-scale hydropower solutions, or mainstreaming of climate change resilience, water-health and sanitation aspects into community development programmes.
  • In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the objective is to develop and implement national integrated water resources management and water efficiency strategies (IWRM Planning) at national and basin level.  In doing this, the project will focus both IWRM governance and institutional reform, as well as on concrete interventions to improve (a) irrigated agriculture, (b) the rural water supply and sanitation situation, and (c) small-scale hydropower service delivery.
  • In the Ili-Balkash River Basin, the main focus will be on fostering transboundary dialogue and enhance cooperation between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China, aiming at improved management of the shared River Basin system and its resources. On a regional level, the programme will focus besides efficient and effective programme management and project coordination on (i) capacity building – a joint IWRM training plan with GWP, SDC and possibly other partners and initiatives is under preparation – (ii) knowledge and experience exchange as well as (iii) trans-regional trust-building and coordination interventions.
  • On a regional basis, the project will support capacity building, targeted training and knowledge management activities, and ensure adequate communication and stakeholder involvement, in order to promote improved and integrated water governance, trans-regional coordination and transboundary dialogue among the Central Asian countries and key water sector partners.

Objectives of the assignment

The aim of this assignment is support the IWRM project implementation via expert advice to the project team and key regional and national clients (as EC-IFAS, national ministries and agencies, Joint Water Commissions etc.) on planned project activities and their implementation.
The focus of the expertise is to support regional, transboundary and national activities aimed at IWRM implementation in Central Asia via contributing to developing IWRM strategies and documentation, establishing/supporting IWRM institutional arrangements, policy advice on IWRM at different levels, supporting IWRM activities on-ground and elaborating next steps for IWRM implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tasks and deliverables expected from the contractor

Under the supervision by the Water Programme Coordinator in Central Asia and Water Governance Advisor, the Consultant will be expected to:
  • Be the key resource person for, and contribute to consultations and the entire drafting process of the Tajik and Kyrgyz IWRM and water efficiency strategies, and related relevant documents;
  • Assist the national teams to develop Terms of Reference for, and recruit national and international experts to carry on-ground IWRM activities in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and/or selected river basins;
  • Assist with preparations and contribute to IWRM events and trainings, including conceptualizing and drafting of agenda, identification of potential participants, preparation of background documentation, networking with partners and clients, etc.
  • Represent the EU-UNDP project and present relevant activities, outputs or reports at relevant meetings and seminars and pro-actively contribute to discussions on behalf and in the interest of the project;
  • Advice and technically backstop the project team and key partners on IWRM issues, as requested;
  • Upon assignment by the Water Programme Coordinator in Central Asia and Water Governance Advisor, act as resource person, advisor or expert for key project partners and stakeholders, including fulfillment of work packages and tasks as agreed upon between UNDP and third parties;
  • Other tasks as assigned by the Water Programme Coordinator or Water Governance Advisor, within the scope and timely framework of this assignment;
Working Arrangements and remuneration

Contract type: International SSA – retainer (average work load of 10-15 days/month)

The timely input for above tasks may be varying, depending on the emerging portfolio volume, client demands and availability of adequate budget. The work load is estimated to occupy the consultant between 40-80% of his/her time over the course of the assignment period, with possible peaks and lows.
The assignment will require travel in the region, upon request by UNDP (to be covered separately). The consultant is expected to work closely with BRC and UNDP country offices staff involved in the project implementation.

A contract will be issued for the period of July 2010 through June 2011 (with possibility of extension).
For each of the specific tasks, deliverables and timeframe for delivery of the results, a lump sum remuneration for their satisfactory completion and a lump sum covering the related travel costs (such as DSA and tickets, as applicable and upon prior explicit approval by the supervisor) will be agreed in writing, prior to commencement of the work.  Output payment will be released immediately upon satisfactory completion and delivery of results, according to UNDP standard rules and procedures.

Competencies

  • Excellent communication, drafting and presentation skills;
  • Proven Self-, task- and time-management skills, with pro-active behaviour on assigned responsibilities;

Required Skills and Experience

  • Higher education in the field of water resources management or related discipline, preferably with focus on integrated water resources/river basin management, decentralization and/or large-scale participatory processes;
  • At least 7 years of relevant working experience in the international context, with proven track record of supporting water governance and institutional reform processes;
  • Fluency in English, working knowledge of Russian;
  • Knowledge of water sector in Central Asia and CIS region;
  • Experience with facilitation of professional workshops/ conferences is an asset;Willingness and ability to travel in the region.
Application procedures

Applicants are requested to apply online through this website. The application should contain:
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide price offers for this assignment. UNDP is applying fair and transparent selection process that would take into account the competencies/skills of applicants as well as their financial proposals.

Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply.
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.