Background

Rwanda is experiencing rapid economic growth while population growth is also severe and there is a great risk of environment degradation unless appropriate measures are taken. The measures need to not only discourage inappropriate economic development but also encourage activities that contribute to sustainable development.
 
With this regard, the present comprehensive national strategy in Rwanda (i.e. Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS, 2008-12)) illustrates importance of full implementation of environmental assessments (EA).
 
EA is essential to eliminate any irresponsible development activities to the environment. EA contains both Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), which assess each concrete development project, and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), which conduct environmental assessments of policies, plans and programmes before having a concrete development project.
 
The Government of Rwanda does not have sufficient expertise in the above field and lacks the capacity. It is against this background that the government requested for an international advisor having expertise in the area to support   the government and train public and private sector institutions.
 
This request is well harmonized with UNDP priorities in the environment field stipulated under United Nations Development Assistance Framework in Rwanda; 2008-12 (UNDAF) framework for achieving One UN Reform.
 
Under the overall guidance of the Country Director, the incumbent for Environment Assessment Specialist position will be based in Kigali.
 
The incumbent is expected to continue the work based on achievements done by the previous EA Advisor, who was recruited under the same project and will implement the project between July 2010 and July 2011

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions

  • Under the overall supervision of the UNDP country Director and daily close contact with REMA, the incumbent shall undertake the following tasks based on achievements the previous EA advisor:
  • The Environment Assessment Specialist will work at REMA (Rwanda Environmental Management Authority), and represent UNDP and provide advanced strategic advice on EA policies and programming and take any necessary measures to smoothly implement EIA and SEA.
  1. Review relevant documentation and analyze the situation of Rwanda with regards to EIA and SEA, and  make necessary recommendations regarding to EIA
  2. Develop screening criteria for assessing a policy, plan or programme whether they should undergo SEA
  3. Establish procedures/guidelines for conducting SEA including environmental impact studies and public participation and involvement process under SEA
  4. Establish criteria for evaluating Environmental Review Reports
  5. Design a well articulated criteria for approval (denial) of SEA and appropriate steps in order to facilitate decision making for approval
  6. Propose procedures for monitoring contents and periodic reporting
  7. Strengthen institutional and human capacity relating to EA
  8. Develop national capacity for implementation of EA measure.

Key Results Expected

During the assignment, the incumbent will:

  1. Produce SEA procedures/guidelines
  2. Hole a validation workshop for approving the above procedures/guidelines
  3. Conduct trainings for public/private stakeholders relating to EA
  4. Hold at least four workshops during the mission for public/private stakeholders relating to EA
  5. Produce recommendation report for EIA improvements to be conducted in shorter terms based on the situation analysis
  6. Conduct at least one concrete case of SEA

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
  • Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
  • Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations

Management and Leadership

  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
  • Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
  • Provennetworking, team-building, organizational and communication and reporting skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced degree (at least Master’s or equivalent) in environment or related fields.

Experience:

  • Minimum five years of experiences in project coordination with strong experience in EA especially in developing countries (at least two years).

Language requirements:

  • Fluent in speaking and writing in English or French, preferably both.