UNDP Jobs - 16959- Environment Specialist (Clean Development Mechanis

Environment Specialist (Clean Development Mechanism)

Location :

Kigali, RWANDA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Aug-2010

Application Deadline :

04-Jun-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English French

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

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 the development of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

CDM is a scheme based on Kyoto Protocol, and reduction of green house gas emissions under registered CDM activities brings carbon credits to the participants, which can be sold at a carbon market and give this country a new chance of income generation.

The Government of Rwanda did not have sufficient experts in the above field and lacked the capacity. This is the reason why the government requested an international advisor having expertise in the area to stay at the government for a certain period and train national and local government staff members in charge and relating non-government stakeholders.

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 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 guidance of the Country Director, the Environment Specialist on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and represent UNDP and provide advanced strategic advice on CDM policies and programming.
The Environment Specialist will work at REMA (Rwanda Environmental Management Authority) and take any necessary measures to establish projects on the CDM or other similar carbon credit schemes including carbon voluntary markets if suitable.

Investigate opportunities of carbon markets (CDM and non-CDM) for Rwanda

Elaborate the national CDM strategy through:

Establishment of national sustainable criteria for CDM projects
Elaboration of a strategy for promotion of CDM projects
Proposition of incentives in order to attract CDM investors in Rwanda

Strengthen institutional, organizational and human capacity relating to CDM, especially that of the Designated National Authority under the Kyoto Protocol through:

Evaluation of the existing capacities and needs in order to enhance them
Elaboration of specific training programmes according to various target groups
Elaboration of training manuals/materials
Establishment of DNA procedures

Develop national capacity for identifying, formulating, securing financing and implementing of CDM and non-CDM carbon projects

Play a role to support the Government of Rwanda representatives to try to make international carbon market framework more profitable to Rwanda through international discussions

Key Results Expected

During the assignment, the incumbent will:

Produce the national strategy/manual for CDM projects development
Hold a workshop to validate the above national strategy/manual
Conduct trainings for all the government officials relating to CDM
Hold at least four workshops during the mission for public/private stakeholders relating to CDM
Support CDM or non-CDM carbon project development and secure carbon credits by establishing at least one concrete project
Join international discussions to realize the above V function when necessary

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 ,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 experiences in CDM project development especially in developing countries (at least two years).

Language requirements:

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