Background

The joint United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union (EU) Project “Sustainable Development at Local Level”, implemented at the national level by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus (Ministry of Environment), aims to develop capacity for preparation and implementation of Local Agenda 21 in the regions of Belarus. Planned project activities include arrangement of seminars and trainings on Local Agenda 21 to disseminate experience and good international and local practices throughout Belarus.

Periodical interactive trainings on Local Agenda 21 creation and implementation are carried out locally to strengthen the capacities of state authorities, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, journalists and academic institutions to develop Local Agenda 21. It is expected, that an International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 will participate in one of the trainings in Belarus to share international experience and practices in development and implementation of Local Agenda 21.

Periodical interactive trainings on Local Agenda 21 creation and implementation are carried out locally to strengthen the capacities of state authorities, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, journalists and academic institutions to develop Local Agenda 21. It is expected, that an International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 will participate in one of the trainings in Belarus to share international experience and practices in development and implementation of Local Agenda 21.

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 will work in close cooperation with the Thematic Consultant on Local Agenda 21 and the project team for preparation and delivery of relevant presentations in the field of sustainable development at the training in Belarus (preliminary scheduled for 24 June 2010). The International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 will directly report to the Task Coordinator (LA21-Greenways) of the project on the work done for further consideration and approval of the achieved results/deliverables by UNDP and the Ministry of Environment.

Specific Responsibilities

• The selected International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 shall:
• Develop the following presentations for the training in Belarus:
• “Developing Local Agenda 21 – How to start, plan and perform the work successfully” (up to 15 slides, 1 hour of duration);
• “Role of local communities in preparation and implementation of Local Agenda 21 – building sustainable partnerships” ( up to 10 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Local Agenda 21 Action Plan – Practical Tips and Recommendations” (up to 15 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Sustainable Marketing at Local Level – Promoting Local Products” (up to 10 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Integration of Local Fests into Local Agenda 21 – Benefiting more under the conditions of limited funding” (up 10 slides, 45 minutes of duration);
• “Local Agenda 21 and Green Tourism/Greenways – International Experience” (up to 10 slides, 45 minutes);
• Case studies - integration of successful international experience in the field of Local Agenda 21 into the project pilot areas, located in the Grodno Region of Belarus (3-5 examples of good practices/initiatives within Local Agenda 21);
• Compile and submit to the project team for translation the hand outs for the training (about 5 pages, excluding the presentations);
• Participate in the training as a key speaker/facilitator and deliver the above mentioned presentations;
• Facilitate group discussions/debates within the training;
• Prepare and submit to the project team for approval the report with conclusions and recommendations for Belarusian local communities after the training (about 10 pages, A4 format).

• The following presentations developed, submitted to the project team for approval and translation (2 working days):
• “Developing Local Agenda 21 – How to start, plan and perform the work successfully” (up to 15 slides, 1 hour of duration);
• “Role of local communities in preparation and implementation of Local Agenda 21 – building sustainable partnerships” ( up to 10 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Local Agenda 21 Action Plan – Practical Tips and Recommendations” (up to 15 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Sustainable Marketing at Local Level – Promoting Local Products” (up to 10 slides, 30 minutes of duration);
• “Integration of Local Fests into Local Agenda 21 – Benefiting more under the conditions of limited funding” (up 10 slides, 45 minutes of duration);
• “Local Agenda 21 and Green Tourism/ Greenways – International Experience” (up to 10 slides, 45 minutes);
• Case studies - integration of successful international experience in the field of Local Agenda 21 into the project pilot areas, located in the Grodno Region of Belarus (3-5 examples of good practices/initiatives within Local Agenda 21);
• Training hand outs (about 5 pages, excluding the presentations) submitted to the project team and agreed (0,5 working day);
• Participation in the training in Belarus as a key speaker/facilitator, facilitation of the group discussions/debates (1 working day);
• The report (about 10 pages, A4 format) with conclusions on the training and recommendations for Belarusian local communities prepared, submitted to the project team and approved (0,5 working day).
• All reports shall be in the English (or Russian) language and be provided in MS Office electronic format.

Responsibility for Expenses and their Reimbursement:

The International Consultant on Local Agenda 21 will be responsible for all administrative expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment. The trip to the Belarusian region for participation in the training is anticipated in association with this assignment and is covered by a travel allowance, included in the total amount of the contract for this assignment and is intended to cover transportation and Daily subsistence allowance.

Competencies

• Training experience in the field of sustainable development at local level;
• Knowledge of Belarusian social and economic development (previous experience of consultancy in Belarus) would be an asset;
• Good knowledge of Russian would be preferable;
• Outstanding communication, lecturing, analytical and reporting skills;
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet and e-mail).

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in sustainable development, environmental protection, economics or related fields;
• At least, 5 years of work experience in the field of sustainable development, preferably at local level;
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Applicants are requested to apply on-line.

Information about the condition of SSA contract: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/conditions/

• Complete the form stating their interest in and qualifications for the position (in English);
• Upload completed Personal History Form (PHF) in the required resume field. The PHF form can be downloaded from: http://un.by/vacancy/undp/form/.

Responsible applicants will be shortlisted, and at least three applicants will gain a personal, or telephone hearing.

Women are encouraged to apply. UNDP is non-smoking work environment.