UNDP Jobs - 23177- Consultants (5) - Home-based: Review of Regional M

Consultants (5) - Home-based: Review of Regional Mechanisms for Managing Shared Environmental Resources in Africa (1. SADC; 2. EAC; 3. ECOWAS; 4. ECCAS; 5. AMU)

Location :

Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

30-May-2011

Application Deadline :

16-May-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

25 Days

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

25 Days

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

Over the last two decades, numerous transboundary natural resource management (TBNRM) initiatives have emerged in Africa and are being developed and implemented by regional organisations, NGOs, donors and the private sector as an effort to achieve sustainable socio-economic development from shared environmental resources. Transboundary initiatives in the Africa have included management of a range of resources such as water (marine, rivers, lakes, and groundwater), wildlife, forests, protected areas, and rangelands for livestock.

The UNDP regional environment project on the “Management of Environmental Services and Financing for Sustainable Development,” is partnering with UNECA and the Regional Economic Commissions in undertaking a review of the regional mechanisms for managing shared environmental resources. This review will be an input to the 5 Sub-regional Review Reports for Rio 2012 for Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, and also serve as a contribution to the Africa Regional Report for the Rio 2012 Sustainable Development Summit. The information will also be used as input to the UNECA Sustainable Development Report for Africa.

The proposed consultancies are to undertake reviews of the regional mechanisms for managing shared environmental resources in order to identify opportunities for harmonised action on the management of these resources in Africa. These reviews will provide analyses of experiences gained from transboundary initiatives in Africa. The reviews will lay particular emphasis on the regulatory frameworks (policies, legislation, instruments, guidelines, etc) and the linkages to development and economic benefits, in order to ensure that the management of shared environmental resources offer tangible regional, national and local development benefits

Duties and Responsibilities

In order to meet the objectives of this assignment, the consultant(s) will be required to undertake desk reviews of transboundary initiatives, in the specified regions of Africa, and to attend sub-regional meetings planned under the regional preparatory process for Rio 2012. The sub-regional reports shall include:

A review the status of transboundary environmental initiatives.
An analysis of the role of transboundary environmental resources in providing tangible development and economic benefits at the regional, national and local levels.
An analysis of the various regulatory frameworks – protocols, policies, legislation, instruments, guidelines, etc – that guide the management of transboundary environmental resources.
An analysis of institutional frameworks for the implementation and monitoring of transboundary environmental initiatives.
A review of new and emerging challenges that affect the management of transboundary environmental resources.
Identification of opportunities for harmonised action on the management of transboundary environmental resources.
Recommendations for the development of a regional framework(s)/protocol(s) on shared environmental resources.

The consultants shall prepare synthesis reports that will serve as input to the:

Southern Africa sub-regional Review Report for Rio 2012.
Africa Regional Report for the Rio 2012 Sustainable Development Summit.
UNECA Sustainable Development Report for Africa.

Competencies

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Works toward creative solutions by analyzing problems carefully and logically.
Sets priorities, produces quality outputs, meets deadlines and manages time efficiently.
In depth understanding of development trends and needs of sub-Saharan Africa, in particular in the area of poverty, environment and natural resource management; and governance

Knowledge and Advisory Services

Demonstrates sufficient technical knowledge to perform effectively in own specialty

Team and Partnership Building

Anticipates evolving client needs.
Writes clearly and convincingly.
Practices attentive and active listening.
Acknowledges and responds constructively to the points of view of others.

Core Values and Corporate Commitment

Communicates effectively and respectfully with individuals of a different culture, races, gender, religion, nationality and age.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum Master’s or equivalent in natural resources management/economics, environmental economics, environmental management or a closely related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 10 years professional work experience in the area of natural resource/environmental management, environmental governance, and regional and international environmental agreements.
Substantive experience on transboundary environmental governance issues in Africa with a focus on the specified areas in Africa (South, East, Central, West and North), and regional and international environmental agreements.
Proven record in the writing of research papers, policy analysis and recommendations, reports and publications.
Management experience, including coordination of teams in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment.
Experience of working with government agencies, NGOs, Civil Society, regional economic communities and other stake-holders.
Previous work experience in (sub-Saharan) Africa.

Language:

Fluency in the applicable language of the region (Portuguese is an added advantage for the SADC region).