UNDP Jobs - 25612- Ecological Certification Thematic Consultant (Envi

Ecological Certification Thematic Consultant (Environmental Cooperation project)

Location :

Minsk, BELARUS

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

05-Oct-2011

Application Deadline :

20-Sep-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

one year

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

up to three years, extendable

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

This is a locally recruited position

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest.
No telephone inquires will be entertained. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
All interested candidates should complete the UN PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) at the following link:

UNDP Personal History Form for IC / SC positions and attach it to the on-line application in the required resume field.

UNDP launched a new environmental project “Support to the development of a comprehensive framework for international environmental cooperation in the Republic of Belarus”. The overall objective is to introduce effective sustainable development patterns in Belarus, full account being taken of environmental issues and public participation in environmental decision-making processes at national and local levels.

Specific objectives:

Prepare proposals on the progressive approximation of Belarus legislation with the EU legislation in the area of ecological certification;
By means of two round tables “Enhancement of the national legal framework for ecological certification in Belarus” organize broad discussions with the Ministry of Environmental protection and other state and civil society stakeholders on legal and institutional framework for ecological certification in Belarus;
Draft regulations lacking in the field of ecological certification in Belarus;
Organize, in cooperation with relevant NGOs and international consultants, technical training workshops for the Ministry of Environmental protection, other relevant central and local governmental authorities and wider public on the issues of ecological certification in Belarus to learn its implications and advantages.

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of the assignment is to provide further approximation of legal framework and current ecological certification practice in Belarus to that existing in the EU.

The incumbent will be based in Minsk. The Ecological Certification Thematic Consultant provides assistance to the Project Manager in the implementation of day-to-day project activities related to ecological certification topical area of the proposed project. Under this topical area the European Commission supports and UNDP CO implements a number of activities with an output that would allow the ecological certification standards and legal framework in Belarus being progressively approximated with those in the EU. It is envisaged that he/she will advise to and strengthen the knowledge of MNREP and its regional structures staff in to-day ecological certification practice and elaborate missing national technical standards and regulations. The Ecological Certification Thematic Consultant reports to and coordinates with Task Coordinators.

The Ecological Certification Thematic Consultant is expected to:

Overall relevant component management:

Perform a comparative analysis of present ecological certification regulations in Belarus with relevant EU standards and directives;
Compile a respective report on a comparative analysis of the Belarus legislation against EU legislation in the area of criteria and procedures for ecological certification of production;
Prepare report on proposals for the harmonization of system of ecological certification of products and submit proposals as to progressive approximation of current national legal framework with relevant EU regulations;
Draft primary and secondary legal acts lacking for proper ecological certification in Belarus;
Organize at least two round tables to discuss revealed recommendations on improvement of existing regulations in the field of ecological certification; obtain feedback on recommendations from main stakeholders;
Draft lacking technical regulations (or introducing changes and amendment in the current technical regulations) in the field of ecological certification in Belarus;
Organize at least one training workshop for a number of Belarusian specialists and officials to acquire in-depth knowledge in the field of ecological certification.
Support Task Coordinator in implementing project activities in relevant topic area - both organizational and substantive matters, budgeting, planning and general monitoring the implementation of activities related to ecological certification to ensure the results are in accordance with the Project Document and the rules and procedures established in the UNDP Programming Manual;
Assist in coordination of the project activities related to ecological certification with other project activities and relevant technical assistance programs in Belarus;

Partnership building:

Assist the relevant Task Coordinator in organizing broad discussions by means of disseminating the proposals among key stakeholders including NGOs;
Liaise with relevant ministries, national institutes and other relevant institutions in order to assist in conciliation processes and to involve their staff in the relevant project activities as necessary and gather and disseminate information relevant to the project tasks, which he/she is responsible for;
Ensure adequate information flow, discussions and feedback among the various stakeholders of the relevant project activities;

Component administrative and financial management; support to the Task Coordinator and Project Manager:

Prepare and provide briefing and background materials to the relevant Task Coordinator in time;
Reconcile and agree with the Task Coordinator, Project Manager, Ministry of Environment and UNDP terms of reference for national/international consultants and subcontractors under the ecological certification output;
Monitor the expenditures, commitments and balance of funds under the ecological certification activities’ budget lines;
Assist the Task Coordinators and foreign consultants in preparing and conducting different activities within the ecological certification topical area (trainings workshops, round tables);

Reporting

Draft necessary component’s progress and financial reports, as required by the relevant UNDP, EC and national procedures;

Staff supervision:

Assist the Task Coordinator in guiding, supervising and coordinating the work of national/international consultants and subcontractors under the project tasks, which he/she is responsible for, and oversee its compliance with relevant part of the agreed work plan;
Guide and coordinate the technical work implemented by local project experts within ecological certification topical area and oversee its compliance with relevant activities of the agreed work plan;
Assist the Task Coordinator and PR in preparing informational materials on ecological certification issues for publishing and dissemination;
Assist the communication, PR and IT experts, Green Schools expert and Local Aarhus Center manager in providing necessary knowledge transfer in best ecological certification management practices;

Other:

Undertake any other actions related to the project as requested by the Project Manager and the Task Coordinator

Competencies

Outstanding analytical, organizational, administrative and planning skills;
Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, focuses on impacts and results for the stakeholder and responds positively to feedback;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills and ability to effectively work with international organizations, donors, NGOs and private sector.

Required Skills and Experience

University degree in environmental policy or legislation, ecological certification, or equivalent;
Knowledge of ecological certification principals, regulations on national and international level, relevant international conventions and agreements, environmental regulations;
Practical experience of environmental protection or equivalent (at least 3 years in either legal or engineering consulting services);
Practical experience in ecological certification is an asset;
Relevant working experience in technical assistance projects is an asset;
Experience of cooperation with international organizations and state institutions in Belarus;
Experience in working with the civil society;
Knowledge of UNDP and/or EC rules and regulations is an asset;
Good writing and communication skills;
Excellent computer literacy;
Working level of written and spoken English.