UNDP Jobs - 102099- Consultant for the promotion of the expansion of t

Consultant for the promotion of the expansion of the PAs Network in Almaty regions

Location :

KAZAKHSTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

25-Oct-2021

Application Deadline :

11-Oct-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

14 months

Languages Required :

Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

14 months

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

Scope of project and background information

The total forest area in Kazakhstan is about 12.6 million hectares, which makes it one of the richest in forest countries in Eurasia, despite the low level of forest cover, which is only 4.6%. Approximately 95% of the forests (wooded areas) in Kazakhstan are managed by 123 forestry administrations, which are controlled by regional governments (akimats). There are three main types of forest ecosystems in Kazakhstan: alpine mountain forests, tugai (southern coastal) forests and saxaul landscapes (desert and semi-desert shrubs).

Since 2018, the GEF-UNDP project "Conservation and sustainable management of key globally significant ecosystems for obtaining various benefits" (hereinafter referred to as the project) has been implemented on the territory of the republic. The project strategy is to holistically address the conservation and sustainable use of forest ecosystems in Kazakhstan, through management approaches including both protected areas and sustainable use of associated HCVF landscapes (maps of the project areas are presented in Appendices 4, 5, 6 to the Terms of Reference).

To protect its globally significant biodiversity, Kazakhstan has established a system of protected areas covering 22,121,641 ha (8.1% of the total area of country). At the moment, PA system coverage include only 4.89% of forested areas. Some of the ecosystems which have globally important species remain outside the PA system notably the unique riparian (tugai) forest and floodplain ecosystems (have 0% representation country-wide), which support a number of endemic and threatened species, large stands of valuable coniferous forests in Altai region, representing an important CO2 pools, and saxaul forests playing critical role in supporting wealth of local communities in a drylands zone. The current estate does not fully cover the habitat of the snow leopard population groups.

Only 30-35% of its range in Kazakhstan is protected within the PA network, which bars effective protection from de-gazettement and poaching. Huge areas that provide a natural bridge and genetic interactions between the Tien Shan, Zhungar and Altai population groups of snow leopard stay outside of the existing protected areas network.

In 2020, work began to expand the territory of the Kolsai Kolderi National Park and the Zhongar-Alatau National Park, within the framework of research work, valuable areas were identified, including the snow leopard area and forests of high conservation value. At the moment, work has been completed on the coordination of scientific justification projects with the authorized body, the development of projects of feasibility studies for expanding the territory of parks has begun.

According to the project document and work plan of the Project for 2021-2022 it is planned to create new PAs covering globally significant ecosystems, high conservation value forests and snow leopard habitat in the project areas of Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions. Within the framework of these works, measures are planned to create 3 reserves and 2 protected areas.

The Almaty region is one of the most densely populated areas of the country; most of the local population works in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry. The location in proximity to the PAS of settlements leads to many factors of poaching, forest fires and other violations of environmental legislation. It is necessary to involve a consultant to regulate the issues of defining the boundaries of the expanded PAs plots, carry out explanatory work among stakeholders, assist in the coordination of land management projects and other documents.

The involvement of a consultant is provided for in the activities of the 1st component of the Project Work Plan for 2021.

Duties and Responsibilities

Together with other involved experts, participates in the discussion of routes and sites for field surveys of pilot territories;
As planned, he makes trips (according to the travel schedule) to the investigated territories and holds meetings with local executive bodies, public organizations and other interested parties on the creation of Useksky, Koksuisky, Ketmensky zakazniks, the Terskey nature reserve;
Holds meetings with local executive bodies, public organizations and other stakeholders on the expansion of the territory of the Kolsai Kolderi National Park and Zhongar-Alatau National Park;
Carries out comprehensive work to initiate the expansion of the PAS territory and the creation of new PAs through the deputy corps, by initiating an appeal to the ministries and departments authorized in the field of creating and financing PAs;
Together with the involved experts and the cartographer, he participates in the preparation of thematic maps for the scientific justification projects and the feasibility study for the expansion of 2 PAs and the creation of 4 new PAs;
Participates in organizing meetings, seminars, round tables, hearings, meetings of the Scientific and Technical Council on the creation of new PAs;
Together with the involved experts, prepares and publishes in the media at least 3 popular science articles (relevance, justification, the significance of ecosystems, boundaries, etc.) on the expansion of the PAs network;
During the term of the contract, the expert takes part (online) in seminars, discussions, meetings of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Committee, public hearings and other meetings on the expansion of 2 PAs and the creation of 4 new PAs.

Competencies

Advanced University degree in economic, environmental, legal areas or other related sphere;
Knowledge of legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of biological resources, PAs, protection and reproduction of the animal world;
Ability to interact with high government officials; also, be able to work closely with technical experts on a day-to-day basis, as well as to provide hands-on technical assistance and knowledge transfer;
Excellent analytical skills and ability to write in a concise and comprehensible manner;
Ability to work with tight deadlines and prepare reports for policy makers, at a short notice;
Knowledge or Russian language is obligatory;
Knowledge of the Kazakh language is desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

At least 5 years of professional experience in government agencies / environmental organizations;
At least 5 years of experience in leadership and/or management positions;
Experience in international projects will be considered as an advantage;