Background

Eswatini has contributed little to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, however, like many other developing countries the country is not an exempted to the adverse effects of climate change which have evident impacts on the country’s main economic sectors such as agriculture and forestry.

Eswatini is committed to pursue coordinated actions on climate change including reducing GHG emissions and enhancing its climate resilience while continuing to advance sustainable economic development. A series of notable climate actions, including (amongst others) the development of the National Climate Change Policy 2016 and the National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2020) has been undertaken. The climate change policy focuses on guiding national development principled on low carbon emissions and building climate resilience.  It recognizes that addressing climate change and its resulting impacts plays a vital role in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations, farmers, industries, vulnerable groups and communities. In addition, the Government of Eswatini submitted a very ambitious Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC before the adoption of the Paris Agreement which is currently under review. This clearly shows the commitment of the country in acting on climate change domestically as well as play its role at the global front. While the Paris Agreement does not specify how parties are to implement their NDCs, in practice effective implementation of the NDC will have to rely on domestic policy, law and regulations.

While national strategies and policies can help address immediate climate concerns, climate legislation can help provide longer-term certainty in a policy direction that cannot be easily reversed; and provide transparency, predictability, and legitimacy to regulate citizen’s activities. It also encourages coordination and consistency of policies across government agencies, which is critical for a cross-sectoral issue like climate change. Domestic legislation on climate is critical, and an essential linchpin between action at the national level and international agreements. Hence strong climate change legislation is regarded as an essential part of delivering effective climate action. Legislation ensures a clear, accountable process for climate action planning and also provides the tools to allow key changes to be made.

Purpose of the Assignment

The main purpose of this assignment is to support the drafting of the Eswatini National Climate Change Bill. The Climate change framework legislation should establish long-term targets that set the strategic direction of Eswatini’s efforts to a low carbon and climate resilient pathway.

This work is supported by NDC Partnership’s Partnership Action Fund (PAF).

Duties and Responsibilities

The scope of work includes providing technical guidance and inputs in the development of the bill and leading an inclusive nation-wide multi-stakeholder consultation at regional and national level. 

• Review recent national commitments and obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris agreement to ensure that the bill is aligned with the Paris Agreement and its rulebook.
• Assess climate change policies and action plans including the NDC, sectoral policies, strategies and plans and identify elements for legal legislation to support implementation of those policies and plans
• Carry out nation-wide consultations with the public and private sectors development partners and non-governmental organisations, national climate change committee, and key stakeholders and ensure inclusive participation and a transparent process. 
• Hold focus group discussions as appropriate and ensure inclusive participation of all relevant constituencies including traditional authorities, youth, women etc.

Expected Deliverables

• Stakeholder consultation report.

Duration of Assignment

The total contract period for the consultant will be from July to November 2022.

The payment schedule is as follows:

The payment schedule will be as follows:

•  20% on submission and approval an inception Draft assessment report on existing Institutional and legal frameworks relevant to climate change Compilation of good practices from similar jurisdictions
• 50 % on submission of the 1st Draft Bill developed from the comments solicited from stakeholder consultation
• 30% on submission and approval of the second draft climate change bill with validated stakeholder input.

Competencies

Corporate and Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
• Communication – Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.
• Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly.
• Organizational Awareness – Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
• Teamwork – Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Management, climate change, natural resources management, development management.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in climate change policy and planning.
• At least five (5) years of working experience and/or familiarity towards strategic undertaking along Climate Change adaptation and mitigation activities. 
• Familiarity in Climate Change legislation development.
• Past proven experience with national development frameworks - policy analysis in particular in the area of climate change and climate variability will be an added advantage.

Language Requirement:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and siSwati.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit;

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;Letter of Confirmation of Interest template
2. Personal CV or P11, (P11 form); indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).

Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

• Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and experiences will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%