UNDP Jobs - 32115- Agricultural commodities value chains expert

Agricultural commodities value chains expert

Location :

Home Based with Missions to Comoros

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

10-Sep-2012

Application Deadline :

31-Aug-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

8 Weeks spread over the period 10 September 2012 to 31st July 2013

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

8 Weeks spread over the period 10 September 2012 to 31st July 2013

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

The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at its seventh session in Marrakech and is managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The fund addresses the special needs of the 49 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) which are especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. As a priority, the LDCF supports the preparation and the implementation of the National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs), country driven strategies which identify urgent and immediate needs of LDCs to adapt to climate change. The Union of Comoros as a LDC Party to the UNFCCC has completed its NAPA and is eligible for project funding under the LDCF. Submission to the GEF under the LDCF starts with a submission by the GEF implementing agency chosen by the LDC of a Project Identification Form (PIF), including a project preparation grant (PPG), if desired. After the PIF has been approved by the LDCF/SCCF Council, the GEF agency then works with the LDC to develop the project fully into a detailed Full Project Document (FPD) and a Request for GEF CEO Endorsement.

In the framework of the implementation of its NAPA, the Union of the Comoros has sought UNDP support to develop and submit to the LDCF a project proposal titled: “Strengthening the capacities of vulnerable communities to cope with the additional risks posed by climate change and variability on Comorian agro-sylvo-pastoral systems”. For this purpose, the expected output of the project are: (i) Adaptive capacities of institutions mandated to manage the agricultural sector are strengthened to enable them to plan for and respond to climate risks for agriculture; (ii) Agro-meteorological and decision support information are packaged into agricultural advisories and disseminated by agricultural extension officers to key stakeholders to promote agricultural resilience to climate change and; (iii) Climate resilient strategies are tested and transferred to strengthen the climate resilience of agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.

The PIF of this project has been approved by the GEF council on the 14 June 2012. With the aim of developing and submitting to the GEF the detailed Full Project Document (FPD) and the Request for GEF CEO Endorsement, the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Comoros is seeking the services of an international consultant specialist in analysis of the climate vulnerability of agricultural commodities value chains.

Duties and Responsibilities

The international consultant, specialist in analysis of the vulnerability of agricultural commodities value chains will work closely with the team of international and national consultants as well as other key stakeholders at the country level.

Tasks that the international consultant, specialist in analysis of the vulnerability of agricultural commodities value chains will be responsible for may include, but not limited to:

Identify the climate modeling framework for current and future climate risks

Analyze the Comorian ylang-ylang and cloves value chains strengths, weakness, opportunity and threats including the climate related threats
Analyze the climate vulnerability of the different segments (and their main actors) of these 2 value chains from the fields to the traders/exports markets including the post harvest treatments, stocking and transports stages
Analyze the climate risks that could affect the productivity of the main physical assets (lands, watercourses, soils fertility), and reduce the access to agricultural facilities (irrigation systems, …)
Analyze the climate risks that could affect the product quality and ability to meet international markets standards
Analyze current coping and climate risk management (CRM) strategies in response to droughts including the government responses
Analysis of the enabling environment of the agricultural commodities value chains as it relates to problems and solution to the CC adaptation framework: i) the policy framework: pricing and marketing policies, tariffs and non-tariffs charges, supporting policies; ii) the regulatory framework : custom documentation and clearing procedures, standards, SPS requirements, trade (imports and exports) restrictions, non-tariff barriers; iii) the institutional framework : capacity and efficiency of supporting institutions and infrastructures
Identify the opportunities for enhancing adaptation and reducing vulnerability to climate variability and change
Propose an adaptation plan that can help to improve the adaptive capacity of these 2 value chains.
To develop and demonstrate the climate modeling framework for future risks adaptation plan that can help improve adaptive capacity
These tasks might be complemented by additionnal tasks if the International Consultant team leader for this project deems it necessary.

Competencies

Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills
Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
Ability to accommodate additional demands at short notice
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in French in order to communicate complex, technical information to technical and general audiences
Strong strategic planning, results-based management and reporting capabilities
Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master's degree (or preferably PhD) in agriculture, environmental sciences or closely related fields. Technical knowledge of the implications of climate change on agriculture is critical.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressive and relevant experience in the field of agricultural commodities value chains analysis
Experience in analysis of agriculture sector vulnerability to climate change
Good knowledge of adaptation strategies for the agricultural sector
Excellent understanding of the linkages between agriculture and climate change adaptation
Strong experience in the analysis of the enabling environment for the agricultural commodities value chains
Experience in working and collaborating with governments is an asset
Experience working in Comoros is an asset

Language Requirements

Excellent knowledge of French including writing and communication skills
Good Knowledge of English is an asset