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 Republic of Burundi 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, Burundi has sought UNDP support to develop and submit to the LDCF a project proposal titled: “Provincial, communal services and local communities capacitated on disaster risks preparedness and responses management to ensure long term and sustainable emergency and reconstruction phase in Bugesera, Mumirwa and Imbo Lowlands’ regions, Republic of Burundi”. For this purpose, the expected output of the  project are: (i) Communal services, relevant ministry support services and Provincial disaster risks platforms trained to use climate risks management tools for long term planning under climate change variability and projections; (ii) Investment on relevant early warning systems and adaptation technologies to protect infrastructures and local livelihoods from climate impacts.

The PIF of this project has been approved by the GEF council on the 10 October 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 Burundi is seeking the services of an international consultant specialist of GEF/LDCF climate change projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

The international GEF/LDCF climate change Adaptation Specialist will lead the team of international and national consultants. He/She will work closely with the government specialists and other key stakeholders at the country level. He/She will be responsible for developing the UNDP Prodoc and the FSP request for GEF CEO endorsement by using the appropriate templates.

Task that the regional/international consultant is responsible for may include, but not limited to:

  • Lead the consultants’ team and help scope PPG activities and work plan;
  • Control quality of inputs and outputs of all consultants and subcontractors;
  • Validate project’s problem and barrier analysis;
  • Help determine the project’s system boundaries and scope;
  • Conduct stakeholders analysis and develop stakeholders participation plan, including community mobilization strategy;
  • Define the logical framework, work plan and budget for the project;
  • Clarify the additionality of proposed outcomes and activities
  • Investigate potential options for the project’s institutional and implementation arrangements;
  • Design Knowledge Management and M&E component (including learning mechanisms and impacts indicators);
  • Develop the project’s replication and exit strategy (sustainability); and
  • Help build partnerships and mobilize resources.
  • Develop the project’s sustainability strategy;
  • Demonstrate cost-effectiveness of the project’s interventions
  • Propose co-funding and financing plans;
  • Stimulate partnerships and help mobilize resources; and
  • Develop the FSP Request for CEO Endorsement and UNDP Prodoc.

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 and English 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 climate science, environmental studies, economics, development or closely related fields. Technical knowledge of the implications of climate change on development, finance, environment, and other relevant fields is critical.
Experience
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressive and relevant experience in the field of climate change adaptation or relevant fields
  • Demonstrated solid knowledge of climate change adaptation and Early Warning system
  • Extensive experience with GEF project development, implementation or management
  • Experience in policy development process associated with environment, climate change and sustainable development an asset
  • Experience in the water sector is an asset
  • Experience in disaster risk reduction is an asset
  • Experience in working and collaborating with governments an asset
  • Experience in training an asset
  • Experience working within the UN system an asset
  • Extensive working experience in Burundi is an asset.
Language Requirements
  • Excellent knowledge of English including writing and communication skills
  • Good knowledge of French