UNDP Jobs - 47642- Senior Consultant: Measurement, Reporting and Veri

Senior Consultant: Measurement, Reporting and Verification Systems

Location :

Home-based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Jul-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Approximate level of effort - 60 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network; an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources that help people build a better life. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, UNDP works with national level partners to seek solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Environment and Energy Group (EEG) is based in UNDP’s Bureau for Development Policy and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support toward delivery of the Environment and Sustainable Development pillar of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. Its main focus is to help countries develop capacity to manage and mainstream environment into national, local, global, and regional policy and practice in support of sustainable development.

The Low Emission Capacity Building (LECB) Programme is a flagship EEG initiative launched in 2011 with funding from the European Commission and the governments of Germany and Australia. The Programme assists developing countries in the design of low-emission development strategies (LEDS) within the context of national development needs. This goal will be achieved through the development of capacities on LEDS and Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), as well as the underlying greenhouse gas (GHG) national inventory systems and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. The Programme is active in 25 countries around the world, and supports the uptake of mitigation actions in both the private and public sectors. For more information on the programme, please go here: www.lowemissiondevelopment.org.

The development of MRV systems is foundational to effectively responding to climate change. Since 2011, the LECB programme has invested in the development of MRV systems with a number of partner countries and through a number of partner organizations. Given recent developments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) it is timely to reflect on progress under the MRV component of the LECB Programme and to consider future directions. In this context, the LECB programme is seeking a senior consultant to undertake a review (desk based and in-country) of progress under the initiative by LECB partner countries in developing MRV systems. The review should also identify opportunities, barriers to implementation, and lessons learned by LECB partner countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective 1. Assess progress of LECB partner countries in developing and implementing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems.

The following deliverables are requested:

Output 1.1 - Prepare a background paper documenting progress by LECB partner countries and LECB partner organizations in developing and implementing MRV systems, including case studies from 4 partner countries representing different geographic regions.

The paper should consider the extent to which existing data and systems are being utilized, including specific MRV project outputs. It should also consider governance, business processes, IT infrastructure, legislation/regulation, funding arrangements and sources of funding.
The paper should identify the ways that partner countries may be choosing to frame their MRV system development, such as for nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs), nationally determined contributions (NDCs), low emission development strategies (LEDS) etc.

Output 1.2 – Use the draft paper to prepare a PowerPoint presentation and other associated material to present the interim progress by LECB partner countries and partner organizations in developing MRV systems.

Output 1.2.1 - Assist LECB programme staff to plan an agenda item for a global workshop on MRV (to be held in October 2014) on progress of LECB countries and partner organizations in developing and implementing MRV systems;
Output 1.2.2 – Facilitate a session and present at the global workshop on MRV;
Output 1.2.3 - Present case studies using both written and video media to ‘tell the story’ of MRV system development to date;
Output 1.2.4 - Act as a technical resource for the LECB programme at the workshop.

Objective 2. Identify opportunities, barriers, and lessons learned for LECB partner countries that are developing and implementing MRV systems

The following deliverables are requested:

Output 2.1 – Prepare a technical report and associated material for use at COP 20, which builds on the draft paper (Output 1.1) and utilizes outputs from the global workshop (Output 1.2).

The report should focus on practical actions that can be used by partner countries to assist in implementing MRV systems, and best use existing resources. This should include consideration of governance, business processes, IT infrastructure, legislation/regulation, funding arrangements and sources of funding.
The report should also focus on how partner countries could best utilize MRV systems to meet specific outputs such as the development of NAMAs, NDCs, LEDS etc. This should include consideration of how MRV systems are being integrated into broader government plans, programs, and policies.

Output 2.1.1 - Identify opportunities, barriers and lessons learned for LECB partner countries that are developing and implementing MRV systems.

Output 2.1.2 – Prepare the above 4 case studies (see output 1.1) utilizing both written and video media to ‘tell the story’ of MRV system development in select countries.

Institutional Arrangement:

The consultant will report to the LECB Programme Manager;
The consultant will be expected to take into consideration the feedback and inputs from the UNDP LECB programme team and other select experts;

Duration of Work:

The contract duration is for 6 months, with anticipated level of effort equivalent to 60 days.

Duty Station:

Home-based;
Travel to the LECB global workshop on MRV and to selected LECB partner countries (maximum of four and if deemed necessary) will be funded separately by the LECB Programme.

Competencies

Competencies

Strong written communication skills on climate change issues;
Highly organized, with strong analytical, policy, programme management and research skills;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience in diplomacy and international negotiations;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Able to work independently with little supervision;
Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills in English, including an ability to utilize video media to present material.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in environmental policy, economics, international development, international relations or a closely related field.

Work Experience:

At least 8 years’ experience in government working on climate change issues, including demonstrated experience in supporting and advising developing countries on measurement, reporting and verification systems;
Broad understanding of all thematic areas of climate change, especially the implementation of measurement, reporting and verification systems;
Extensive experience working in the UNFCCC negotiations, preferably on measurement, reporting and verification and related issues;
Demonstrated experience in working with governments in climate change related areas;
Direct experience working on the development of MRV systems, in particular GHG inventory systems, as well as an understanding of international guidance, guidelines and tools for MRV system development;
Direct experience working on the development of MRV systems, in particular GHG inventory systems, as well as an understanding of international guidance, guidelines and tools for MRV system development;

Language:

Working proficiency in English.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

The consultant will receive payments of: 50% upon receipt of Outputs under objective 1 and 50% upon receipt of Outputs under objective 2, to standards of quality acceptable to UN.

The financial proposal must specify a total lump sum amount in USD. Note that all travel will be arranged and funded by UNDP, and should not be included in the proposal.

How to Apply:

Kindly refer to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and all elated Annexes by visiting the following link:

http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=16501.