UNDP Jobs - 73067- Re-Advertisement for National Consultant on Shifti

Re-Advertisement for National Consultant on Shifting Cultivation and Contract Farming in Myanmar -(Open to Myanmar Nationals Only)

Location :

Home-based with travel to Nay Pyi Taw and other locations in Myanmar, MYANMAR, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

14-Jul-2017

Application Deadline :

30-Jun-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Home-based with travel to Nay Pyi Taw and other locations in Myanmar, MYANMAR

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

After four years of continuous economic growth and two years of particularly strong growth, economic growth in Myanmar in 2015 eased to 7% amid a supply shock from heavy flooding, a slowdown in new investment during an election year, and a more challenging external environment including lower commodity prices affecting Myanmar’s main exports. The elections of November 2015 and government transition in April 2016 created a general sense of economic optimism.

The impact of flooding from July to September 2015 on agriculture, which contributes almost 30% of the gross domestic product, contributed to a sharp rise in inflation peaking at 16% in October 2015. Due to the agriculture supply shock and declining commodity prices, exports declined by 12% in nominal terms in the first three quarters of 2015-2016 compared to the same preceding period. This has contributed to a growing trade deficit and pressures on the exchange rate. The agriculture sector is projected to bounce back over the short-term while investors’ demand for services and infrastructure construction are expected to be the main drivers of growth. As part of a broader effort to review natural resource management practices, the new government introduced a temporary ban on certain logging practices in July 2016.

Until 2006, most changes in forest cover were degradation as closed forest was converted to open forest. However, since 2006, while closed forest has continued to decline, open forest has increased much more slowly, thus indicating a greater role of deforestation. These patterns correlate with the politico-economic situation of the country. With limited foreign direct investment (FDI) in the early years of the millennium, logging was the major source of revenue for the government, whereas following political and economic liberalization, investment has become much more significant.

To be eligible to receive results-based finance for REDD+ results-based actions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Myanmar should develop the following elements:

A National Strategy or Action Plan
A national forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level
A robust and transparent national forest monitoring system for the monitoring and reporting of the REDD + activities
A system for providing information on how the safeguards on local community and forest biodiversity are being addressed and respected throughout the implementation of the REDD+ activities while respecting sovereignty

The Government of Myanmar is receiving international support from several bilateral and multilateral sources to prepare the country for implementing REDD+ under the UNFCCC, including through a UN-REDD National Programme. Additional funding will be sought from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) . Myanmar is still at an early stage of its REDD+ development process and a National REDD+ Strategy (NRS) is currently under development. The NRS will be supported by a National REDD+ Investment Plan (NRIP), which will provide a detailed breakdown of activities to be undertaken between 2018 and 2022, including clear budgets and approaches to financing.

UNDP Myanmar is supporting the development of the funding proposal to the Green Climate Fund through the provision of a team of technical experts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under overall guidance of the Lead Consultant (NRIP/GEF) and in close collaboration with a broader team of experts working on the development of Myanmar’s REDD+ Investment Plan (NRIP), the consultant will be responsible for collecting and analyzing information related to shifting cultivation and contract farming in terms of their past, current and anticipated future impacts on deforestation and forest degradation.

This information will support the development of detailed plans for policies and measures to address those impacts in the NRIP, and the design of the GCF funding proposal. A detailed description of scope and approach of the work will be proposed by the consultant as part of an inception report. Key elements of the assignment will include:

In Relation to Shifting Cultivation:

Characterization of different types of shifting cultivation in Myanmar in relation to length of fallow period, types of crops, links to markets, tenure and land security and other variables, as appropriate;

Compilation of data on historical and current extent of different types of shifting cultivation:As many sources of information as feasible will be used for this purpose, including government statistics, research results, information contained in the REDD+ readiness roadmap, and information held by CSOs such as POINT, the Ecosystem Conservation and Community Development Initiative (ECCDI), and the Ar Yone Oo Social Development Association.
An analysis of the compiled information and a narrative report covering:
The most likely figures for historical and current extent of different types of shifting cultivation;
Apparent trends in terms of extent, length of fallow period (including conversion to settled agriculture; i.e., fallow period = 0 years), numbers of households engaged in shifting cultivation, types of crops, and use of produce (subsistence versus market).To the extent possible, this information should be disaggregated by state/region;
An assessment of impacts in terms of area of forest degradation and/or deforestation resulting from shifting cultivation;

A review of proposed PAMs aiming to reduce impacts from unsustainable shifting cultivation in terms of likely costs and impacts;

Development of detailed, costed plans for implementation of those PAMs considered likely to be most effective.

2. In relation to Contract Farming

Compilation of data on historical and current extent of different types of contract farming.As many sources of information as feasible will be used for this purpose, including government statistics, research results, and information held by CSOs and the private sector. The information should include types of crops contracted, the contractor, contract arrangements and responsibilities, and average size of land used by the contractees.
An analysis of the compiled information and a narrative report covering:
A summary of current extent of different types of contract farming (by crop and contractor, arrangements and responsibilities);
Apparent trends in the area (extent) of agricultural land under contract farming, numbers of farmers engaged in contract farming, types of crops, and destination.To the extent possible, this information should be disaggregated by state/region;
An assessment of impacts in terms of deforestation;
Recommendations related to whether, and if so, how contract farming should be addressed in a national REDD+ programme, including detailed, costed plans, if appropriate.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
Advocates and 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 favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Good knowledge of the natural resource management particularly lake and watershed management, the concept of sustainability and sustainable development in the region and developing countries;
Ability to quickly grasp and synthesize inputs from a range of disciplines related to environmental conservation and lake management;
Ability to advocate and provide technical advice on the relevant sector/theme;
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all UN/UNDP staff;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in agriculture, sociology, anthropology, rural development, natural resource economics or other closely related field.

Experince:

At least 6 years of relevant work experience in areas such as rural development, agricultural policy development, development management, public administration and related initiatives;
Experience working with and delivering support to Governments;
Track record of applied research on agricultural strategy and policy development;
Experience working on climate change is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is mandatory.
Must be a Myanmar national

For more details and documents to be download following link: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=38066