UNDP Jobs - 81088- International Consultant -Development of Options f

International Consultant -Development of Options for REDD+ Finance Management

Location :

Nay Pyi Taw with limited travel to other locations, MYANMAR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

26-Sep-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

70 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

With support from the Government of Norway, the UN-REDD Programme, in partnership with the Regional Community Forestry Training Centre (RECOFTC), assisted the Government of Myanmar (GoM) and other stakeholders to develop a “REDD+ Readiness Roadmap” in the period July 2012-August 2013.

Some initial support to the implementation of the Roadmap was provided through the UN-REDD Targeted Support window during 2014-15. In early 2015, Myanmar was invited to submit an Expression of Interest for a UN-REDD National Programme, and subsequently to make a presentation on this Expression of Interest to the 14th and 15th meetings of the UN-REDD Policy Board. The Policy Board provisionally approved the allocation of USD 5,554,370 to the Myanmar UN-REDD National Programme (‘The Programme’). This decision became operational following the confirmation of availability of funds provided to the interim governance body on July 6, 2016. The signature of the National Programme Document was completed on 15th November 2016, with a duration of 4 years. The first funds transfer from the MPTF-O occurred in November 2016.

The UN-REDD Programme has supported the development of a National REDD+ Strategy and the other elements of the “Warsaw Framework for REDD+”. Consequently, Myanmar will soon complete “Phase 1” of REDD+ (“Readiness”), and will move into Phase 2, and towards Phase 3. During Phase 2, investment finance” will need to be mobilized in order to support implementation of the National REDD+ Strategy, while in Phase 3 Myanmar will qualify for Results-based Payments from the international community.

Consequently, there is a need to explore modalities for management of REDD+ finance. This includes the design of an appropriate mechanism for management of finance from international sources, including investment finance and results-based payments. The term “management of REDD+ finance” covers all aspects of resource mobilization and expenditure management. It comprises of a number of inter-related country systems covering planning, budgeting, procurement, accounting, auditing, and reporting, and the roles of Parliament and Treasury. It includes the management arrangements for the raising and spending of finance for REDD+, including the use of REDD+ finance in providing incentives to stakeholders, or sharing financial benefits in Phase 3. Sources of REDD+ finance may be public or private, international or domestic, including regular budgetary resources.

The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations Joint collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) in developing countries. The Programme builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

The objectives of the work to be conducted under this consultancy are:

Describe the relevant public financial management processes relevant to operationalizing the National REDD+ Strategy in Myanmar, including emerging mechanisms such as the “Environmental Management Fund”;
Analyze lessons and best practices from other countries on management of REDD+ finance;
Assess options for national management of REDD+ finance in Myanmar, and recommend a specific approach;
Consult with key national and sub-national institutions and other stakeholders to secure broad stakeholder feedback;
Based on this feedback, develop and refine an implementation plan for the most viable option, including an approach to mitigate risks associated with the recommended option.

The work will be carried out through a combination of desk research, expert discussion, and consultation with key stakeholders.

A team of consultants (one international and one national expert) will deliver the outputs. The consultation process required under this work will involve, inter alia, members of the National REDD+ Taskforce, its Technical Working Groups, Union-level ministries, especially Ministry of Planning and Investment and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, state/regional governments, and NGO’s/CSO’s representing a range of interests, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Consultants will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the UN-REDD Chief Technical Advisor, with additional guidance from the UN-REDD Programme Coordinator, and the UN-REDD Programme Regional Advisors.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.

Technical competencies:

Ability to provide guidance on implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS), including design and implementation of ABS and traditional knowledge policy and bioprospecting projects;
Knowledge of environmental issues, NRM concepts, principles and policies and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations;
Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines.

Functional competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness:
Ability to contribute to strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Demonstrates practical knowledge of inter-discrepancy development issues;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.

Client Orientation:

Maintains relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Professionalism:

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Excellent reporting skills;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master degree or higher in international development, natural resource management, environmental economics, or other closely related field.

Experience:

At least 10 years of relevant work experience in areas such as environmental finance, natural resource management, public administration and related initiatives;
Experience working with and delivering support to Governments;
Experience working on capacity building for climate change is an asset.

Languages:

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is mandatory.