UNDP Jobs - 82763- Production and Growing Specialist

Production and Growing Specialist

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2019

Application Deadline :

18-Jan-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 days a month for 12 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

UNDP in Sri Lanka is reorganizing internally and moving to an integrated collaborative business model. Internally, an energetic and innovative team will converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders will require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

UNDP’s Country Development Programme (2018-2022) has identified the following key development challenges as strategic priorities for Sri Lanka to be covered broadly under both its Governance and Environmental Portfolios:

Strengthening, Innovative Public Institutions and Engagement towards lasting peace;
Enhancing human security and socioeconomic resilience;
Underscoring resilience to climate change and disaster, and strengthening environmental management;
Improving data, knowledge management and evidence-based policy making.

Accordingly, UNDP Sri Lanka will be undertaking key project initiatives in support of the four strategic priority areas identified above, in close partnership with relevant national and sub-national partners.

The energy efficiency and renewable energy portfolio of UNDP is prepared to build and develop a strong portfolio of programmatic action and technical advisory support that enables the country to meet these national targets. In this context, UNDP will seek avenues to strengthen its portfolio further to include interventions that potentially explore decentralised management of energy resources and efficient use, new and non-conventional energy from natural resources and waste (municipal waste to energy).

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The Biomass Energy 2022 (Biomass Phase 2) project is upscaling the technology demonstrations and sustainable biomass production and supply chains, piloted under phase 1 of the project, with the partnership of different stakeholders including private sector, government and other donors. The main objective of the consultancy is to facilitate to achieve the target of establishing sustainable biomass energy plantations under different climate zones and land use systems island wide and biomass energy supply chains.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant’s responsibilities are to:

Provide technical guidance to support the Biomass Phase 2 to reach its target on upscaling of the growing of biomass energy and extraction of agricultural waste for biomass energy;
Develop and strengthen sustainability of production with existing partnerships established by the phase I of the project on growing of biomass energy;
Provide high quality technical advisory assistance to the Project Management Unit (PMU) to implement and manage setting up of agricultural waste supply chains;
Undertake necessary coordination between the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), Forest Department, Ministry of Agriculture, other project partners, and UNDP;
Assist in drafting recommendations on the most suitable set up, mandate and membership of IMCBE (Inter-ministerial Committee on Biomass Energy) with the consultant team and Sustainable Energy Authority;
Support in developing innovative financing solutions for biomass energy production and supply chains and related projects;
Develop strategic partnerships with thematic working groups related to biomass energy production.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES
Populate the database developed by phase I of the project on producers of biomass, land owners and investors;
At least 5 biomass energy supply chains certified under SLS 1551;
Linking producers of biomass energy with financing schemes identified by the financial study carried out during phase I of the project.

TIME FRAME
The time frame of the consultancy is 12 days a month for 12 months starting 01 February 2019.

Competencies

THE CONSULTANT PROFILE

The prospective consultant should, as a minimum, have the following functional and technical competencies:

Technical

Technical expertise and experience in agriculture and energy sector/ plantation management;
At least 3 years of technical experience in renewable energy and fuelwood production and quality improvements;
Expertise in plantation management and sustainable certification Experience in developing and negotiating proposals on biomass energy production and supply options for Sri Lanka.

General

An ability to think of creative solutions to complex problems;
Timely and quality completion of tasks;
Strong analytical skills, and an ability to distill key messages;
Demonstrated integrity;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Partnerships

Strong reputation of technical capacity amongst key stakeholders;
Good networks across Sri Lanka to be able to undertake required consultations;
Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships;
Provides constructive and helpful inputs and feedback to the overall process;
Demonstrated ability to engage with government and non-government actors at the highest levels.

Results

Proven delivery of high quality results, in a timely manner;
Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Environment, Forest Management, Agriculture, Applied Science, Environmental Engineering or related field

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of work experience in the environment/agriculture sector, executing responsibilities of advocacy for developing national plans/programmes with state sector and non-state sector stakeholder engagement;
Good analytical and problem-solving skills and related ability for adaptive management;
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, to effectively manage it and to motivate its members and other project counterparts to effectively work towards the project’s objective and expected outcomes;
Good communication skills and competence in handling the project’s external relations at all levels;
Familiarity and prior experience with the specific UNDP policies and guidelines are advantageous;

Languages:

Excellent written English language skills;
Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil (Tri-lingual would be a great asset).
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:
Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation, and overall suitability to this TOR;
Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer, and a brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for UNDP;
Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR ( ) Amount in words: (Rs.
Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Daily Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT OF SERVICES
Payments will be based on the submission of written reports specifying the tasks accomplished and corresponding number of work days put in towards achieving the deliverables outlined above.