UNDP Jobs - 112613- International consultant

International consultant _ Technical Specialist

Location :

Vientiane Capital, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2023

Application Deadline :

11-Jun-23 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

90 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

July 2023 - April 2024

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

Enhancing Integrated Water Management and Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Urban Areas of the Mekong River Basin project seeks to address the critical need for risk data to inform integrated water resources management and, in so doing, enable increased investment in risk reduction measures in Lao PDR and Cambodia. There is a strong connection between the upstream and downstream impacts associated with floods and water availability in the transboundary region. As such, the project seeks to address these problems faced while acknowledging the transboundary nature of the challenge and making adjustments as necessary to tailor for the variances of each country. Taking a barrier-removal approach, the project will address gaps in data collection, management, and analysis, enhance institutional and technical capacity at the subnational level for integrated climate and flood risk management, enhance the availability of resources for investment in water-related risk reduction, and aid the flow of risk knowledge and coordination across borders

The project will also contribute towards improved hydrological and climate risk modelling and information systems, which will in turn inform flood management as well as adaptation planning and enhance the capacity of national and provincial decision-makers, as well as local stakeholders using the improved information system. The project applies a human rights-based approach to address development challenges associated with disasters and enhance resilience to increasing climate risks through improved policy, strengthened capacity, and risk information. This approach fosters resilient and sustainable socio-economic development and contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. The number of direct beneficiaries of the project is approximately 106,481 (38,388 residents of Thakek and 68,093 residents of Pakse) and overall beneficiaries (direct + indirect) over 1.6 million people of Khammouane and Champasack Provinces. This project is implemented by UNDP, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW). Asian Water Council (AWC) and K-Water will conduct some of the activities. The key national implementing partner and focal point of the project is the Department of Water Resources (DWR), MONRE.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the project is to strengthen the climate and disaster resilience of people and communities in vulnerable regions of Lao PDR and Cambodia through improved risk and vulnerability assessment and advancing an integrated approach to water resources management. There are two outcomes intended at the country-level activity implementation: 1) Inclusive assessment of water-related climate risks completed in the priority river basins, 2) Enabling environment for gender-responsive climate risk-informed integrated water resources management developed. UNDP is seeking an expert with deep knowledge and field experience in water resource management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction, as well as institutional capacity development and project design and implementation to ensure technical soundness, quality and efficiency of the project implementation at the country level in Lao PDR. The outcomes, outputs and activities of the project are:

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK

The position will have a lead technical responsibility under direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and overall guidance of the Head of NRM, CC and DRR Unit, working closely with the Department of Water Resources (DWR), MONRE. These include but are not limited to technical project activities with focus on monitoring, evaluation and reporting; annual workplans and budget; integration with all outcomes; guiding activities in provinces; coordination with other related projects of UNDP and other stakeholders; following up with monitoring results and findings related to the outputs and outcomes of the project. The successful applicant will be expected to be responsible for the following:

Main tasks

Task 1: Strategic and technical guidance and leadership

Lead the preparation, and adjust as required, the project workplans (quarterly, annual, multi-year work plans as needed) in alignment with the Project Document and the project objectives, overall activity schedule, scope and methodologies (analyses, studies, and surveys, field visits, trainings, meetings, workshops, events, study visits, development of written and visual training materials, etc.) in coordination with DWR, UNDP and relevant stakeholders

o Facilitate decision-making on activity execution, particularly related to planning, budget and implementation issues.

o Lead strategic planning, achievement of targets, and required modification of activities, including the response to potential disasters in the project area.

o Lead technical implementation of project activities to ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets, activities, and prepare the budget plan.

Provide technical inputs that support achieving the project objectives. Support and be involved in organizing and facilitating project meetings, workshops etc. with relevant substantive inputs.
Ensure the quality and oversee the tasks to be conducted by international and national consultants through technical inputs. Lead the development of their Terms of Reference, work plans, and methodologies. Review the reports from the national consultants and government partners and provide technical advice to ensure the quality and technical soundness to reach the objectives of the project. Supervise all consultants to ensure that the planned deliverables are completed in a timely and qualitative manner within the contract period. ? Ensure the quality and oversee the tasks to be conducted directly by the project team and MONRE (in case delegation of tasks) through leading the development of their concept notes, methodologies and reporting, notably in case of studies, and surveys, field visits, trainings, meetings, workshops, events, study visits.
Coordinate with other technical partners. In particular, interpret the results of the technical studies on flood propagation models, hydro-meteorological disasters forecasting models, capacity assessment, and improvement of the risk monitoring systems and early warning system (EWS) conducted by AWC and KWater and incorporate the findings into the UNDP activities. Task 2: Reporting ? Ensure adequate tools are in place to track all progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in compliance with the results framework of the Project Document. ? Lead the production of accurate, and professional (narrative and financial) administrative reports such as inception report, progress reports (notably quarterly), and final report, etc. ? Coordinate the preparation and organization of Project management meetings including Steering Committee Meetings and monthly progress meeting to present the project’s progress to participants in collaboration with key and other experts. Task 3: Coordination ? Network and foster functional relationships with UNDP, Government partners, other UN agencies, donors, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. ? At the request of UNDP, represent UNDP as required and promote a strong collaborative, transparent, and sharing environment amongst stakeholders in the DRR field. ? Assist the Government in information sharing/knowledge management in the thematic related to the scope of the project.

Task 2: Reporting

Ensure adequate tools are in place to track all progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in compliance with the results framework of the Project Document.
Lead the production of accurate, and professional (narrative and financial) administrative reports such as inception report, progress reports (notably quarterly), and final report, etc.
Coordinate the preparation and organization of Project management meetings including Steering Committee Meetings and monthly progress meeting to present the project’s progress to participants in collaboration with key and other experts.

Task 3: Coordination

Network and foster functional relationships with UNDP, Government partners, other UN agencies, donors, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
At the request of UNDP, represent UNDP as required and promote a strong collaborative, transparent, and sharing environment amongst stakeholders in the DRR field.
Assist the Government in information sharing/knowledge management in the thematic related to the scope of the project.
In coordination with the Government partners, ensure that the project activities are well-coordinated with the other projects and programmes of the relevant government agencies.
Advise the Government and UNDP on the linkages with other major programs or projects of other agencies, organizations or departments and UN agencies.
Ensure the development of cross-project linkage with other relevant UN and development partner projects for mutual reinforcing impact.
Facilitate or participate in workshops, webinars, and meetings as necessary.

Other tasks

Task 4: Staff Support and Capacity Building

Support the project staff and promote a learning environment.
Orientate the Government partners on project strategies, expectations, and own roles and responsibilities;
Assess staff competencies and guide individuals and teams to effectively complete objectives and tasks.
Lead capacity enhancement efforts and deliver training for the government officials at the central and provincial levels based on the prioritized topics
Be mindful of staff wellness and induce a culture of transparency, problem solving, and teamwork.
Identify development opportunities that would enhance staff capacity.
Support access to reference materials, online and other training opportunities for staff and partners.

Task 5: Learning

Promote learning and knowledge sharing amongst all stakeholders.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and produce documentation for case studies and lessons learned.
Coordinate with communication focal points to produce products that promote the achievements and successes of the project.

Competencies

Proven record in writing research papers, policy analysis and recommendations, reports and publication.
Result oriented, patient, and hands-on with good teamwork skills
Knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures (desirable but not necessary)
Good facilitation and coordination skills

Required Skills and Experience

A Master’s degree in water resource management, hydrology, meteorology, climate change, disaster risk management, or a related field. PhD is preferred
At least 8 years of experience working as a technical expert in water resource management, climate change adaptation, or disaster risk management.
At least 5 years of experience in programme and project management in developing countries.
Previous work experience in Southeast Asia or monsoon climate region. Work experience in Laos is an advantage.
Previous work experience in digital solutions, such as GIS, disaster database and climate modeling.
Previous work experience in participatory community-based planning activities.
Previous experience in similar role in UN/DP programme/project and knowledge is UNDP procedures is advantage.

LANGUAGE Excellent verbal and written skills in English is required. Knowledge of Lao language is an asset.

Please find the TOR details here TOR RPS_106_2023

Please apply through this link Procurement | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)

or Jobs | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)