National Consultant for Land Sector (Retainer)

In early 2017 LIFT’s Fund Board committed to support the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI) to allocate land to landless and land poor households. In July 2017, MOALI developed and submitted to LIFT a concept note “Reclamation of Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands (VFV), Re-allocation and Development by the Rural Poor”. That concept note now provides the basis for the development of a joint programme between MOALI and LIFT. 

In sum, MOALI plans to pilot the reclamation of VFV lands that remain unused or under-utilised after allocation to individuals, companies and public entities, and re-allocate this land to smallholder farmers and/or landless farmers who need secure tenure over land resources to strengthen their livelihoods through agrarian activities. To date, efforts to reclaim and re-allocate unused VFV land have been limited, mainly due to the absence of clear political and procedural guidance. As such, MOALI intends to pilot reclamation of VFV lands and reallocation to smallholder farmers in selected areas where risks and un-intended consequences can be easily managed. Lessons will be learned from this pilot and contribute to MOALI’s consolidated procedures which can then be used to scale up efforts of reclaiming/reallocating VFV lands in other areas across the country.

Reclaiming and re-allocating VFV land is more than a technical-administrative endeavor; it requires increasing agrarian production and productivity at the local level while at the same time responding to the needs of all local stakeholders through improved delivery of government services. The proposed methodology for the pilot is grounded in participatory processes, inclusive of local civil society, consensus seeking, and drawing from international best practices. Overall, this effort should strengthen land tenure security for the most vulnerable and supporting local livelihoods as well as improve natural resource management.

MOALI is conducting the initial selection of potential sites in 2-3 townships and feasibility pre-assessments are ongoing with technical support from GRET (Professionals for Fair Development) and LIFT. A report on these assessments is expected in December 2017.

LIFT is currently recruiting an international programme design consultant to work with MOALI on the further development of a detailed programme design document. MOALI will then review revise – if necessary – and submit to LIFT for funding. LIFT is now recruiting a national consultant to support the international consultant during the field work in Myanmar.

The purpose of the assignment is to advise the international consultant and to facilitate his/her consultations with MOALI representatives, other stakeholders during the in-country visits.

Function / Key Results ExpectedUnder the direct supervision of the LIFT Livelihoods and Food Security Specialist, the National Consultant will assist the international consultant for:

-          Liaising with the various stakeholders and in particular MOALI,

-          Arranging appointments, meetings and workshops,

-          Introducing the consultant to the relevant stakeholders and facilitating discussions,

-          The interpretation of interviewees’ responses in English,

-          Understanding the local context and the roles of various stakeholders in the land sector at union and regional levels,

-          Advising on approaches adapted to the local context.

Deliverables will be agreed at the start of the assignment.

The National Consultant will work for an estimated (20 days) during the months of February-March 2018 according to the tentative work plan in annex 1. A detailed work plan and meeting schedule will be developed prior to the international consultant arrival in-country and in coordination with MOALI.

The National Consultant will accompany the international consultant during the field visits to various locations (Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay regions – to be confirmed) in country. 

Education

A Master’s Degree in development, agriculture, political science, sociology or related subject is required. Additional two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent. Other areas of academic training/ professional technical licence may also be acceptable depending on the quality and extent of work experience.

Experience

• A minimum 2 years of relevant experience in agricultural and/or rural development projects is required.
• Experience in working with international staff and providing interpretation in English is required.
• Experience in working with or coordinating closely with government institutions, preferably MOALI, is required.
• Good knowledge of the government (MOALI) internal administrative structure and processes is desirable.
• Knowledge of the land sector and land regulations in Myanmar would be a strong asset.
• Experience of working and/or cooperating with multiple development partners, including multilateral institutions would be an asset.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft packages (MS Word, MS Excel) is required.

Language Requirement

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Myanmar is required.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Other consideration:

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.