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Adaptation Intervention and Policy Expert-Retainer

Home Based - May require travel

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Home Based - May require travel
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Political Affairs
    • Legal - Broad
    • Environment
    • Climate Change
    • Climate
    • Documentation and Information Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The risks and impacts associated with long-term climate change poses significant challenges to the people and economy of Sudan. Already burdened with recurrent droughts, food insecurity, water problems, malaria outbreaks and high poverty levels, Sudan's development efforts have struggled even with current climatic change and variability. Moreover, predicted climate change shows an amplification and increase in the frequency of many of the climate related hazards affecting the country and especially the livelihoods of more than 60% of the population that is dependent on traditional, rain-fed agriculture and pastoral practices. Climate change is therefore threatening to reverse progress towards development through negatively impacting lives and livelihoods, either directly or as a compounding factor towards existing vulnerabilities.

One of Sudan’s most vulnerable region that is severely impacted by climate change induced hazards (droughts and floods) is the White Nile State especially the western region of the state. As indicated in Sudan’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA-2007) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP-2016), small holder rainfed farmers and pastoralists in the White Nile State are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to inappropriate and unsustainable agricultural practices, insufficient water and land management and lack of alternative non-agricultural and non-pastoral income generating activities. Most notably, increasing temperatures, decreasing trends of annual precipitation as well as increased variability, are causing a gradual shift of arid ecological zones from north to south. As a result, climate change impacts in White Nile State have already been manifested in declining crop and animal productivity, loss of grazing resources and rangeland valuable species, land degradation, increased frequency of human, animal and crop diseases, loss of livelihoods and human migration in search for jobs and alternative livelihoods.

In response to this, the project “Enhancing the resilience of communities living in climate change vulnerable areas of Sudan using Ecosystem-Based approaches to Adaptation (EbA)” (also known as Sudan ecosystem-based adaptation project) was developed with the overall aim of increasing the resilience of livelihoods and integrated productive agricultural systems in the White Nile State through ecosystem-based adaptation approaches. This will be achieved through mainstreaming of ecosystem-based adaptation approaches at both national, state and local (community) levels by strengthening government awareness and capacity for implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation at all levels. The project will build the climate resilience of ecosystems and local communities in the White Nile State by improving their access to ecosystem services, such as agriculture, food and water. It will also support communities to manage agro-ecological systems in a sustainable manner while at the same time increasing rangeland productivity. Climate-resilient ecosystems will therefore be expected to increase the adaptive capacity of local communities by providing an important buffer against extreme weather events. Simultaneously, the project will also facilitate the upscaling of such benefits to the national level by mainstreaming ecosystem-based adaptation and climate change adaptation into policies. Furthermore, cost-benefit analyses of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions will be conducted and successful cost-effective ecosystem-based adaptation measures will be codified and disseminated across sectors. The project is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

Outcome 1:       Improved and strengthened technical capacity of local, state and national                                     institutions to plan, implement and upscale ecosystem-based adaptation.

Outcome 2:       Reduced vulnerability of local communities to climate change impacts in the                                 White Nile State.

Outcome 3:       Strengthened information base and knowledge on ecosystem-based adaptation                           and its cost-effectiveness are readily available for various uses.

Implementation of the Sudan ecosystem-based adaptation project will therefore support restoration and conservation of ecological structure and functioning in order to ensure sustainable supply of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help human and natural systems in White Nile State to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. In turn, this will result to multiple environmental, social, economic, and cultural co-benefits for local communities and therefore enhance their resilience to climate change impacts, protection of their livelihoods, poverty alleviation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions among other benefits.

The Sudan ecosystem-based adaptation project is in the 2nd year of implementation and is financed by Global Environment Facility (GEF)/Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) through UN Environment (UNEP) with the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCENR) as the executing partner.


Functional Responsibilities

III. Scope of work
The Adaptation Intervention & Policy Expert will provide technical support to the process of mainstreaming of ecosystem-based adaptation across sectoral, national and subnational development plans, policies, strategies and budgets. The expert will also be expected to spearhead the development of a national level monitoring strategy to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions as well as build the capacity of policy- and decision-makers at national and subnational levels on ecosystem-based adaptation planning and budgeting. 

IV. Functional Responsibilities

The Adaptation Intervention & Policy Expert will be responsible for providing technical guidance of a stocktaking exercise for policy- and decision-makers in order to identify entry points for mainstreaming climate change adaptation including ecosystem-based adaptation in the context of future climate risks. The expert will also be expected to lead in development of gender sensitive policy briefs and technical guidelines for policy – and decision makers on integration of ecosystem-based adaptation approaches as part of the adaptation strategies. Additionally, the expert will support development of a national level monitoring strategy to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation to provide lessons learned and best practices for upscaling ecosystem-based adaptation.

Specifically, the expert will undertake the following activities:

  1. Develop training materials/modules and facilitate a Training of Trainers (ToTs) targeting Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, relevant ministries and White Nile State Technical Committee on:
  2. Information-sharing on ecosystem-based adaptation for enhanced coordination of climate change adaptation measures;
  3. Integrating future climate risks into decision-making processes.
    1. Design a stocktaking exercise of national and White Nile State policy- and decision-makers to identify entry points for updating existing policies and strategies to incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation in the context of future climate risks.
    2. Undertake a stocktaking exercise targeting national and White Nile State policy- and decision-makers to identify entry points for updating existing policies and strategies to incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation in the context of future climate risks.
    3. Lead in development of a gender sensitive policy brief that identifies entry points at the national and White Nile State levels for the integration of climate change adaptation interventions, including ecosystem-based adaptation, into relevant policies and sectoral budgets.
    4. Lead in the design of a monitoring strategy at the national level to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation to provide lessons learned and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation.
    5. Facilitate training on application of the national monitoring strategy to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation to provide lessons learned and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation. The training will target a team from an organization subcontracted by Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources to draw lessons learnt and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation.
Lead in development of gender sensitive technical guidelines for policy- and decision makers based on lessons learnt and best practices for upscaling ecosystem-based adaptation.

V. Conduct of work
The Adaptation Intervention & Policy Expert will be invited periodically during the 2nd, 3rd and likely 4th project year (subject to project extension) to undertake field visits to project sites in White Nile State, work with the Project Management Unit and its consultants, and members of the project’s White Nile State Technical Committee to provide technical support to the process of mainstreaming of ecosystem-based adaptation across sectoral, national and subnational development plans, policies, strategies and budgets.

VI. Deliverables, tentative timeframe and proposed payment schedule

The Adaptation Intervention & Policy Expert will be responsible for ensuring a timely and satisfactory completion and submission of the deliverables listed below. The deliverables should be in English but will later be translated into Arabic version. Once deliverables are approved, payment will be made as follows:

No

Deliverables

Deliverables indicative due date

Percentage of total payment

1.

Inception report

July 2019

10%

2.

Training materials/modules and facilitation of a Training of Trainers (ToTs) targeting Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, relevant ministries and White Nile State Technical Committee on:

  • Information-sharing on ecosystem-based adaptation for enhanced coordination of climate change adaptation measures;
  • Integrating future climate risks into decision-making processes

Training materials and a training report should be submitted.

December 2019

35%

3.

Design of a stocktaking exercise of national and White Nile State policy- and decision-makers to identify entry points for updating existing policies and strategies to incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation in the context of future climate risks.

4.

Report of the stocktaking exercise targeting national and White Nile State policy- and decision-makers to identify entry points for updating existing policies and strategies to incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation in the context of future climate risks.

5.

Gender sensitive policy brief that identifies entry points at the national and White Nile State levels for the integration of climate change adaptation interventions, including ecosystem-based adaptation, into relevant policies and sectoral budgets.

April 2020

35%

6.

Monitoring strategy at the national level to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation to provide lessons learned and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation that will be drawn by an organization subcontracted by Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources.

August 2020

7.

Training on application of the national monitoring strategy to assess the impacts of ecosystem-based adaptation to provide lessons learned and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation. The training will target a team from an organization subcontracted by Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources to draw lessons learnt and best practices of other national/international projects on ecosystem-based adaptation.

Training materials and training report should be submitted.

8.

Gender sensitive technical guidelines for policy- and decision makers based on lessons learnt and best practices for upscaling ecosystem-based adaptation.

April 2021

20%

VII. Management arrangements

The Adaptation Intervention & Policy Expert will be contracted by UNOPS and will report administratively to the contracting authority and technically to the Secretary General of the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, who is the National Project Director of the Sudan ecosystem-based adaptation project, and to the UN Environment Task Manager responsible for the project. On a day-to-day basis the expert will be supervised by the National Project Coordinator of the project. The expert will also be expected to work closely with other project team members (Chief Technical Advisor, Monitoring & Reporting Expert and State Coordinator) as well as project consultants and White Nile State Technical Committee while undertaking this assignment.





Education

  • Advanced University Degree in Climate Change Science, Adaptation or Policy, Ecosystem Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science/Studies or other relevant discipline is required. 
  • University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) Degree in Climate Change Science, Adaptation or Policy, Ecosystem Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science/Studies or other relevant discipline with 2 additional years of experience.

Experience

  • An expert affiliated with a national/international research institution or international community of practice focusing on climate change, adaptation and informing development policy is an advantage;
  • Demonstrated thorough understanding of climate change adaptation and policy with at least 7 years of professional experience in climate change adaptation policy analysis, development and integration in national development planning, sector policies and strategies and budget processes is required;
  • Successfully undertook/spearheaded completion of at least  two similar assignments of this scale and complexity is required;
  • Extensive conceptual and practical knowledge of ecosystem-based adaptation approaches is required;
  • Good analytical problem solving skills is an asset;
  • Proven writing, analysis and presentation skills is an advantage;
  • Flexibility and ability to operate in different cultural settings and with a variety of stakeholders is an asset. 
  • Previous experience of working in arid and semiarid ecosystems in Sahara region of Africa especially Sudan will be an added advantage;

Languages

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Working knowledge of Arabic will be considered an asset

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement Contract level: IICA 3
Contract duration: 2 years retainer position 



For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • 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.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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.  
  • its a family duty station 

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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


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