Background

While climate change is observed across Nepal, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes located in these high-altitude areas and, in turn, their likelihood of breaching in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Damages from GLOFs are often irreparable for decades, with considerable economic costs, particularly to downstream populations. The risk of GLOFs is further exacerbated by increasing temperatures which increase the rate of snow and ice melt and the proportion of precipitation falling as rain, which increases the volume of the lakes, thereby reducing the amount of ‘freeboard’, which increases the likelihood of overflow and the intensity of resulting floods.

The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 Lakes are at exceptionally high risk of breaching having already exhibited considerable increases in volume, accelerated degradation of their ice-cored moraines, and a reduced amount of ‘freeboard’ as a result of climate change. Combined, these factors have destabilized the lakes, exposing the Gandaki Basin and the Dudhkoshi and Arun Sub-basins to the threat of a GLOF event. Without intervention, these glacial lakes could breach at any given moment, adversely impacting vulnerable Nepalese communities. 

In response to this risk, USD36 millions of GCF funds, alongside USD14 million in cofinance, will be directed to reduce the risk and impacts of GLOFs at the four priority glacial lakes by shifting towards a proactive approach to GLOF risk reduction in Nepal. The proposed project presents an integrated approach to GLOF risk management in Nepal by addressing institutional and technical capacities, physical protection (both grey and green infrastructure approaches), hazard monitoring and early warning. This integrated approach will utilise GCF funds to: i) lower the water levels of four glacial lakes to reduce their risk of breaching; ii) implement Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in mountain ecosystems to mitigate the residual flood impacts from a GLOF; iii) establish and implement early warning systems to alleviate damages and prevent the loss of lives from GLOFs; and iv) strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to plan for and respond to GLOFs and floods. These interventions will catalyse a shift from a need- and project-based approach towards proactive and pre-emptive approaches, engendered through strengthened capacity among institutions and communities. 

The project will be implemented following UNDP’s support to National Implementation Modality (NIM), with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) of Nepal serving as the Implementing Partner. Under this modality, UNDP is supporting DHM in recruiting key positions for the establishment of a Project Management Unit, which will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Members of the PMU will collectively be responsible for overall planning and budgeting, collaborating with other ministries, sectors and government entities to implement the project performance management system; bidding for the provision of project consultancy services; coordination with the responsible parties in terms of bidding of goods and services; disbursement and implementation of project audits, operation of accounts, monitoring and preparation of overall project reports (annual), and safeguards policy monitoring reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PMU will be headed by the Project Coordination Specialist (PCS). The Civil Engineer will report directly to the Project Coordination Specialist. The PMU will operate under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) — as assigned by MoEWRI.

1. Support technical studies and assessments

  • Provide engineering input into site-specific feasibility and risk assessments;
  • Review detail design (Invistigation, Design, Preparation of Engineering Drawings and Details Estimate, Construction supervision and Quality Control) on EcoDRR activities from consultants hired by UNDP on the first year of project and provide insightful comments and feedbacks for effective implementation of activities,
  • Conduct field visits and prepare technical site reports;
  • Develop knowledge management products on the application for the identified interventions and create awareness among communities, relevant professionals, institutions.
  • Provide simple definition or redescription of the engineering related technical terms in technical studies and assessments such that it is understandable to Contractors or beneficiary user groups or relevant stakeholder.

2. Supervise the design and implementation of engineering interventions

  • Oversee preparation and review of designs, technical specifications, BoQs, cost estimates, and technical drawings for GLOF risk reduction and Eco-DRR works;
  • Draft/review Terms of Reference and bidding documents including the evaluation criteria for detailed design and procurement of engineering interventions; 
  • Support bid evaluations and selection of best bidder for engineering works as per the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid requirements, ensuring quality, safety, climate resilience, and compliance with and integration of environmental, social, and gender safeguards;
  • Ensure the contract documents (related to both contractual works and user group works) are thoroughly reviewed, enabling the risk and probable conflict resolution, 
  • Provide support and guidance to the project implementing partners as well as responsible partners on contract management, and resolution of site-related issues with contractors, partners, and communities;
  • Supervise and inspect construction works;
  • Conduct field visits, provide technical assistance, and recommend best-practice solutions for timely delivery;
  • Ensure the proper documentation for final handover upon completion of all project engineering works in coordination with the relevant counterparts, officials, communities, groups;
  • Ensure that engineering designs, construction works, and infrastructure interventions are gender-responsive and socially inclusive, addressing the specific needs and priorities of women, men, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups;
  • Incorporate universal design and accessibility standards in all infrastructure planning and implementation to enhance safe and equitable access for all community members;
  • Engage with local communities, especially women’s groups, indigenous peoples, and socially excluded groups, during site selection, design, and implementation to ensure their perspectives are reflected in project decisions.

3. Oversight and reporting

  • Oversee EcoDRR infrastructural interventions, verifying quality of materials, techniques, and final finishes.
  • Certify completion and quality of works, ensuring documentation, as per the GON rules and regulations, is in place for payments, handovers, and audit requirements;
  • Maintain construction records, compile periodic technical reports, and provide updates to PMU/PIU in line with UNDP/GON/GEF standards;
  • Ensure that all project data, information on physical and financial progress are duly maintained with transparently, expediently, and effectively in line with UNDP rules and regulations;
  • Contribute to annual workplans and budgeting within the PMU as related to engineering works, applying adaptive management principles;
  • Monitor the progress of engineering works according to annual work plan, ensuring that targets are fully met and the reporting requirements are fulfilled;
  • Document lessons learned, good practices, and case studies to inform replication and scale-up, including consideration of potential impacts of the project;
  • Maintain records, compile periodic reports and any specific reports required by GON, UNDP, and GCF standard procedures.
  • Assist in planning the annual program, especially for EcoDRR activities, for the next fiscal year as per the progress and requirements of site,
  • Review if the feasibility of project sites identified in the first year of the project still comprehend on different time scale during the project period and incorporate the principle of adaptive management.

4. Ensure environmental and social safeguards

  • Contribute to Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for infrastructure;
  • Monitor contractors’ and User group’s compliance with safeguards at the field level in close coordination with concerned officials;
  • Ensure community and workers safety during construction;
  • Work closely with the project’s GESI and environmental specialists to assess and mitigate potential gender disability and social risks, and to promote equitable participation and benefit-sharing in project outcomes.

5. Build local capacity for infrastructure management

  • Organize and facilitate related training, exposure visits, and other project activities, including on the on operation and maintenance of project works;
  • Develop guidelines and manuals for infrastructure sustainability;
  • Ensure gender, disability and social inclusiveness is integrated and applied throughout the construction process.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management    

  • Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies 
  • Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with project needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity 
  • Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks 

Procurement    

  • Strategic sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

2030 Agenda: Planet   

  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery: Disaster Risk Reduction: Capacity development

2030 Agenda: Peace    

  • Governance: Inclusion and Participation of Marginalized Groups

2030 Agenda: People    

  • Gender: Innovation for Gender Equality

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced University Degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Civil/Structural Engineering, or Water Resource Engineering or Construction Management other relevant discipline is required. or
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree. 

Experience:

  • Applicants with master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of working experience at strategic level in civil engineering design and project management.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

  • Experience in computer applications like Microsoft (Word, Excel and Ppt).
  • Working experience in civil engineering.
  • Experience in hydrological and civil engineering design.
  • Experience with infrastructure in fragile mountain environments.
  • Experience using AutoCAD and related design tools.
  • Experience in climate-resilient infrastructure design.
  • Prior experience in disaster risk reduction or water resource management projects, with experience in glacial lake lowering.
  • Experience with UNDP and GON procurement and contracting processes.
  • Experience working with UNDP, GCF, or other donor-funded projects, particularly in climate change adaptation or disaster risk reduction.
  • Experience in environmental and climate change issues in Nepal, including GLOFs, Eco-DRR, and early warning systems.

Required Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Nepali is required.
  • Knowledge of any other national language will be an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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