Resilience and Climate Change Consultant

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

 

 

Date of Publication: 15^th June 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background:

 

 

 

UN-Habitat in cooperation with UNIDO is implementing a Global Environment Fund (GEF-6) supported project on sustainable cities to be piloted in five cities (Bhopal, Jaipur, Mysore, Vijayawada, Guntur). The project aims to integrate sustainability strategies into urban planning and management to create a favourable environment for environmentally and financially sound investments in low carbon infrastructure and service delivery, thus building the resilience of pilot cities. The components of the project include:

 

 

 

·       Integrated urban planning and management – this will include the introduction of tools and internationally accepted methodologies for sustainable cities planning and management, setting indicators according to internationally-accepted standards; a major aspect of this is low-carbon and low-emission planning;

 

 

 

·       Investment pilots in 4-5 cities – the pilot cities will all benefit from the service of mobilizing funding to support technology and/or infrastructure projects necessary for achieving better city services and environmental management;

 

 

 

·       Partnerships and capacity building – developing partnerships with private, public and civil society organizations in implementing initiatives for sustainable cities and building capacity of major players and stakeholders for better governance and project implementation in cities;

 

 

 

·       Knowledge Management – sharing of experiences among Indian cities, and between Indian cities and those abroad which have advanced in building sustainable cities and also those which can learn from the Indian experience; this is also related to the Global Knowledge Platform being set up in relation to the overall sustainable cities program of the GEF.

 

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

 

 

Under the overall supervision of the Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat India, the Resilience and Climate Change Consultant will work under overall guidance of the Urban and Governance Expert and the Senior Urban Planner, UN-Habitat India to undertake the following activities:

 

 

 

·       Review current policies, regulations, and plans at local, state, and national level on climate action and integration with urban sector, including GHG emissions reports prepared under the project;

 

·       Lead integration of GHG emissions into the Urban Sustainability Assessment Framework (USAF), and application of global and national methodology for GHG accounting (emissions/savings);

 

·       Based on data collected and with application of the USAF, strengthen linkages to GHG emissions to refine diagnostics developed;

 

·       Formulate policy recommendations and technical guidelines on climate change adaptation and mitigation, including nature-based solutions in pilot cities for integration and mainstreaming into sustainable city strategies;

 

·       Provide technical support related to quantifying GHG emissions/savings from the proposed actions and intervention of the sustainable city strategies;

 

·       Review and consolidate comments received on deliverables produced by the project team prior to submission to the clients, with a view to ensure quality assurance and quality standards expected of international organizations;

 

·       Lead data-driven knowledge products on risks and vulnerability assessments, GHG emissions monitoring, reporting and verification, at national, state and local levels; and

 

·       Any other assignment(s) requested by the Country Programme Manager.

 

 

 

Expected Deliverables/ Outputs and Payment Schedule:

 

 

 

Payments shall be made on satisfactory completion of work and submission & acceptance of deliverables below as certified by the Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat India on the following schedule of deliverables:

 

 

 

No.	Deliverables	Time Inputs	Tentative Deadline	Payment Schedule
1.	Report on desk review of relevant national, state and city level climate action plans and assessment frameworks.	1 month	31 August 2021	20%
2.	Documentation and PowerPoint presentation on integrating quantification of GHG emissions under USAF	1 month	30 September 2021	20%
3.	Recommendations on climate change/ adaptation and mitigation under sustainable city strategies of 5 pilot cities	1 month	31 October 2021	20%
4.	Report and PowerPoint presentation on potential GHG emissions/ savings under SCS actions and interventions of 3 pilot cities	1 month	30 November 2021	20%
5.	Report and PowerPoint presentation on potential GHG emissions/ savings under SCS actions and interventions of remaining 2 pilot cities	1 month	31 December 2021	20%

 

 

 

Qualifications:

 

 

 

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Urban Geography, Resilience and Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Civil Engineering, or any other related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

 

 

Work Experience: At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in climate change and resilience, community engagement, planning and urban design. Of this, at least 5 years of relevant experience preferably in climate resilient integrated planning, disaster risk reduction, resilience, vulnerability assessment and mapping (VAM). Experience in working with government institutions at national and local level in India is an advantage. Experience in working with teams and with partners is required. Experience within the United Nations common system will be an advantage. Proficiency in design and illustration software is necessary.

 

 

 

Competencies: Strong analytical, conceptualization, reporting skills required. Should have advanced writing, research and analytical skills. Expertise in development of strategic documents, policy documents, local action plans as well as preparing and planning of various trainings/ workshops for different stakeholders. Able to work both independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization. Ability to use latest software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and similar others for design and analysis will be an added advantage.

 

 

 

Professionalism: Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, plus ability to handle a range of equipment used in communication. Knowledge and interest in urban planning and sustainable development debate and approaches, and keeping abreast of professional field of expertise.

 

 

 

Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Capacity of undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open communication within the team and with partners.

 

 

 

Planning & Organizing: Ability to work with minimal supervision, under the pressure of frequent and tight deadlines often in difficult and demanding conditions.

 

 

 

Communication: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills in English and demonstrated ability to explain concepts and approaches in the field of expertise, as well as UN policies and procedures.

 

 

 

Client orientation: Professional and courteous attitude and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a stressful environment. Receptive towards client needs. Understands that those provided services are clients and seek to see things from a client perspective. Maintains tact and diplomacy at all times.

 

 

 

Language: Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another local language or UN official language would be an advantage.

 

 

 

Reporting Arrangements: The Consultant shall report to the Country Programme Manager, and coordinate with Senior Urban Planner, UN-Habitat India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deadline for application: Friday, 25^th June 2021 before 05.30 pm (IST)

 

 

 

Due to a large number of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).