UNDP CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION JOB IN RWANDA

CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN RWANDA
Location :	RWANDA
Application Deadline :	04-Nov-11
Type of Contract :	TA International
Post Level :	P-5
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	05-Dec-2011
Duration of Initial Contract :	11 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :	100 days
Background
The analysis of climate data undertaken during the Rwanda National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) preparation which is based on the initial National Communication published in September 2005 shows that the period between 1991 and 2000 has been the driest since 1961 and has shown marked deficits in 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2000. At the same time, rainfall excesses were highlighted in 1988 and 2001 resulting in cyclic droughts and floods.   According to the report of the Second National Communication related to Climate Change (REMA, 2010), the analysis of the mean annual temperatures (1971-2007) from the Kigali Station and of Kamembe station shows a clear increasing tendency in rainfalls. In fact, it can be observed in the case of Kigali Airport for instance that the average value was 19.8°C in 1971 and 21.0°C in 2009. This reveals an increase of 1.2°C in 39 years while the global warming is only 0.8°C in 150 years.   Generally, recent testimony on climate change in Rwanda indicates that: Temperature increased with high frequency of warm days exceeding 30°C; this is likely to impact on increase of malaria and other diseases related to warm weather. The number of annual rain days decreased and this is likely to impact negatively on agricultural productivity as crops requires the quantity of water within the given number of days. At the same time the frequency of torrential rain increased with daily rainfall quantity sometimes exceeding the total monthly rainfall; this is natural disasters caused by floods including soil erosion. The number of dry spells during rainy season increased affecting poor performance of crops. In most cases we are observing late onset of rainfall and/or early rainfall cessation during rainy season and this also affect poor performance of agriculture productivity.   Considering the above observation, proper actions need to be taken to adapt various negative impacts that might be caused in Rwanda by the climate change including installation of a proper monitoring and predicting system on possible climate change impacts.   Under the above situation, GoR has obtained opportunities to establish the ‘Reducing Vulnerability to Climate Change by Establishing Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness Systems and Support for Integrated Watershed Management in Flood Prone Areas’ supported by the Least Developed Countries Adaptation Fund under the Global Environment Facility (LDCF).   To ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project, a Chief Technical Advisor for LDCF Project is being recruited to provide advisory on Climate Change Adaptation for LDCF project as stipulated in the specific ToRs as outlined here below.   The Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will be responsible for providing overall technical backstopping to the Project. He/She will render technical support to the National Project Coordinator (NPC), staff, the Project Board and other government counterparts. The CTA will coordinate the provision of the required technical inputs, reviewing and preparing Terms of Reference and reviewing the outputs of consultants and other sub-contractors. The CTA will be an experienced expatriate. He/She will report directly to the NPC and may consult with the UNDP in case of conflict or delicate issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
With support of SPIU Coordinator and LDCF Project manager, the Chief Technical Advisor for LDCF Project will conduct all necessary advisory activities to smoothly implement the LDCF project and will provide guidance on the day-to-day implementation of the Project activities and on parallel co-financing initiatives. Project implementation Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance to all project components, assuming quality control of interventions, and support the Project Manager in the coordination of the implementation of planned activities under the LDCF projects as stipulated in the project document/work plan; Provide technical inputs into the work of the multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism at all levels and other relevant institutions under the LDCF framework; Give input into the development of technical training packages for all target groups and provide peer review function; in certain cases carry out selected training events; Advise on key policy and legal issues pertaining to the project; Develop Terms of Reference for consultants and sub-contractors, and assist in the selection and recruitment process; Provide technical supervisory function to the work carried out by the other technical assistance consultants hired by the project. Coordinate the work of all consultants and sub-contractors, ensuring the timely delivery of expected outputs, and effective synergy among the various sub-contracted activities; Ensure that technical contracts meet the highest standards; provide input into development of Terms of Reference for sub-contracts, assist with selection process, recommend best candidates and approaches, provide technical peer function to sub-contractors; provide training and backstopping where necessary;    Assist in mobilizing staff and consultants in the conduct of a mid-term project evaluation, and in undertaking revisions in the implementation program and strategy based on evaluation results;   Project management and monitoring Provide hands-on support to the NPC, project staff and other government counterparts in the areas of project management and planning, management of site activities, monitoring, and impact assessment; Assist the NPC in the preparation and revision of the Management Plan as well as Annual Work Plans (AWPs); Assist the NPC in monitoring the technical quality of project M&E systems (including AWPs, indicators and targets). Assist the NPC in adjusting the project Results Framework, as required and in line with corporate requirements; Coordinate preparation of the periodic Status Report when called for by the NPC; Assist the NPC in the preparation of the Combined Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Report (PIR/APR), inception report, technical reports, quarterly financial reports for submission to UNDP, the GEF, other donors and Government Departments, as required;   Relationship building Assist the NPC in liaison work with project partners, donor organizations, NGOs and other groups to ensure effective coordination of project activities; Engage on and contribute to policy dialogues at all levels, including the national level;   Communication Assist in knowledge management, communications and awareness raising and document lessons from project implementation and make recommendations to the Project Board for more effective implementation and coordination of project activities.
Competencies
Planning and delivery of work Ability to work well with others Influencing Decision-making Communicating
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (at least M. Sc. or equivalent) in the area of natural resource management, environmental management or environmental economics. Experience: Minimum 10 years of professional experience, of which at least eight are at international level, and 3 are in climate change adaptation. Demonstrated experience of working with climate information systems and adaptation planning processes. Demonstrated experience in project development, implementation and management. Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience drafting technical reports or scientific papers. Proven experience in developing consultancy works on climate change and adaptation. Language: Excellent working knowledge of English and track record in producing English-speaking communications and reports Exposure to multilateral projects; In addition, proven experience of the following is desirable: Previous experience with UN funded projects; Experience of working and collaborating with governments; Experience in working in Africa; Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multidisciplinary team of experts and consultants.
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.

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