Job: SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER, INTEGRATED CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Location :

Kathmandu with some travel to the field, NEPAL

Application Deadline :

06-Dec-13

Additional Category

Environment and Energy

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Post Level :

SB-5

Languages Required :

English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

01-Jan-2014

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of extension

Background

NDP's Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) provides policy practice development and programmatic services through technical, capacity development and knowledge management support to UNDP Country Offices and national counterparts on disaster risk reduction and recovery. Recognizing the growing incidence and increasing magnitude of climate-induced disasters and risks, a major element of risk reduction work focuses on capacity development to assess, reduce and mange climate risks and impacts on key socio- economic development sectors. With a view to address climate-induced hydro-meteorological disasters and impacts on key socio-economic development sectors and community livelihoods, UNDP's integrated climate risk management (CRM) approach seeks to strengthen risk management practice by harmonizing risk reduction and adaptation to develop a holistic approach. CRM looks at risk management from a development perspective and harmonizes risk reduction (building on the DRR work by BCPR) and adaptation (incorporating climate change adaptation (CCA) work by Energy and Environment Group, Bureau for Development Policy) to manage climate-related risks as a key enabler of development.

Nepal's Integrated Climate Risk Management Programme (ICRMP) UNDP Nepal's approach of climate risk management is aimed at fighting against worsening climatic impacts on lives and livelihoods of the poor population of Nepal by combining climate change adaption and disaster risk reduction actions in planning, implementation and monitoring. Based on comprehensive understanding of this new concept and learning from piloting of the approach over the past, Nepal has currently pursued for up scaling of combined CCA and DRR actions, developing institutional capacities at national and local levels, and thereby mainstreaming the approach in national and local development planning, budgeting and monitoring/ evaluation. Since formulation of National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management (NSDRM) for Nepal in 2009, which touches upon the need to manage climate induced risks as an essential element of disaster risk management till now, UNDP has fully absorbed the approach in its long term strategic framework reflected in UNDP Nepal's Climate Change Strategy (2011) and UNDP Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) 2013-17. Further to that UNDP has strongly positioned itself to integrate the approach within UN System through its recognition as the Chair of UNDAF Outcome 7: 'Protecting Development Gains' within UNCT and convincing the government to take the role of Co-chair of the Outcome 7 Steering Group by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment on rotation. This strategic approach of UNDP has enabled to remove the long existing institutional barrier in bringing climate and disaster risk management practices together and advance actual translation of CRM approach into action through improved co-ordination between the focal ministries at policy, planning and implementation of climate and risk reduction actions on the ground. In consistent with the above UNDP's practices of climate and disaster risk reduction, this programme will be implemented and delivered through Energy, Environment, Climate and Disaster Risk Management Unit of UNDPwhich has been aligned under a common CRM framework that supports collaborative thinking leading towards joint programming and collective actions.With a view to address climate-induced hydro-meteorological disasters and impacts on key socio-economic development sectors and community livelihoods; UNDP's integrated climate risk management (CRM) approach seeks to strengthen risk management practice by harmonizing risk reduction and adaptation to develop a holistic approach.

This proposal outlines Nepal's contribution to the global ICRM programme's objectives to:

• (i) formulate DRR-CCA frameworks;
• (ii) strengthen and expand evidence base for climate risk management by assessing climatic risks to key development sectors and overall risk profile;
• (iii) build risk reduction and adaptive capacities of institutions, administrative/sectoral agencies and communities;
• (iv) mainstream climate risk management (DRR and CCA) into national and sector-specific development plans and (v) facilitate implementation of climate risk management interventions to build resilience.

UNDP's Climate Risk Management approach is built on the premise that assessing climatic risks and building capacities to address climatic risks and impacts today will facilitate institutional, administrative and community preparedness to address impacts of climate change over the years when climate averages would have increased. In short, reducing vulnerability to climate risks and impacts today will be a cornerstone for building resilience in the future.

The Outcome of the Programme is:

'Evidence-base for climate risk management strengthened and expanded by assessing climatic risks to key development sectors, DRR-CCA frameworks formulated, institutional and community risk reduction and adaptive capacity built with a view to mainstream climate risk management and to promote climate resilience'.

The Programme is intended to strengthen the risk management work at national and community levels and contribute towards promoting a sustainable development paradigm recognizing the close nexus between climate and national as well as community development paths, patterns and processes.

The activities are organized under three Outputs:

• Convergence and mainstreaming of climate risk management (CRM) promoted;
• Evidence-base for CRM at national and sub-national levels strengthened and expanded;
• Institutional, sectoral and community risk reduction and adaptive capacity developed and knowledge management on CRM issues promoted.

This programme will be linked with the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Programme (CDRMP) of UNDP which has been formulated as part of the Strategic Partnership Framework signed between the BCPR and UNDP, and in accordance with the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium. The CDRMP aims to strengthen the institutional and legislative aspects of DRM in Nepal, by building the capacities of Ministry of Home Affairs, other ministries, and local governments. The CDRMP will also establish strategic linkages between DRM and development sectors. The CDRMP's intervention in the area of climate risk management, community-based disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness and response will strengthen the overall system of disaster risk management in Nepal. It will integrate gender equality and women empowerment as well as social inclusion issues for sustainable DRM. A knowledge management strategy will support all the CDRMP interventions. In course of implementing the CDRMP, UNDP would build partnerships with the government, NGOs, international agencies, and academic institutions and expand the institutional and knowledge base of disaster risk management in Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall oversight of Assistant Country Director of Energy, Environment, Climate and Disaster Risk Management Unit (EECDRMU) and the direct supervision of the CDRMP Programme Manager (PM/ CDRMP), the incumbent will ensure all activities related to CDRMP's Integrated Climate Risk Management (ICRM) and Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) in a timely, efficient and politically sensitive manner. In order to fulfil this task, the Senior Project Officer (SPO) will carry out regular stakeholder consultations, field visits, closely liaison with the line ministries, organizations as well as target beneficiaries and end- user agencies. The incumbent will also be responsible for the following:

• Support to PM and ACD of, EECDRMU to ensure coherent and consistent delivery of all outputs related to ICRMP, CBDRM, building UNDP reputation for quality design and reliable delivery;
• Work closely with the Climate Change Programme Analyst of the UNDP EECDRM Unit, respective contractors and other key stakeholders to ensure quality inputs and outcomes are met in a timely manner;
• Ensure full support, align and collaborate with CRM initiatives and community-based disaster risk management activities of CDRMP with ICRMP;
• Support Climate Change Programme Analyst of the UNDP EECDRM on smooth implementation on similar initiatives/programmes implemented by the Unit;
• Work in close coordination with the CRM – Sub practice and other thematic areas of the DRRT and contribute to strengthening the DRR practice and climate risk management agenda as per the Strategic Framework for DRR and Contribute towards achieving the outcomes of the Global DRR- CRM program.

Programme Development, Planning and Implementation: (40%):

• Prepare inputs and regular updates to detail country specific work plans, action plans, calendar of events, M&E framework and plan, risk, issue and lessons learned logs in close coordination with the CRM team and the concerned UNDP COs and in partnership with the implementing partners and stakeholders of the ICRM and CBDRM issues;
• Formulate a programme implementation strategy including result framework etc.;
• Interact with program country COs and national counterpart agencies and stakeholders;
• Ensure an inclusive, participatory and transparent and implementation process;
• Support COs with formulation/organization of strategies, project briefs, inception meetings, technical inputs, training programs, coordination and other activities including addressing cross cutting issues like gender, governance, etc.;
• Ensure timely preparation of reports on progress , achievements and challenges and reports for submission to donor as required;
• Ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets;
• Provide requisite technical advice and information to the COs for project implementation especially the components related to climate risk assessment, capacity development etc.;
• Promote harmonization of DRR and CCA approaches at CO level with improved synergy between both the practices;
• Actively work with the gender and social inclusion team to develop and implement strategies to promote gender equality and social inclusion for sustainable DRM;
• Ensure execution of related activities is consistent with the ICRMP objectives and plans, integrated with other activities and is relevant to the CRM context of Nepal;
• Support and contribute to the development of contingency plans to address anticipated challenges;
• Support the UNDP CO team and implementing partners in developing and adopting replication and sustainability strategies of all approaches and results, which are appropriate for Nepal context;
• Take lead on coordinating the risk assessment teams, technical verification of the reports (with the help of experts- if needed).

Programme Management – Financial, Administrative and other resources (30%):

• Coordinate and supervise day to day management of the project including budget management, smooth and timely project implementation and efficient use of resources;
• Contribute to timely reporting - both internal and external (to the Government and donors) following UNDP and CDRMP- ICRMP requirements and established procedures;
• Liaison with financial management team of Disaster Risk Advisory Team (DRRT) and the Resource Management Division ( RMD) of BCPR for financial, administrative and other requirements;
• Work with administrative and finance team in drawing up specifications for the equipment required under the ICRMP and follow up with the procurement procedures;
• Support the PM to ensure full compliance of operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies and monitoring of achievement of results;
• Support the PM to ensure effective, transparent and accountable management of financial resources for ICRMP, as per UNDP rules and regulations;
• Support the PM in the preparation of timely narrative and financial reports, thematic technical papers and policy notes for the UNDP Country Office and donors;
• Prepare accurate and reliable financial reports In close coordination with the Administrative and Finance team;
• Support all activities leading to the annual audit exercise and follow up of the audit recommendations;
• Provide inputs to Atlas budget revisions and Annual Work Plans for further discussion and clearance from the PM.
• Contribute to development of M&E framework and establishment and maintenance of a dynamic system of M&E as a central element of the ICRMP;
• Support full implementation of the M&E system;
• Support the organization of the Programme Executive Board meetings and contribute to all aspects of development of progress reports and other documentation as required;
• Support the planning and day-to-day supervision of the work of project officers and Project Assistant for ' CRM and CBDRM' of CDRMP and the work of respective service provides with implementing partners;
• Ensure timely mobilization and utilization of ICRMP personnel, subcontracts, training and equipment inputs for CRM and CBDRM with respect to Nepal's diversity;
• Support the development of Terms of References of all required consultants and staff and actively participate in the recruitment process as required by the PM and Head, EECDRMU and coordinate with national and international consultants to ensure planned deliverables are met;
• Represent the ICRMP team in related events as required by the PM and ACD, EECDRMU.

Knowledge management, communications and partnership building (30%):

• Facilitate partnership building approach with INGOS/NGOs/CBOs, academic and research institutions and other actors;
• Collaborate with the Energy Environment Group - Bureau for Development Policy (EEG- BDP) on risk reduction and adaptation issues and build synergies with relevant UNDP supported programmes such as GEF and the other on-going initiatives;
• Support the PM and ACD, EECDRMU in representing the team in all relevant Country Office meetings, events and other activities as required;
• Contribute to the development of appropriate working relations with national stakeholders to advance buy-in and national ownership of relevant aspects of the ICRMP In close collaboration with the PM and the ACD, EECDRMU;
• Support in liaising with respective contractors and other key stakeholders that impact CDRMP delivery in order to ensure outcomes are met in a timely manner;
• Support resource mobilization efforts by coordinating the preparation of quality reports and other such documents.
• Ensure identification, documentation and synthesis of experiences, good practices and lesson learned under the Program for organizational sharing and learning;
• Compile and upload documents/ communication materials/ reports and other information products produced under the program on CRM web space and share on partner e networks;
• Organize and conduct e-discussion on technical and programmatic aspects under the program;
• Contribute to the development of relevant knowledge products, knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Support the knowledge management in generating, documenting and disseminating high quality information and knowledge about the ICRMP best practices and lessons learned among national and international stakeholders on an on-going basis;
• Perform any other related task as per the request of the PM and ACD of EECDRM Unit.

Impact of Results

The effective management of the activities related to ICRM and delivery of ICRMP objectives in compliance with UNDP rules and procedures will impact efficient delivery of ICRMP results and outputs, fiscal and human resource management and administration. Specific results include:

• The outputs related to ICRMP are delivered and activities are implemented in a timely and politically sensitive manner;
• Linkages, coherence, consistency, integrity and synergy are established with other activities of the CDRMP through team building;
• Staff and team morale is maintained as per UN code of conduct;
• All necessary reporting deadlines are met and M&E processes built into the CDRMP;
• Constructive relationships are built and maintained with all internal and external actors that impact ICRMP delivery;
• Knowledge products, that capture both best and failed practices are developed and disseminated.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrated high moral integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards, impartiality and discretion and proven capacity of initiative, discretion and autonomy;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategy of UNDP;
• Displays respect to diversity and cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity.

Functional Competencies:

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Sectoral planning, results based management and reporting;
• Able to formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate programmes and projects, as well as resource mobilization skills;
• Able to implement new systems with attitude change among implementing partners.

Management and Leadership:

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feed-back;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Effective communications skills and ability to establish good working relationships with national and international interlocutors;
• Demonstrated openness to change and ability to solve problems and manage complexities.
• Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive environment with a minimum of comfort;
• Ability to travel under harsh conditions within the country whenever required;
• Excellent team building skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master Degree in environmental studies/sciences, watershed management, disaster risk management and any related fields.

Experience:

• At least Seven years of extensive practical experience in the field of disaster/ climate interface with climate risk assessment, integrated watershed management, sustainable development, environment management etc in multi-stakeholder and comprehensive development programmes with national and international agencies;
• Including at least Five years of solid experience on Climate Change (CC) and Climate Risk Management (CRM) in Nepal, implementing projects in varied ecological regions of Nepal;
• Experience of harmonizing Disaster Risk Reduction- Climate Change Adaptation (DRR – CCA) approaches preferably in global/regional/sub regional projects with a focus on promoting a CRM approach;
• Profound experiences in the community based climate risk management activities with knowledge of all ecological regions of Nepal in terms of climate Change (CC) and Disaster Risk Mnagement (DRM) and good coordination skills with GoN agencies both national and local levels;
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategies, policies, plans and programmes for CRM/climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nepal;
• Past experience of working on DRR/CRM will be an asset.

Computer Skills:

• Good knowledge of computer applications especially MS Office.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English and Nepali at professional level are essential.

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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