Background

The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at its seventh session in Marrakech and is managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The fund addresses the special needs of the 49 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which are especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. As a priority, the LDCF supports the preparation and the implementation of the National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs), country-driven strategies, which identify urgent and immediate needs of LDCs to adapt to climate change. The Republic of Burundi, as an LDC Party to the UNFCCC, has completed its NAPA and is eligible for project funding under the LDCF.

UNDP is currently supporting Burundi to develop and submit to the LDCF a project proposal entitled “Provincial, communal services and local communities capacitated on disaster risks preparedness and responses management to ensure long term and sustainable emergency and reconstruction phase in Bugesera, Mumirwa and Imbo Lowlands’ regions, Republic of Burundi”. The expected outcomes of this project are: (i) the establishment of communal services, relevant ministry support services and Provincial disaster risks platforms trained to use climate risk management tools for long term planning; and (ii) Investment in early warning systems (EWS) and adaptation technologies to protect infrastructure and local livelihoods from climate impacts.

The GEF council approved the Project Identification Form (PIF) of this project on the 10 October 2012 and the project is now being developed with the aim of submitting to the GEF the detailed Full Project Document (FPD) and the Request for GEF CEO Endorsement. In order to facilitate development and submission of the FPD, the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Burundi is seeking the services of an international consultant.

Duties and Responsibilities

The IC- Early Warning System Specialist will work under the Adaptation Consultant Team Leader.

He/She is expected to undertake work which entails:

  • Assessing and analyzing existing early warning systems, policies and practices, at the national level and in the target areas.
  • Identification of traditional behavior, practices and responses in the community to cope with the consequences of climatic variations and environmental hazards; heavy rains, wind/storms, floods, drought, erosion, deforestation on slopes, destruction of houses and infrastructure, etc.
  • Identification of links between climatic variations and specific agricultural practices, farming systems, or other income-generating and economic activities.
  • Analysis and detailed description on how farmers and households can be served by community-based early warning systems, including its associated costs.
  • Identification and mapping of areas and locations especially exposed to the impact of climate change / environmental hazards.
  • Identification of regional, national and local hazard information that can be communicated quickly to communities through radio, television, or other means of telecommunication.
  • Design the process for establishing the EWS in Bujumbura, Rumonge, Nyanza-Lac and Bugasera.
  • Conduct a barrier analysis of the project outcomes
  • Help determine the boundaries and scope of the project.
  • Present the logical additionality of the proposed outcomes and activities in the project document.

Competencies

  • Excellent team player with good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to manage workloads with minimum supervision
  • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Ability to accommodate additional demands at short notice
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in French and English in order to communicate complex, technical information to technical and general audiences
  • Strong strategic planning, results-based management and reporting capabilities
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • MSc degree in subjects related to natural disaster management, emergency planning, risk reduction, early warning systems, rural livelihood, community development, natural resources management, or similar.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 10 years professional experience, including the development of early warning systems (both community-based and coping with environmental hazards). Experience with new and innovative practices is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Climate Change impacts on agriculture and water, the rural environment and livelihoods.
  • Ability to transfer analytical results into simple and workable project activities and develop a sustainable, community-based early warning system.
  • Extensive experience with GEF project development, implementation or management.
  • Experience in the water sector is an asset.
  • Experience in working and collaborating with governments is an asset
  • Experience working within the UN system and in Burundi is considered beneficial.
Language Requirements:
  • Excellent knowledge of English including writing and communication skills
  • Good knowledge of French (spoken, written and reading).

Interested candidates should send a one-page cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for this position, as well as an updated CV.

Closing date for applications is Friday, January 4th 2013.
Any applications received after this date will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates whose applications correspond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.