Consultancy: The Youth Environment Corps Initiative

Project Title:

The Youth Environment Corps Initiative (Livelihoods for Youth Rehabilitating Environments in Post-Crisis & Poverty Situations)

Background

The global emphasis on “sustainable” development attests to our desire to leave a better inheritance for future generations. If attempts to achieve development are to succeed, however, they must better reflect the interests of youth—those with the greatest self-interest in achieving it.

People feel, as never before, a dangerous impotency to rectify environmental and economic problems. It is essential that young people believe, fundamentally, that they can make a contribution, that life holds promise for them. But young people can bring about positive change only if empowered with the necessary tools, including knowledge, skills, and hope. And, although young people must be integrally involved in seeking and pursuing their own paths to a better world, the guidance of elders, those with the greatest experience, is indispensable.

The proposed Youth Environment Corps will provide a mechanism to allow youth, ages 16-24 to participate directly in promoting a healthy environment, while contributing to the development of young adults at perhaps the most critical juncture in their lives. It is envisioned that the Corps will work with existing entities, both Governmental and non-governmental, on priority environment initiatives, thus aiding the environment, reducing unemployment in a critical sector of society, and significantly contributing to youth development. The Corps will enhance awareness of the issues they work on, inspire individuals of all ages to take action, create some new jobs and micro-enterprises, and provide opportunities for young people to participate in activities that enhance their pursuit of further employment, training or education.

The time is ripe for the establishment of Youth Environment Corps (YEC). In January 2008 the YEC initiative commenced to scope out and test YEC’s feasibility. The process at the country-level entailed engaging and soliciting interest from a number of countries on the initiative through a pre-feasibility questionnaire; then selecting 3 model countries that meet the model selection criteria followed by undertaking a full feasibility assessment in select model countries. The results of the feasibility assessments suggest that the initiative can work in Nicaragua, Nepal and Angola; has country buy-in; and is closely aligned to strategic country priorities. The process at the global level entailed engaging and soliciting interest of key agencies and high profile personalities to become champions for YEC. UNDP, UNEP, ILO, UNF, IUCN, and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict have thus far agreed to act as champions for YEC.

It is now crucial to maintain momentum and build on the preparatory/scoping research and initial consultations on YEC, as model countries would need key support in realizing their YEC programmes through the development of project briefs, which would be instrumental in attracting wider stakeholder support including financing.

Objective

The objective of this assignment is to build on the scoping work undertaken so far on the YEC initiative, and continue support to the 3 model countries in order to prepare country background reports and project briefs.

Specific Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for the following specific deliverables:

1. Develop template for model country Project Briefs – draft and revise Project Briefs format upon receipt of feedback.
2. Mission to Nicaragua – undertake mission to Nicaragua to brief consultant/s engaged to prepare background report, and to participate in meetings with UNDP/Nicaragua and with key national government agencies and others as arranged by UNDP/Nicaragua
3. Mission to Angola – undertake mission to Angola to work with the national consultant and UNDP offices
4. Review and comment on Background Reports prepared by National Consultants in Nepal, Nicaragua and Angola.
5. Country Project Briefs for Nicaragua and Angola - using the information from the Background Reports prepared by national/international consultants, prepare country project briefs for Nicaragua and Angola.
6. Review and comment on Country Project Brief for Nepal and advise YEC Operational Focal Point on matters regarding Nepal YEC.

Output

The consultant is responsible for the production of the following outputs:

1. Template for model country Project Briefs
2. Comments on Country Project Brief for Nepal
3. Comments on Background Reports prepared by National Consultants in Nepal, Nicaragua and Angola
4. Country Project Briefs for Nicaragua and Angola

Timeframe

This phase of the project/initiative will be carried out over a period of two months, and is estimated to take the consultant 36 working days to complete. The possibility that this consultancy may be extended exists contingent on a number of factors including secured financing for the global proposal as well as the satisfactory delivery of the specific deliverables and outputs.

Partnership

The project/initiative is undertaken in collaboration with the Poverty Group of the UNDP.

Reporting

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Practice Director of the Environment and Energy Group of UNDP and in close collaboration with the UNDP YEC Operational Focal Point. At the country level, the consultant will work with YEC country focal points in Nicaragua, Nepal and Angola to provide the required support to UNDP country offices with assistance from UNDP YEC focal point.

Technical

• Intimate knowledge and familiarity with UNDP policies, programmes, and projects.
• Experience in designing UNDP large-scale natural resource management and conservation projects.
• Strong understanding of natural resource management and rehabilitation, and the link to employment generation for poverty reduction particularly in post-crisis and poverty situations;
• Strong understanding of the Youth Environment Corps concept as well as programmes and projects that include micro-enterprise development, cash or food for work programmes and employment generation with a particular focus on natural resources/environment;

Partnership building

• Previous experience in working with national counterparts and consultants and providing technical support services to achieve outputs such as project briefs through consultative process;

Planning and Organizing

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Communication

• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

• Masters degree in an environmental field.
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in natural resource management/environmental conservation.
• Knowledge on link between natural resource/environmental management, employment generation and poverty reduction with a particular focus on the youth is essential.
• Familiarity with the YEC concept including micro-enterprises, employment and work creation related to natural resources.
• Previous professional experience with international organizations, especially with UNDP, with a focus on natural resource management/environmental conservation
• Previous experience in working with post-crisis and poverty situation countries is desirable.
• Excellent English and Spanish oral and writing skills and good comprehension of written Portuguese.