Environment Specialist (Environment Assessment)

Rwanda is experiencing rapid economic growth while population growth is also severe and there is a great risk of environment degradation unless appropriate measures are taken. The measures need to not only discourage inappropriate economic development but also encourage activities that contribute to sustainable development.

With this regard, the present comprehensive national strategy in (i.e. Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS, 2008-12)) illustrates importance of full implementation of environmental assessments (EA).

EA is essential to eliminate any irresponsible development activities to the environment. EA contains both Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), which assess each concrete development project, and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), which conduct environmental assessments of policies, plans and programmes before having a concrete development project.

Right now, the Government of Rwanda does not have sufficient experts in the above field and lacks the capacity. This is the reason why the government requests an international advisor having expertise in the area to stay at the government for a certain period and train national and local government staff members in charge and relating non-government stakeholders. This request is well harmonized with UNDP priorities in the environment field stipulated under UNDAF (United Nations Development Assistance Framework in ; 2008-12) framework for achieving One UN Reform.

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Environment Unit, UNDP Rwanda is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate for the position of an EA Advisor, to be based in Kigali . The incumbent should possess in-depth expertise in the field of EA area, and be of such caliber that she/he can effectively engage with high-level government officials and other stakeholders, and represent UNDP and provide advanced strategic advice on EA policies and programming.

The advisor will work at REMA (Rwanda Environmental Management Authority) and take any necessary measures to smoothly implement EIA and SEA.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Environment Unit of UNDP and daily close contact with REMA, the incumbent shall undertake the following tasks:

• Review relevant documentation and analyze the situation of with regards to EIA and SEA, and make necessary recommendations regarding to EIA
• Develop screening criteria for assessing a policy, plan or programme whether they should undergo SEA
• Establish procedures/guidelines for conducting SEA including environmental impact studies and public participation and involvement process under SEA
• Establish criteria for evaluating Environmental Review Reports
• Design a well articulated criteria for approval (denial) of SEA and appropriate steps in order to facilitate decision making for approval
• Propose procedures for monitoring contents and periodic reporting
• Strengthen institutional and human capacity relating to EA
• Develop national capacity for implementation of EA measures

Key results expected

During the assignment, the incumbent will:

• Produce SEA procedures/guidelines
• Hole a validation workshop for approving the above procedures/guidelines
• Conduct trainings for public/private stakeholders relating to EA
• Hold at least four workshops during the mission for public/private stakeholders relating to EA
• Produce recommendation report for EIA improvements to be conducted in shorter terms based on the situation analysis
• Conduct at least one concrete case of SEA

Corporate Competencies:  

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards 
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP 
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP 

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
• Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations

Management and Leadership: 

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication and reporting skills

Education :

• Advanced degree (at least Master’s or equivalent) in environment or related fields.

Experience :

• At least 5 years of work experience with at least two (2) years in EA especially in developing countries.

Language requirements :

• Fluent in speaking and writing in English or French, preferably both.

N.B.  Qualified female candidate are encouraged to apply.