International Consultant: Adaptation to Climate Change

The transition to sustainable development is a determining necessity for the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of entering the number of 50 competitive countries of the world, in accordance with the Message of the President of RK. The UNDP/MEP Project provides assistance in realization of the Concept on RK transition to sustainable development for 2007-2024, approved by the Decree of the President of RK dated November 14, 2006, # 216.

At present, within the framework of the process on transition to sustainable development, the definition of the position of the Government of Kazakhstan on meeting the obligations adopted after ratification of UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol requires cardinal revising of the model of Kazakhstan’s economic growth, which occurs basically due to growing prices for raw material at the world markets and use of considerable amount of natural resources disregarding the need in transition to low-carbon development. After ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in April 2009, Kazakhstan actively joined the worldwide process on mitigation of the global climate change and started intensive activity on fulfillment the requirements under UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol on the national level.

Most likely the climate change in Central Asia will result in: i) temperature increase; ii) changed nature of precipitations; iii) aridity increase; and iv) more frequent extreme weather phenomena. All this will be accompanied by more frequent and intensive, in particular, floods, droughts, mud floods, glacier melting and mudslide. Until well-timed, coordinated and sustainable adaptation actions have been taken, the country probably will have significant economic damage; will face humanitarian stress and environmental degradation as result of climatic change.

Undertaking the commitments on reduction of greenhouse gasses emissions the Government will be actively promoting the policy on adaptation and mitigation of climate change impact on the key sector of the economy of the country. The joint UNDP/MEP Project shall contribute to the process of the development of the National Program on adaptation to climate change.

The tasks of the consultant shall include the review of the existing and planned national strategies and plans related to adaptation to climate change, and development of recommendations on integration of related provisions into the strategies or plans or implementation of additional studies or assessment for inclusion, where reasonable, adaptation measures in order for Kazakhstan to be able to implement its commitments on the development and realization of adaptation plans according to UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.

Along with the independent study of the related documents the consultant shall conduct the mission to the country in close cooperation with the UNDP country office. Consultations with key partners shall be organized during the mission:

• from the Government of the country in charge of the climate change issues as well as related branch ministries including those that involved in planning and financing;
• if required, from related national organizations and institutes including research and educational institutions.
  The International Consultant shall cooperate with several national consultants specialized in this area.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Expert-coordinator on national climate change policy, the International Consultant shall be responsible for the preparation of the activity within the framework of the Component 3.

• Component 3. Support of the activity on adaptation to climate change in Kazakhstan and integration of the issues on adaptation to climate change in the main policy and the development strategies

Technical activity

• Profound knowledge of the national policy and programs related to mitigation of consequence of the climate change and the development.
• Knowledge, analytical skills and related work experience of the field of climate change.
• Good practical understanding of the market economy principles and impact of the regulatory and tax-budgetary policy on the reduction of GHG emissions.
• Ability to learn new terminology and notions easily and to develop a logical project document on the basis of the information received from different sources.

Interaction with partners

• Maturity and confidence in relation to work with senior and high-ranking members of international, regional and national institutions.
• Cultural, gender, religious, race, national and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Good spoken communication skills, ability to solve conflicts to manage the dynamic of inter-group relations and reconcile contradicting interests of different actors.
• Excellent written communication skills, analytical abilities and ability to synthesize project outcomes and related conclusions to prepare project reports of high quality.

Work principles

• Promotion of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UNDP.
• Establishing close relations with clients, focusing on the impact and results for the client and positive response to feedback.
• Ability to work in a team, to be initiative, ability to work under minimum control and support good relations.

• Master degree in the field of the environment protection or management, economy, development or other related area.
• Technical knowledge of climate change consequence for the development, financial sphere, environmental protection and other related fields is important.

Work experience

• At least 15 years of work experience in the related field.
• Profound knowledge of the issues on adaptation to climate change and development.
• Experience in the development, implementation or management of projects.
• Experience in participation of the process on policy development related to the environment, climate change and sustainable development is an advantage.
• Related work experience with state structures, work experience with the UN system or other international agencies
• Excellent knowledge of English, including written and spoken communication skills
• Knowledge of Russian, including written and spoken communication skills is preferable
• Work experience in the countries of Annex I or Central Asian countries is an advantage.