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The transition to sustainable development is a determining necessity for the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) 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 substantive 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.
Climate variability and change impacts (including climate-related disasters) and their inherent complexity are likely to pose considerable risks to important economic drivers, human welfare and the environment in Kazakhstan. For example, these impacts are predicted to negatively affect inter alia water resources, grain production, steppe and dryland pastures, sheep production and forestry. As a result, climate variability is likely to trigger a suite of food security, water security, energy security, human health and poverty problems in the country. Many of these systems are already stressed due to poor land management practices and the existing environmental legacy of central planning, a remnant of the Soviet era. In order to overcome the challenges that climate change poses, timely adaptation action and interventions are vital. Importantly, interventions should be strategically planned, coordinated and prioritized for action over the coming decades in order to overcome seemingly insurmountable and complex challenges.
Although many development projects within Kazakhstan are currently being conducted in the abovementioned sectors of concern, most are not focused on climate risk management interventions (which includes both climate-related disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation) (CRM) and have been undertaken on an ad hoc basis and in isolation from similar endeavours, with little focus on up-scaling. Few development projects take into consideration the complexities and multi-sectoral impacts of climate change. Furthermore, few economic assessments in Kazakhstan showcase the economic impacts of climate change with and without adaptation and as a result there is very little political traction for implementing proactive adaptation responses.
In order to overcome these challenges and for adaptation and climate-related disaster risk reduction to be successful in Kazakhstan, the following needs to be taken into account: i) CRM interventions should be based on up-to-date scientific studies and regional analyses of climate change, which will inform key national development policies and strategies; ii) interventions should be part of an overarching CRM strategy; iii) finance should be raised in order to upscale current successful adaptation measures and initiate future CRM interventions; iv) adaptation should be supported by technically skilled/capacitated individuals; v) interventions should be initiated in order to attract funding, catalyze learning and provide information for large-scale interventions (i.e. national and/or regional level); vi) knowledge should be shared nationally and regionally; and vii) CRM should address gender equality and incorporate indigenous knowledge.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Under the supervision of the Expert-coordinator on national climate change policy, in cooperation with the national expert on adaptation to climate change, the incumbent will:
- Analyze key national development policies, strategies and plans to identify whether they may be affected positively or negatively by current and future climatic risks and, where needed, suggest climate proofing measures (10-15 pages report).
- In parallel with the review of the main strategic and sectoral programmes and plans; analyze the existing and planned projects and activities related to adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction; identify gaps in the current institutional, economic and regulatory policy and suggest options to integrate the issues of climate risk management into strategic planning in the country (10-15 pages report).
- Conduct CRM capacity needs assessment and draft a plan of action to develop and strengthen national capacities (10-15 pages report).
- Based on the capacity needs assessment and on the review of strategic documents and initiatives, in cooperation with a national expert, suggest possible revisions to institutional mandates of key sectoral ministries.
- Based on the capacity needs assessment, develop a comprehensive training package and conduct at least one CRM training for a selected target group.
- Visit Astana in the fall of 2010, to consult with key stakeholders and familiarize him-/herself with the country context and update national stakeholders on the best international experiences in the area of CRM. The consultant is supposed to prepare for the mission and read background documents in advance (see the minimum list of the documents to study below). S/he is also supposed to prepare a short informative paper of 3-5 pages on basic CRM concepts and some best experiences from other countries. S/he is also supposed to submit a mission report including initial review of the strategic documents; initial draft of the capacity needs assessment and key findings from the meetings.
- Provide inputs into the National Adaptation Strategy, including, but not limited to: i) assist the team of national experts in elaboration of the baseline study; ii) propose CRM measures to be included in the Strategy (with suggested responsible parties, costs, potential sources of funding).
- Support work of the national communications expert by providing substantive inputs in the development of the public information campaign on climate change, in particular prepare information materials for distribution.
- Map potential external funding opportunities and develop a financing strategy for the CRM measures in Kazakhstan, which shall identify specific funding sources/donors. Undertake initial discussions with potential donors (10-15 pages report).
- Provide other expert advice on CRM to UNDP and to the Government, as required.
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Competencies
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- Technical knowledge of climate change consequences for the development, financial sphere, environmental protection and other related fields is important
- Strong knowledge of the issues on adaptation to climate change, disaster risk management and development
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Required Skills and Experience
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Education:
Master degree in the field of the environment protection or management, economy, development or other related area
Experience:
At least 10 years of work experience in the related field. Experience of field work on issues related to natural hazard mitigation, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation is desirable.
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.
Experience in designing and delivering training packages, preferably on adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction.
Related work experience with state structures, work experience with the UN system or other international agencies. Work experience in the Central Asian countries is an advantage.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, including written and spoken communication skills.
Knowledge of Russian, including written and spoken communication skills is preferable.
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