UNDP Jobs - 41811- Technical Support – Environment, UNDP- EPCO Projec

Technical Support – Environment, UNDP- EPCO Project on Support to Madhya Pradesh State Climate Change Knowledge Management Centre - (Open to Indian Nationals only)

Location :

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Nov-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year (renewable)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has designated the Environmental Planning and Coordination Organization (EPCO) as the State Agency to work on Climate Change issues. UNDP under its partnership with EPCO on “Support to MP State Climate Change Knowledge Management Centre” is helping the state to operationalize and strengthen the Centre.

Environmental Planning and Coordination Organization (EPCO) is registered society under Housing and Environment Department Government of Madhya Pradesh. One of the major roles that EPCO performs is to mainstream environmental concerns in various development initiatives of the state. As an autonomous organization of the State government EPCO enjoys easy access to all government stakeholders in the State to facilitate and co-ordinate environment and climate change related works in the State.

Madhya Pradesh State Climate Change Knowledge Management Center (SCCKMC)

Realizing the fact that climate change is affecting the state the Government of MP assigns high priority to the issues of Climate Change and has constituted a high level interdepartmental committee with a view to ensure inter-sectoral coordination and integration of climate Change concerns in the policy and programs of line departments.

The existing Climate Change Cell of EPCO, which was strengthened with UNDP support in the earlier phase of UNDP-EPCO partnership, is now being transformed into the State Climate Change Knowledge Management Center. The mission of this center is : To become a Center of Excellence and Knowledge Hub in the country to cater to the information and knowledge needs of policy makers, scientific community and general public on issues related to climate change through collection, synthesis and dissemination of knowledge. State Government has designated EPCO as the State Nodal Agency for Climate Change and State Designated Agency for Climate Change Knowledge Management Center.

UNDP under its partnership with EPCO on “Support to MP State Climate Change Knowledge Management Centre” is helping the state to operationalize and strengthen the Centre.

The SCCKMC is in line with National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change (under National Action Plan on Climate Change). The planned outputs of this UNDP-EPCO Project are:

Establishment of a Technical Cell at the State Knowledge Management Centre;
Creation and functioning of a Knowledge Portal on Climate Change;
Establishment of 12 Community based Climate Change Pulse Centres (CCPCs) in all 11 agro-climatic zones of the state;
Capacity building of departments, institutions and other stakeholders;
Initiate pilots on mainstreaming SAPCC recommendations into Departmental policy;
Action Research and Development of Knowledge Products relevant to the region on climate change.

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director EPCO and the direct supervision of Principal Investigator/ Coordinator the position of the Consultant - Environment is seen as a key resource for providing Technical Assistance and Advisory Support to the State Climate Change Knowledge Management Center. The consultant will work under the guidance of UNDP State Programme Officer in Madhya Pradesh.

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support:

Provide high level technical support on Environmental issues;
Provide support for the identification of project partners/ agencies of appropriate experts, consultants and explore possibilities of mutual support on issues related to Environmental Management;
Develop and maintain a vibrant network of academic institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders working on Environment.
Provide technical support to Executive Director, Coordinator/ PI and Co-PI in preparing monthly/ Quarterly / half yearly/ and annual progress reports to be submitted to funding agency/government in prescribed formats;
Assist in collection and collation of knowledge on Environmental issues- national as well as global.

Project Management:

Assist in coordination of implementation of projects and other activities of the center;
Assist in preparation of Annual Work Plans for Environment related activities;
Prepare ToR/ RFP for engaging experts / agencies for the various projects of the center;
Contribute in raising awareness among key actors, in particular at government level, regarding Environment; promote, identify and support the replication of effective community based adaptation models;
Facilitate implementation of capacity building activities. Facilitate and coordinate with the outreach centers of the SCCKMC;
Assist with the development and maintenance of monitoring, evaluation and reporting mechanisms to effectively monitor the progress of various component of the project.

Any other task assigned by the supervisors.

Competencies

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;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Communication Skills:

Good facilitation and communication skills;
Receives information to seek and understand differing perspectives;
Tailors and presents information to diverse audiences using a variety of communication delivery methods (e.g., written, electronic, oral, interpersonal)Documentation;
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Team work:

Appears credible and confident, remaining calm and pleasant when dealing with others in difficult situations;
Builds and maintains constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where appropriate); treats people with respect, is co-operative, supportive and helpful with a positive contribution to the working environment;
Reliable in delivering own parts of the work as part of a team effort;
Demonstrates an understanding of what other professionals contribute in order to work constructively within the office.

Technical Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of environmental and climate change related concepts, theories and practice;
Sound understanding of current issues related to climate change and environment;
Abreast with knowledge about international and national policy on environment and climate change;
Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
Proven ability to work flexibly and independently with limited supervision in a multicultural team environment and deliver quality results against tight deadlines;
Multi-task in an organization transcending across national boundaries and multiple time zones.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters in Environmental Studies/ Energy Studies/ Agriculture/ Natural Resources/climate Change or related field.

Experience:

Essential: Minumum 3 years of experience on climate change or environmental issues;
Experience of working with Governments/ NGOs/ Donors/ Civil Society on similar assignments will be preferred;
Desirable: Project Management Experience.

Language:

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi;
Language skills common in the programme State is preferred.

Travel:

Ability to travel on a short notice.