Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Green Growth Consultant

Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

Mozambique still ranks among the least developed nations, with very low well-being indicators. About 70 percent of the country’s 30.8 (INE, 2020) million people live and work in rural areas, with their livelihoods heavily dependent on natural resources and environmental services. The majority of economic activities, including the livelihoods of the population depend on the natural capital that is available, whether for food supply (agriculture and fisheries), tourism, mining, energy, timber, or otherwise.

The welfare of Mozambique’s population, the country’s economic growth and the achievement of development and poverty reduction goals depend to a large extent on the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection. The Government has set aside large segments (about 24%) of the country territory as protected areas in an attempt to conserve its natural heritage while promoting sustainable economic growth. Many of these are important internationally recognized sites of high biodiversity value.

Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are estimated to contribute more than 50% to the GDP of Mozambique resulting in great pressure on natural resources, coupled with the inefficient use of resources. Environmental degradation is a serious problem resulting in an estimated yearly loss of 17% of GDP and increasing exposure to climate change hazards.

The country’s population and infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change which results in the loss of human life, crops, livestock, wildlife and critical infrastructure. This in turn drives up agricultural prices, exacerbates food insecurity, impacts human health and results in further environmental degradation. The rural poor, and especially women that directly depend on natural resources and environmental quality for their livelihood and resilience, are particularly vulnerable.

Social and economic development depends on the sustainable management of natural resources. Inclusive, sustainable and transparent management of natural resources is one of the most critical challenges facing resource-dependent developing countries in their efforts to advance on a social, environmental, and economic path and for the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Climate change, coastal erosion, deforestation, loss of mangroves, marine habitat degradation, soil degradation and the loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity threaten the very foundation of prosperous societies. Moreover, resilience to natural disasters depends to a large extent on well-functioning ecosystems.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will be expected to:

1. With the main objective of advising on current investments and ways of operating in new areas, or subareas of existing projects within the environment unit portfolio, the consultant will track opportunities, donor landscape, national agendas and priorities going forward, based on lessons learned from the implementation of the CPD ending in 2021, to assist in positioning the portfolio with respect to Environment, Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Green Growth. Also, once identified, scan what UNDP offers globally and identify/advise on entry points for UNDP’s Unit portfolio in Mozambique.

2. Provide inputs to support the implementation of the UN Strategy to the North and the Recovery and Peace Building Assessment (RPBA) framework and approach which aims to contribute to a Government-owned Strategy for the Northern region of Mozambique, with support from UNDP and other partners.

3. Recommend the best approach to shape UNDP's co-lead role in the environment and climate change groups at different levels, including the DPC Coalition of the Willing Climate and Resilience Working Group.

4. Based on the above work, develop 1) a document advising UNDP senior management on the areas to expand its work on the years to come and 2) an analytical piece/position paper to be used for publication and discussion.

5. Prepare briefing materials as required.

Competencies

• Strong understanding of concepts of the Green Economy, Biodiversity, Environment and Climate Resilience
• Proven knowledge of the donor landscape and the environmental and climate change issues in Mozambique and the Government’s approach to management of these challenges
• Strong understanding of green business development
• Solid experience in Project/programme development and planning and skills
• Familiarity with UNDP and its project planning processes.
• Proven ability to manage the development of studies related to environment, climate change and/or green economy
• Ability to network and actively interface with internal and external partners to meet work objectives.
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Climate Change, Economics, Public Administration or any other related area.

Experience:

• At least 10 years’ experience working on projects related to climate change and green economy.
• At least five year of experience working with green business enterprises in the context of developing countries.
• Experience writing, developing and/or managing environment, biodiversity and climate change assessments and studies.
• At least two years of experience developing, planning and/or managing projects for UNDP or other donors.
• Prior project experience in with working in Mozambique and/or Southern Africa.

Language skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English;
• Basic knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish is an advantage.