Blue Economy Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Under the UNDP Multi Country Programme Document (MCPD) for the Pacific Islands and Territories 2023-2027, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) is working to achieve the outcome that “By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and stresses, especially related to climate variability impacts; and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed, and restored”.

By this commitment and leveraging the SIDS Offer on Blue Economy, the UNDP Ocean Pledge and UNDP Nature Pledge, the UNDP Samoa MCO supports the Governments of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau in developing and implementing blue economy strategies and plans that not only focus on marine resource and ocean management, but also catalyse livelihoods generation for vulnerable communities, effect interventions that are inclusive and empowering of youth, women and marginalized communities, and strengthen social and financial systems so to build community resilience.

In this assignment, the UNV Specialist is expected to work within the Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Unit and national partners across the four SIDS covered by the MCO to design a multi-country/regional project document focusing on transforming markets for reef investment solutions towards sustaining healthy coral reef ecosystems and blue economic development. This will include implementing the project preparation grant (PPG) phase and managing the subsequent process for securing grant approval from the targeted donors.

The UNV Specialist will also support the ECC Unit with portfolio pipeline development focusing on the blue economy by conducting research on practical applications based on the key priorities of the four SIDS, as well as conducting donor landscaping in the blue economy space and related fields that are inclusive of ocean management and marine resource management interventions. In addition, s/he will support with implementation of the ongoing programme portfolio.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative of the ECC Unit, the UNV Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

1. Contribute to the design, and manage the PPG phase, of the multi-country/regional project document on transforming markets for reef investment solutions towards sus-taining healthy coral reef ecosystems and blue economic development.

2. Conduct research on SIDS blue economy priorities for the development of concept notes and proposals, as well as donor landscaping.

3. Support the implementation and provide advice to ongoing blue economy related UNDP projects in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau.

☒ Accountability

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility

☒ Building Trust

☒ Client Orientation

☒ Commitment and Motivation

☒ Creativity

☒ Ethics and Values

☒ Integrity

☒ Judgement and Decision-making

☒ Planning and Organizing

☒ Professionalism

☒ Respect for Diversity

☒ Self-Management

☒ Working in Teams

programme/project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

· Relevant experience working with development partners and donors both in multilateral and bilateral relations on project support and funding.

· Relevant experience working with government partners, non-government organiza-tions, private sector, civil society organizations, and communities.

· Relevant experience working with SIDS particularly in the Pacific region is desired.

· Relevant experience in development and implementation of blue economy strategies or related frameworks in SIDS is an advantage.

Samoa gained independence in 1962 – the first Polynesian country to achieve this political status. Situated about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa is made of nine volcanic islands, two of which - Savai'i and Upolu - make up more than 99% of the land. The capital city of Samoa is Apia. The total population of Samoa is 200,000 with a total area of 2,934 square km. The terrain consists of narrow coastal plains with volcanic, rocky, 6 rugged mountains in interior.

Samoa is a bilingual country. Samoan is the main language and English is the second official language. Most government bodies and institutions work primarily in English.

The traditional Samoan way, the fa’a Samoa, remains a strong force in Samoan life and politics where family is all-important and elders are highly respected. Each village is made up of ex-tended families that are represented on the village council by a chief (matai). The more west-ern-style parliamentary system in Samoa is highly influenced by traditional social systems and the family, civic and political duties performed by the matai at village level. The country is predominantly Christian.

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remit-tances from overseas and agricultural exports. The manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. Tourism is an expanding sector in Samoa.

Apia has good accommodation facilities in terms of the Pacific standard and good road net-works. Medical facilities are limited in comparison to developed countries and emergencies are undertaking in New Zealand. Food items and imported commodities are easily available in the market. There is a functioning banking system in the country. Samoa has a warm tropical climate and insect repellents are needed for the nights. Apia has an international airport which is well connected to New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.