Consultancy on Pathway to Recovery in Yemen: Environment

Result of Service The main objective of the assignment is to contribute to the implementation of the Yemen Vision for Recovery and Development project by producing a forward-looking analysis on the state of environment and natural resource management in Yemen, which will form the evidence base for the overall socio-economic dialogue process. The analysis report should provide a situational analysis of the current state of affairs of the environment and natural resource management in Yemen and explore pathways to recovery to inform the policymakers, experts, and stakeholders who will participate in the Project. The analysis should be high-quality, up to date, innovative, creative, and of added value. The focus should be on practical knowledge gathering, rather than on theoretical or abstract work. The expert who will draft this analysis should have extensive knowledge on Yemen and the current body of literature that exists on the subject matter.

The analysis report will include the following: -A situational analysis of the current situation of the environment and natural resource management in Yemen (the effects of climate change, alternative energy systems, pollution control, natural resource management, food security, water management, desertification, climate security, climate justice); -A forward-looking pathway to recovery that identifies immediate priorities. - Stability targets to monitor the progress of recovery within the environmental and resource management contexts - Integration of the triple nexus approach in the recovery plan. - Prerequisites for an inclusive and people-centered recovery.

Within delegated authority, the consultant shall draft this forward-looking situational analysis and shall present the main findings of the report in a two-day meeting to a group of experts. The Consultant shall submit the final draft of the report in two weeks after the meeting.

Work Location Yemen

Expected duration 1 months

Duties and Responsibilities Background:

The objective of ESCWA’s Cluster 6 is to advance just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, especially for people living under occupation or in conflict or post-conflict settings; to improve governance and strengthen effective, efficient and accountable public institutions; and to enhance service delivery.

SDG 16 calls on all levels of government to "create effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions," a goal in which well-functioning governments play a significant role. The need for effective governments, on the other hand, goes beyond SDG 16 and runs through all the other objectives, which rely heavily on the public sector to formulate policies, operationalize programs, and provide quality services to society. Civil servants and specifically senior and leadership positions in all fields play a significant role in institutional strength and government capability. Thus, the path to enhanced government competence and cross-cutting SDG attainment may then begin to be illuminated with a clear knowledge of the elements that drive civil servant motivation and performance.

The war in Yemen has caused famine, drought, disease, a lack of public services, displacement, and an unprecedented unravelling of Yemeni society. Yemeni institutions, which were weak before the start of the crisis, have become weaker than ever. Unable to provide basic services, they also lack the capacity to absorb humanitarian and development aid. Planning for recovery and sustainable development in such a complex situation requires a vision on the impact of the conflict and clear methods for development actors and national institutions to design and implement development programmes in Yemen.

Many donors and multilateral entities face challenges in supporting a shared Yemeni vision for recovery and sustainable development, and in coordinating strategic objectives that serve the recovery and development phases. Identifying key priorities for a sustainable recovery will help establish an understanding among the different actors in Yemen of the most pressing issues in the pre-recovery phase to ensure permanent peace and sustainable development.

ESCWA aims to support Yemenis in developing a national vison for recovery and sustainable development. The project’s ultimate goals are to foster an inclusive and sustainable recovery in Yemen through strengthened public institutions. The project covers two intervention areas: a) Developing a consensus-based recovery vision: an all-inclusive technical dialogue platform on recovery and sustainable development will be established. Yemeni experts and stakeholders will engage in a dialogue to develop a socioeconomic vision for recovery and sustainable development. Evidence-based research will be conducted to support the identification of the vision’s priorities. b) Building institutional capacity to translate vision outcomes into action: institutional readiness of institutions, which is vital for recovery, will be supported through technical assistance and strengthened partnerships. Public institutions and civil servants will be trained through institution-building programmes to realize the outcomes of the recovery vision.

Duties and Responsibilities

ESCWA intends to contract a home-based expert to: - Conduct a situational analysis of the state of environment and resource management in Yemen - Project a pathway to recovery in Yemen - Identify the immediate priorities for recovery within the context of environment and resource management - Identify stability targets to monitor recovery. - Illustrate ways of integrating the triple nexus approach in the recovery plan. - Identify prerequisites of an inclusive and people-centered recovery. - Attend a two-day meeting to present the findings of the report and discuss it with participants.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Consultant is administered within the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). He/She will draft a forward-looking situational analysis for the Yemen Vision for Recovery and Development project and will report directly to the Director. During the implementation of this contract, periodic discussions and reviews of rough drafts and research progress shall occur at reasonable intervals throughout the development of the report. It is expected from the contractor and the project team to work closely together during the consultancy to ensure successful contract fulfillment. The Consultant shall abide by the terms set in the contract as well as fulfill the responsibilities and tasks that are detailed in this document.

Qualifications/special skills Master's degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, environmental economics, energy and environment, ecology, sustainable development or other related fields, preferably with relevant development policy or sector-specific research, is required. A minimum of seven years of experience in environmental sciences, environmental economics, ecology or environmental research and analysis, policy formulation, or the application of environmental science principles. Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods for environmental analysis is desirable. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on environment and related topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources is desirable. Extensive knowledge of Yemen's environmental context and economy, social and governance structure as well as institutions is required. Ability to apply ecology, resource management, and environmental concepts and approaches, especially as it relates to Yemen is desirable.

Languages Excellent command of both English and Arabic, spoken and written is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.