Country Programme Development Consultant

Environment

Overview

Conduct portfolio reviews for UNEP engagement in Caribbean CIPs

You have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration or the natural sciences is required.
• Master’s degree in sustainable development, natural sciences or economics or finance or business, is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in portfolio or project planning/evaluation, or portfolio analysis, is required.
• Experience designing or implementing technical assistance programmes/projects that utilize principles, standards, best practices and/or technology solutions, will be an asset.
• Experience working in Latin America or Caribbean contexts is desired, with demonstrated knowledge of key challenges and realities of countries.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
• Research/writing skills are desirable, with ability to conduct, explain and describe complex analyses and solutions.

Result of Service This consultancy will review UNEP programming in 3 UN Country Team (UNCT) Country Implementation Plans (CIPs) - Jamaica, Guyana and Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean - and identify critical opportunities or entry points for mainstreaming environment into CIPs, and formulate appropriate UNEP "country programmes" (in accordance with the approved template). Details of activities include:

Objectives of Consultancy The overall objective of the consultancy is to strengthen UNEP-UNCT engagement on the MSDCF/CIPs, and to mainstream the environmental dimensions of the 2030 SDG agenda efficiently and effectively. The Consultant will deliver on the following work activities and outputs:

1. Review and analyze engagement processes in the 3 selected UNCTs and MSDCF/CIP portfolios: a) Review and analyze existing UNEP-UNCT outreach modalities, in-country processes, communication flows, collaboration and/or working relationships that are relevant for realizing joint work, results reporting and facilitating country requests. b) Study and map existing national stakeholder engagement processes, whether formal or informal (multi-/bilateral, forums, summits, roundtables, groups), as executed by HQ/divisional/regional offices, sub-programme coordinators &/or project managers (access to UNEP and UNCT personnel and other relevant stakeholders will be facilitated, as necessary). c) Conduct integrated portfolio analyses on the 3 UNCT MSDCF/CIP portfolios and identify opportunities for UNEP to mainstream climate, biodiversity and pollution actions.

Output: Product No. 1 - Situation Report describing the existing UNCT engagement modalities. The consultant will prepare a Situation Report that describes the consultant’s initial review findings related to the ways in which UNEP participates in, contributes to and/or supports the 3 UNCTs and the range of project activity implemented by various UNEP offices and divisions.

2. Develop Proposals for the country programmes: On the basis of the prior analysis, the consultant will develop appropriate country programmes using the UNEP “Country Programme” template.

Output: Product No. 2 - Three (3) UNEP Country Programmes The country programmes (Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados & Eastern Caribbean) will need to strike an appropriate and realistic balance between current/future needs and priorities of the target UNCTs and of the countries (Part I of the “Country Programme” template). The recommended Country Programmes will also specify key opportunities to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution (Part II of Country Programme Template), and a more coherent UNEP engagement strategy (Part III), where feasible. The recommended Country Programmes will also serve as discussion documents for final stakeholder review and approval.

The consultant will submit each deliverable to the Head, UNEP/CSRO in accordance with the agreed schedule.

Work Location Home base

Expected duration Six (6) months

Duties and Responsibilities Purpose The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region, and its activities are integrated into the UNEP Medium-Term Strategy, MTS (2022-2025) and Programmes of Work (current 2022-2023), approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

The UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office (CSRO) based in Kingston, Jamaica, is the LAC Office’s liaison to governments and stakeholders in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, with its six (6) UN Country Teams (UNCTs) and/or multi-country offices (MCOs) that manage the implementation of Country Implementation Plans (CIPs) – also known as joint work programmes – under the regional Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF), 2022-2026. The MSDCF is the UN system’s 5-year cooperation agreement with the Caribbean Governments. The CIPs are the action, accountability and funding frameworks developed for each UNCT/MCO, with a portfolio of UN agency project activities aligned to the 4 strategic priorities and 8 Outcome areas of the MSDCF. The UNCTs and Caribbean governments periodically make requests of UNEP/CSRO for semi- and annual results reports (including expenditures) on the UNEP project portfolio.

The Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) was established by UNEP in 1981 as part of its Regional Seas Programme (Ecosystems Division). It is coordinated by the Cartagena Convention Secretariat based in Kingston, Jamaica. Twenty-six (26) member states in the wider Caribbean region (including Gulf of Mexico and Central America) are signatory to the Convention and/or its 3 Protocols – Oils Spills Prevention, Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), and Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution (LBS) – with specialist technical support provided by 4 Regional Activity Centres located in Curacao, Guadeloupe, Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago. The Secretariat has been delivering project actions in the member states for over 4 decades.

Since September 2022, UNEP has been rolling out a new Delivery Model across regions. The objective is to provide clarity on roles and responsibilities in the execution of UNEP’s MTS across divisions, regional offices and sub-programmes, comply and contribute to UN system reform, and improve delivery of outcomes to countries. The Delivery Model is therefore the disciplined framework that ensures organizational excellence and realizes ‘client’ (i.e. country) priorities.

At the core of the UNEP Delivery Model are project development, design and implementation functions, through which, services are delivered to countries, based on defined needs and priorities. In that regard, the interrelations of UNEP’s divisional and regional offices are consolidated in terms of leadership, technical, thematic, internal/external processes and reporting functions, all intended to maximize MTS outcomes. However, there is also a requirement to deliver tangible results at country levels – via UNCT CIPs – and as part of UN reform.

UNEP’s regional offices are described in the Delivery Model as the face of UNEP at regional and “country” levels. Yet its physical presence in the Caribbean is restricted to the main LAC regional office (Panama), the CSR office and Convention Secretariat (Jamaica), and not country-specific offices. In that regard also, UNEP has been implementing a portfolio of regional projects, with fewer country-specific projects and initiatives. To be more effective in delivering on country needs, UNEP now requires closer collaboration with UNCTs, and the ability to identify and harness opportunities, and to bi-directionally transmit timely information for project development and results reporting.

The CSRO coordinates UNEP engagement with various Caribbean political and stakeholder platforms, e.g.: - The region’s main political organizations – the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM) and the Commission of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), their implementing organs and specialized agencies, including attending technical meetings and events; regular contact and networking with ministerial focal points and high-level officers. - The 6 UN Country Teams (UNCTs), which prepare common- and multi-country analyses (CCAs, CMCAs) as part of in-country collaborative and participatory processes that provide integrated analyses, and serve as the basis for developing the MSDCF/CIP priorities. Three UNCTs will serve as pilots for this consultancy – Jamaica, Guyana & Barbados & Eastern Caribbean. - The biennial LAC Forum of Environment Ministers which collates regional and country priorities for resolution at the quadrennial UN Environment Assembly.

This engagement ties in directly to the CSRO’s mandate to support the Caribbean small island developing states – SIDS – and the open-ended LAC Regional Forum working group (OEWG), established to implement “Decision 8 – Environmental Dimension of the Sustainable Development of SIDS” (XXII Forum) – a Caribbean SIDS Programme that aligns with the SIDS Mauritius Strategy (2010) and the SAMOA Pathway (2014), adopted by Caribbean countries. The LAC Regional Forum is managed by UNEP’s LAC Office.

In the context of the new Delivery Model, UNEP has assigned Caribbean country focal points from among its CSRO staff to support the 6 Caribbean UNCTs on CIP development, resource mobilization and implementation. The focal points are conduits for communicating UNEP activities in countries, channeling country-based requests internally, monitoring delivery of projects and assisting in periodic project results reporting. UNEP is promoting a “Country Programme Template” for adopting the relevant CIP as the basis of engagement with UN Resident Coordinators and for a common programming approach in countries. As UNEP transitions to this modality of implementation, Caribbean-based activities now need clear guidance and direction for engagement and programming.

UNEP/CSRO is therefore seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct MSDCF/CIP portfolio reviews, integrated analyses and to identify opportunities for future country programming in 3 Caribbean UNCTs – Barbados & Eastern Caribbean (with 6 independent island states ), Guyana and Jamaica. Detailed activities are described below.

The consultant will be supervised by the Head, UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office.

Qualifications/special skills ACADEMIC A Bachelor’s degree in management, business administration or the natural sciences is required.

Master’s degree in sustainable development, natural sciences or economics or finance or business, is required.

PROFESSIONAL A minimum of seven (07) years of progressively responsible work experience in portfolio or project planning/evaluation, or portfolio analysis, is required.

Experience designing or implementing technical assistance programmes/projects that utilize principles, standards, best practices and/or technology solutions, will be an asset. Experience working in Latin America or Caribbean contexts is desired, with demonstrated knowledge of key challenges and realities of countries.

Additional experience working in international contexts, with participatory processes or with stakeholder engagement strategies, mobilizing resources and/or financing for sustainable development/SDGs, will be a definite asset. Previous work experience in the UN system is an advantage. Research/writing skills are desirable, with ability to conduct, explain and describe complex analyses and solutions.

Languages Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Additional Information SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Skills: The candidate should have proven ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously and in an organized and timely manner. He/she should be able to work independently and have strong problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the candidate should have a track record of delivering consistently high-quality outputs as well as strong analytical and conceptual skills.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the assignment. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed tasks; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org