National Consultancy to support the Country Office to strengthen the risk-informed programming in the WASH sector

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, h****ow can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the WASH Specialist and CSD Manager. The consultant will provide technical inputs and coordinate with relevant government partners at national and sub national level to identify and incorporate Climate Resilient WASH (CRW) initiatives within the UNICEF annual work plan and support with developing and implementing interventions, research studies, proposal development and assessments.

Duty station - UNICEF Colombo, with frequent travels to districts

Duration - 8 months (Part Time)

Tentative start date: 01 May 2021

Activities and Tasks:

a. Review CRW framework and shift strategy together with all other available resources to assess status of the Country programme with respect to the 9 steps identified in the shift strategy

b. Provide work plan for the implementation of the climate resilient WASH component (Climate Resilient WASH models/Ground Water recharging model, WASH related interventions of the UN Joint Resilient Project and relevant evidence generation).

c. Support to conduct the risk analysis for the WASH sector and coordinate with relevant national agencies and consultants/consultant agency.

d. Conduct policy dialogue with relevant government officials and development partners in Sri Lanka on policies and strategies to identify existing policy gaps in WASH, related to climate change integration and to understand that how they impact on children and their families.

e. Support to conceptualize and document local proposals for climate financing mechanisms, coordinating with sector partners, arrange meetings/workshops, share information with partners and attend relevant meetings.

f. Develop training plan and assemble training package on climate resilient WASH initiatives and Coordinate capacity building trainings on climate resilient WASH at national and sub-national level government entities and support them to integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction into the national/provincial level development plans, strategies and action plans.

g. Review the supportive bi laws at provincial and local government (Pradeshiya Sabha, municipal councils etc.) levels and policies relevant to drinking water management to identify potential and incorporate Climate resilient WASH initiatives

h. Provide technical support to the local government authorities to develop monitoring mechanisms for better management of drinking water sources and strengthen implementation of local policies to protect water sources (Relevant to the UN Joint Resilient Project).

i. Prepare analytical reports describing the impact and progress made relative to program objectives, identify any gaps and emerging operational issues, and identify best practices and lessons.

j. Participate in reviews in the project cycle to help assure improved quality at entry, oversee and monitor project performance, and extract lessons learned for the design of new projects and programs in Sri Lanka.

k. Ensure that key technical, economic, financial, and crosscutting issues are incorporated into the Resilient Project.

Work relationships:

The national consultant will be under contract to UNICEF Sri Lanka and report to the WASH Specialist-CSD for contractual and logistical matters. For technical guidance and collaboration, the consultant will liaise with the UNICEF Programme Officers in different units and zonal offices as well as with the Government officials at national and sub-national levels.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

a) Education: PhD, Master’s degree or equivalent in Climate Change, Water Management, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Geography, Development Studies, and Disaster Management.

b) Specialist skills/Training: Experience in Climate Change, climate financing, climate policies, water management, environmental and development are preferred; Knowledge about government decision-making, previous experiences in proposal development, and network with climate institutions will be considered assets; strong analytical skills as reflected in publications on climate change in referenced journals; suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required standards;

c) Years of experience: At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in the fields related to climate change, water conservation/management aspects environment management, and development sectors as well as experience of working with governmental entities, research and policy institutions and communities;

d) Competencies: In-depth knowledge on Sri Lanka climate change, water resources management and disaster management policies, strategies and frameworks as well as legislation related to children’s rights; access to networks of professionals in related fields; ability to work cordially in an environment with persons of different backgrounds and opinions; ability to navigate challenges in completing tasks and ability ensure deliverables in a timely manner; ability to travel frequently to provinces;

e) Languages required: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and strong interpersonal and presentation skills. Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is a must.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a resume, cover letter and other relevant documents through the UNICEF e-Recruitment system at https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

Interested consultants should indicate ability, availability and all-inclusive fee rate (Daily/ Monthly fee- including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable) for expected deliverables to undertake the terms of reference.

Applications submitted without a fee/ rate will not be considered

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

If you think this Consultancy might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.