National Safeguards Expert Nepal

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

1. A detailed work plan of the work for the safeguards element of the NRS review integrated into overall workplan of NRS review 2. A technical review of alignment and achievements/challenges related to safeguards of previous NRS 3. Updated stakeholder mapping for NRS and input to stakeholder engagement/consultation plan 4. Materials for information sharing/consultations 5. Inputs to review report (lead by the Team Leader) 6. Input to plan / outline / process for update of NRS

Work Location

Kathmandu

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global 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. Under the UN-REDD Technical Assistance to Nepal, UNEP is looking to hire a national consultant from Nepal to provide technical expert services on safeguards to contribute to the review of the National REDD+ Strategy of Nepal. Under the supervision of the UN-REDD Asia Pacific Coordinator and in close coordination and guidance from the Chief of the REDD Implementation Center (REDD IC) and the team leader of the revision to the National REDD+ Strategy of Nepal, the consultant will be working closely with the UN-REDD National Coordinator, the FAO, the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MOFE), the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, the Forest Research and Training Center, the Province Forest Ministries, and related agencies representing forest communities like FECOFUN and NEFIN. The consultant will provide technical support to the team leader of the review of the National REDD+ Strategy of Nepal. This includes the following: - Review the previous Nepal National REDD+ Strategy and related documents from a safeguards perspective. This includes: o Develop a detailed work plan of the work for the safeguards element of the NRS review o Review the previous National REDD+ Strategy (NRS) and documents and resources related to Nepal's REDD+ safeguards framework (such as Safeguards information System (SIS) principles, criteria and indicators (PCI), draft summary of information, key policies, laws & regulations) to develop a firm foundation for the assignment. o Based on agreed parameters for the review, assess alignment and outcomes of the implementation of the of the previous NRS in relation to key safeguards aspects, such as alignment with national policies and programs and international commitments (Safeguard A), alignment of subnational programs and NRS (Safeguard A), impacts on local communities and extent of participation (Safeguards C and D) delivery of co-benefits (Safeguard E) o Review key safeguards elements, requirements and tools to apply to help align to the upcoming updated National REDD+ Strategy (activity 2 below), such as: PCI relevant to the development of the updated NRS (e.g. impact assessment, Safeguard E; and stakeholder engagement, Safeguard D); expectations of key REDD+ programs (e.g. LEAF/ART-TREES, FCPF); tools and mechanisms such as FPIC, grievance redress, benefit sharing, etc; and links between NRS and safeguards monitoring, including SIS design & operations, o Prepare a review report on alignment of the previous NRS with safeguards, including key results achieved and challenges. - Provide technical inputs to the consultation meetings for the NRS review and gather feedback on safeguards from stakeholders at Province and Central level. This includes: o With reference to previous stakeholder mapping exercises (e.g. for FCPF and LEAF programs, and past NRS) and Nepal's REDD+ FPIC guidance document, and provide inputs to a proposed plan for stakeholder engagement/consultation on the NRS review (and update?), considering requirements posed by Nepal's safeguards framework and key standards (e.g. ART-TREES). o Prepare background information and materials as needed on safeguards aspects of the previous NRS, to feed into information sharing and consultation with stakeholders o Facilitate consultation with stakeholders (e.g. in workshop, focus group discussion, etc) on safeguards aspects of the NRS review to ensure perspectives of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), women, main sectors and other key stakeholder groups are integrated. o Gather feedback from consultation process and integrate into the team leaders report.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: • A Master's degree in Forest Science, Natural Resource Management, or related fields is required. • A specialization in climate change / REDD+ is desirable. Experience: • A minimum of 5 years of working experience in forestry and climate change policy making, planning, and analysis with the preparation of policy documents/projects related to climate change management, climate adaptations, carbon assessment, natural resource management, environment is required • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with safeguards frameworks in the field of REDD+ and/or other climate change programs is required • Proven experience working with government institutions in Nepal is desirable. Skills: • A good understanding on Nepal’s REDD+ process, current climate change policy, and sectoral policies and related issues, natural resource management policies, and institutions is required. • Be familiar with REDD+ safeguards issues including issues of stakeholder participation, benefit sharing/ users' right/ indigenous peoples rights, biodiversity, and traditional system of knowledge in the forestry sector. • Knowledge on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Nepal is required. • Be familiar with participatory rural appraisal and social issues associated with forestry and the REDD+ safeguard policies is desirable

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Nepali is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.