Specialized Technical Advisor on Eba - San Salvador

Result of Service The Specialized technical advisor´s main responsibilities will include: - Provide technical support under EbA approach to the project and collaborate on the supervision of activities and delivery of products in a timely manner, - Provide technical and scientific support in monitoring and evaluation the implementation of EbA interventions, - Support the coordination of activities, workshops, courses, online seminars and technical advice on adaptation with an EbA approach, - Provide support in conflict resolution and decision-making with key actors, - Strengthen participation mechanisms among decision makers in the different areas of government, - Support in the development of methodologies that allow mainstreaming the EbA approach in cities, - Collaborate in the timely preparation of detailed annual work plans and budgets for approval by the National Coordinator and the Technical and Project Steering Committees. - Collaborate in meetings organization with the technical advisory committee of the project. - Inform the National Coordinator of any problem or risk that could jeopardize the success of the project. - Provide on the ground information for progress reports. - Provide logistical support in organizing visits to project sites.

The Specialized technical advisor´s main duties will include: - Develop methodologies and road maps that allow mainstreaming the EbA approach in cities. - Provide technical and scientific support in the development of the monitoring and evaluation program of the EbA interventions in the city of San Salvador, which includes the design of indicators and strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services with goals and actions. - Strengthen links by leveraging its network of stakeholders that complement the project's knowledge and implementation network. - Develop dissemination and training materials for the EbA approach in cities for different target audiences. - Develop proposals for improvement to include the EbA approach in the territory planning instruments: urban development plans and climate change adaptation plans. - Collaborate in the organization, facilitation and systematization of workshops, courses and meetings with multiple actors. - Characterize all EbA interventions using multi criteria methods and cost benefit analysis. - Collaborate in the realization of protocols, technical guides, and dissemination and communication materials. - Elaboration and follow-up of permits required by the environmental authority to ensure continuity and sustainability of implemented measures after the project’s end in San Salvador - Monitor the impact of EbA interventions carried out under the project, tracking results and lessons learnt once the agreements with the implementing partners end (from August 2022 onwards). - Elaborate technical-scientific documents of the knowledge generated in the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation projects in cities in the period 2017-2022, providing input for the revision of indicators in the project’s results framework and insight on the Final Evaluation of the project. - Produce communication material for the closing of the communication strategy, and revise information from CityAdapt San Salvador to be published on the project website, digital platforms and other media, to inform on the results of the project at its closure. - Follow up on upscaling processes initiated in urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation projects in the period 2017-2022, proposing strategical input and technical advice to upscale the interventions in other municipalities of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area and mainstreaming its integration in wider national climate change policies and commitments (such as the Salvadorians National Determined Contributions). - Contribute to the preparation of adaptation project proposals to be submitted to multilateral funds, providing inputs for the formulation of concept notes on urban EbA in El Salvador and the Central American region. - Support in the preparation of lessons learned on the implementation of EbA interventions within the case studies and factsheets formats by UNEP HQ for project’s closure, ensuring its technical quality and conformity with UNEP’s requirements.

Work Location San Salvador, El Salvador

Expected duration 9 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.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (ROLAC), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is the second most urbanised region in the world, with ~80% of its population living in cities. Rapid urbanisation, coupled with limited urban planning and the associated expansion of cities, is degrading urban and peri-urban ecosystems that provide vital ecosystem services for urban communities. Ecosystem degradation poses a threat to urban communities and increases their vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.

To address the vulnerability of urban communities, governments in the LAC region need to develop and implement cost-effective and low-risk solutions, such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) protecting, maintaining and rehabilitating priority ecosystems in urban areas and its immediate surroundings.

As a result, UNEP is working with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador to execute the Global Environment Facility (GEF) financed project “Building climate resilience of urban systems through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Latin America and the Caribbean in the cities of San Salvador, Kingston and Xalapa”, also known as CityAdapt. The objective of the project is to increase the adaptability of urban communities through: i) mainstreaming urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into medium- and long-term urban development planning; ii) implementing urban EbA interventions to foster climate-resilient communities; and iii) acquiring knowledge and raising awareness of urban EbA throughout the LAC region.

The specialized technical advisor will collaborate with the project national coordinator, providing technical and scientific support to the project activities, in addition to supporting the development of monitoring and evaluation methodologies that require proposing scaling strategies, will also serve as a link between other consultants and the project coordination, in addition to fostering and creating links with key actors that advantage the inclusion of the EbA approach in city planning.

The specialized technical advisor will report directly to the UNEP Adaptation Programme Officer and will work in close collaboration with the project's National Coordinator of El Salvador, based in San Salvador, El Salvador. He/She will be present in the office 40 hours per week during a normal working hours from Monday to Friday on a full-time basis.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: - Master’s degree in the areas of biology, environmental engineering, sustainable development, environmental management or related.

Experience: - A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience with institutions such as governments, municipalities, NGOs or academia in El Salvador is required - At least 2 years of experience in the design of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of actions with an ecosystem-based approach is required - Proven leadership in the coordination of interdisciplinary working groups in scientific studies is desirable - Experience with community work and consultation with governments is an asset - Demonstrated experience in ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, ecological restoration, sustainable use of natural resources and urban planning and development. - Proven experience in facilitation and organization of workshops is an asset - Previous experience with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) is an asset

Language: - Fluent written and communication skills in English and Spanish.

Skills: - Planning and organization skills. - Vast knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the areas where the CityAdapt project’s actions are carried out (Arenal Monserrat microbasin and municipalities of San Salvador, Antiguo Cuscatlán and Santa Tecla and adjoining).

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.