Technical Support Paraguay´s GCF REDD+ RBP Project

Result of Service To provide technical support in the implementation of the comprehensive knowledge management strategy and plan for the Result Based Payment project, through the collection of information and the survey of knowledge needs of the different MADES units and other stakeholders.

Activities:

• Provide support to the Project Implementation Unit and the Knowledge Management Associate in the assessment of institutional needs for the strengthening of the Environmental Information System (SIAM).

• Carry out an initial analysis of institutional needs and expectations regarding project monitoring, and a feasibility/utility statement on the identified needs

• Identify initial activities for the implementation of a project monitoring module for the Environmental Information Systems

• Provide technical assistance for the elaborations of TORs related to module construction and implementation.

• Analyze the financial feasibility, utility and impact of the implementation of a project monitoring module for SIAM

• Support the implementation of the capacity building program for the project monitoring module in SIAM.

• Update the information included in the project monitoring module for SIAM, indicator compliance reports and other relevant information.

• Assist the Project Implementation Unit of the Payment by Results Project on issues related to the MADES internal regulations for project management such as: - Provide information on internal regulation modifications and updates - Assure that the team has access to information and archives needed for project implementation - Provide logistical support the implementation team in the organization of meetings and workshops in MADES - Support the implementation team providing any kind of technical information needed from MADES for project execution

• Support the UCSP in the preparation of reports required by the different State Agencies and Entities on the Result Based Payment Project, for example: Non-Reimbursable Cooperation Report requested by the PTS, Project Accountability Report of the Comptroller General's Office of the Republic.

  Work Location Asuncion, Paraguay

  Expected duration 11 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)

In 2017, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved its REDD+ policy: a USD 500 million funding package, accompanied by a detailed and comprehensive process for countries to apply for results-based payments (RBP). To ensure a fair allocation of funds, no country can apply for more than 30 percent of the total set-aside envelope, in other words no more than USD 150 million. The GCF has assigned carbon from REDD+ a value of USD 5 per tonne, and a scorecard procedure to determine eligibility and how much each country will be paid, including a potential 2.5% bonus for non-carbon benefits (NCB).

Access to GCF payments will be through Accredited Entities (AE), which must coordinate with national REDD+ Focal Points and GCF National Designated Authorities (NDAs).

In November 2019 and with the support of UNEP as AE, the Government of Paraguay signed a results-based payment agreement with the GCF for 9.8 million Tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent from avoided deforestation during the period 2015-2017. The Government of Paraguay committed to the GCF to use the payments received to generate further CO2 emission reductions through the implementation of the National Strategy for Forests and Sustainable Growth (ENBCS).

The implementation of the “REDD+ Results-based payments in Paraguay for the period 2015-2017” (FP121) Project in Paraguay will be executed jointly with the UN-REDD Programme agencies (UNDP, UNEP and FAO) with the administrative support of the UNOPS offices in Paraguay.

The Project foresees the implementation of a component to strengthen the capacities of state institutions for forest monitoring and management, including the development and implementation of early warning systems for fires and deforestation, territorial planning and the participation of indigenous peoples, the private sector and rural communities, and the promotion of sustainable forest management and the promotion of good agricultural and livestock practices. In addition, the Project will promote the National Climate Change Fund and the creation of economic promotion instruments for the implementation of activities that result in the reduction of emissions from deforestation and/or forest degradation, in addition to strengthening the institutions involved.

As part of the capacity building, enabling environment and monitoring systems established for the implementation of the ENBCS component, the Project Implementation Unit has identified the need for the design and implementation of a Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy, which aims to produce positive change in the behavior of key stakeholders related to forests and climate change. As part of this strategy, institutional strengthening actions are foreseen in monitoring, evaluation and learning established systems, as well as the assessment of capacity building needs in the areas of knowledge management and communications.

To provide technical support in the implementation of the comprehensive knowledge management strategy and plan for the Result Based Payment project, through the collection of information and the survey of knowledge needs of the different MADES units and other stakeholders, under the supervision of the UNEP National Project Coordinator and the UNEP Knowledge Management Associate.

The consultant will be supervised by the Programme Management Officer for REDD in Latin America and will work full time at Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development MADES, Asuncion, Paraguay.

Qualifications/special skills Skills: - Knowledge of actors and stakeholders in environmental management in Paraguay - Knowledge of methodologies for project monitoring and follow-up. - Knowledge of the organizational framework of the public sector linked to environmental management. - Ability to synthesize and adapt information according to the target audience. - Knowledge of the internal control framework of public institutions and its link to project management (e.g., MECIP). - Excellent command of computer tools (spreadsheets, databases, word processors, presentation tools, videoconferencing platforms, etc.). - Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information. Academic Qualifications: Bachelor's level degree in the area of social sciences, preferably with specialization studies in project development, evaluation and management. Experience: - At least 5 years of work experience is required in monitoring and evaluation - At least 2 work experiences in the framework of international cooperation projects (e.g., GEF, GEF); linked to environmental management is required. - At least 1 experience in monitoring and follow-up of projects in the public sector is required. Language: - Fluent Spanish required. - Basic English 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.