Call for proposals Specialised Consultant Earth Network
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 16/07/2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
A. Background
UNESCO seeks to engage a consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of funding opportunities for environmental and adaptation projects in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This assessment is crucial for formulating a pipeline of potential projects that could be funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Adaptation Fund, or other relevant funding mechanisms. This initiative is in line with UNESCO’s commitment to supporting Member States in their efforts to address environmental challenges and enhance resilience to climate change. The assessment will include a detailed assessment of funding opportunities for a Medium Sized Project (MSP).
The assessment foreseen project is a follow-up of an expert mission conducted under the UNESCO Earth Network project, will focus on the areas highlighted in the mission report, particularly seeds/agriculture and greenhouses. The consultant should take into consideration the following recommendations made by the expert based on the on-site assessment:
Long Description
- Reforestation of degraded sites by applying agroforestry
- Objective: Monetizing the MAB for sustainability
- Methodology: Planting different tree crops and vegetable/fruit crops is highly appreciated.
- Water harvesting, storage, and distribution to the plant (and for personal use)
- Objective: Enhance agroforestry harvests
- Methodology: Water harvesting by means of a netting system as being done in rural areas in Mexico and Peru.
- Seed bank
- Objective: Have the best seeds available for the best outcome
- Methodology: Select the best seeds from the best plants to keep the characteristics.
- Organic agroforestry farming
- Objective: Minimize costs of farming by recycling the nutrients to the soil and produce healthy products; minimize diseases
- Methodology: Use all organic waste on the farm for creating compost soil for the plants.
- Integrated pest management by setting up a neem factory to process neem seeds to extract neem oil
- Objective: Minimize or exclude the use of chemicals; obtain healthy products; healthy population
- Methodology: Neem oil is already being produced on a small scale and used on farms.
- Production of biogas
- Objective: To use the most effective and reduce energy costs on the farm
- Methodology: Examples can be adopted from farms in Africa.
Long Description
B. Objectives
- Feasibility and funding assessment: to identify feasible opportunities for an MSP under GEF and other relevant funding bodies, focusing on seeds/agriculture and greenhouses, that align with the environmental and adaptation needs of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Project formulation: to assist in the drafting of a concept note and full project proposals based on the identified funding opportunities and in close cooperation with relevant national stakeholders and potential implementing agencies such as UNDP.
- Stakeholder engagement and capacity building: to coordinate with the national GEF focal point, local stakeholders, and potential implementing partners to ensure comprehensive support and alignment throughout the project development process.
C. Scope
The consultant will:
- Conduct a situational analysis to understand the current environmental challenges and adaptation needs of Saint Kitts and Nevis, based on prior reports and documentation provided by UNESCO and Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Identify and map potential funding opportunities from GEF, the Adaptation Fund, and other relevant funding bodies
- Develop a strategic approach for aligning Saint Kitts and Nevis priorities and UNESCO’s ongoing and future initiatives with the identified funding opportunities
- Draft a concept note and project proposals for potential funding submissions, ensuring alignment with the criteria and strategic priorities of the funding bodies
- Facilitate discussions and consultations with national stakeholders and potential implementing agencies to ensure alignment and collaboration
- Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the assessment findings, recommended strategies, and drafted documents
Long Description
D. Deliverables
- One (1) inception report outlining the methodology, timeline, and initial findings
- One (1) mapping report of potential funding opportunities and alignment strategies
- Two (2) to three (3) draft concept notes and at least one (1) project proposal
- One (1) final report incorporating feedback from UNESCO and stakeholders, including a detailed implementation roadmap for the proposed projects
All deliverables should be provided by 15 December 2024.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social sciences, economics, public administration, natural or environmental sciences, sustainable development or any related field to the topic of the assignment.
Work Experience
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in the fields of environmental sciences, climate change adaptation, or a related field.
- Extensive experience in developing proposals for international funding mechanisms such as the GEF and the Adaptation Fund.
Skills and competencies
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and competencies
- Excellent data collection and analysis skills.
Languages
- Knowledge of Spanish or French is an advantage.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
UNESCO is inviting written proposals from Individual Consultants for the work assignment described above.
Interested candidates should submit their application online and attach, under the “Employment History Form” section, the following documents in one combined file:
Your written proposal and any supporting documents must be in either English or French, and should comprise:
1. A Technical Proposal consisting of:
- an up-to-date personal curriculum vitae;
- a motivation letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
- an indication of the approach and methodology you would adopt to carry out the assignment, a workplan, and comments on the Terms of Reference if any (in brief), including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO.
2. Financial proposal : the amount to be charged for the assignment
- Expressed as an overall lump sum in USD or in EUR only.
- No travel or subsistence requirements will be considered.
Kindly note that you are requested to upload in one single PDF under the field "Employment History Form" : your employment history form, your technical proposal and your financial proposal.
The application should be done through Success Factor only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org, quoting the reference 20692 in the subject line of your e-mail.
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Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.