Specialists on Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity

Background

UNDP Cambodia Country Office works in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia, nongovernment organizations, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, multilateral aid agencies, bilateral donors and private sector to support the progress towards the Cambodia SDGs. To support the implementation of the Country Programme 2019-2023, the Policy and Innovation Unit plays an important role within the Country Office to develop high level policy and technical advisory support to the government. It works guided by three set of strategies: 1) research, policy and innovation, 2) advocacy and 3) programming. The Unit is expected to deliver three main programmatic pillars: 1) Prosperity, 2) Planet and 3) Peace and Participation.

Over the past two decades Cambodia has realized exceptional rates of economic growth averaging over 7% prior to the pandemic, with persistent declines in poverty and rapid improvements in human development. Yet Cambodia faces several development challenges. Pressures stemming from Cambodia’s rapid progression as a Middle-Income Country (MIC) have tended to be resource and carbon intensive, resulting in environmental challenges and natural resource depletion. Moreover, the country is facing the impact of climate change. As Cambodia is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient development pathway.

UNDP Cambodia has been playing an important role in supporting the development and implementation of environment and climate change related policies and strategies of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC). The current priorities of the Nature, Climate and Energy programme include: 1) Turn climate commitments into action; 2) Increase access to electricity and promote sustainable energy solutions; 3) Promote nature-based solutions to enhance natural resource management and reduce deforestation; and 4) Advance Cambodia’s transition to a circular economy.

In order to provide support and ensure effective policy and quality technical services to the government, PIH in UNDP Cambodia is looking to recruit consultants in the following areas of expertise:

Natural Resource Management

Biodiversity Conservation

Sustainable Finance for Biodiversity and Protected Areas

As part of UNDP’s support to the RGC in promoting nature-based solutions and green growth, UNDP is seeking qualified applicants for one or more of the profiles areas of work above. Successful applicants will be joining UNDP Cambodia roster of experts and engaged based on the arising needs of UNDP Cambodia nature portfolio including policy and research, technical advisory support and capacity development, project design and implementation.

This solicitation is for Long-Term Agreements (LTA) for one year with possibility for extension for up to two years subject to the need and satisfactory performance of the individual consultants. LTA refers to a mutual arrangement whereby the Consultant will provide services as required, over a specific period of time. It specifies the unit price (daily rate), allowing for a framework agreement to be used when the Consultant’s services are needed. The Consultant will be contracted under separate ToRs that will be developed for the specific services needed of output-based within the scope of the LTA.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Environment Policy Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for providing high quality technical inputs, based on an in-depth understand of the local context and global experiences, related to natural resource management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable financing for biodiversity and protected areas as follows.

Policy and Research

Analyse developments in sectors relevant for the environment, looking at connections with climate change, energy, governance and economic issues in Cambodia.

Prepare policy briefs and status papers on developmental challenges/issues related to natural resource management and biodiversity though a system thinking approach.

Conduct technical analyses and provide high quality technical inputs in relation to environment related reports and policy documents.

Identify barriers and proposed solutions for policy interventions and development.

Provide advice on policy engagement process including coordination with the government.

Prepare reports and power point presentations for policy engagement.

Conduct, facilitate and/or coordinate related policy workshops.

Technical Advisory, Capacity Development and Knowledge Management

Provide high quality technical inputs to trainings and technical assistance to partners on matters related to natural resource management, biodiversity and sustainable financing.

Strengthen institutional and human capacities of Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and other relevant stakeholders on these issues.

Review and provide comments/inputs to project related documents and reports.

Document and synthesize key lessons/insights from engaging with various stakeholders throughout lifetime of projects.

Document good practices, case studies, innovations and pilot models for UNDP.

Prepare substantive findings and analysis in a usable knowledge product format so they can be used in communication presentations (written/social media and other) and publication, including booklets, leaflets, infographics and audiovisual presentations.

Project Design and Formulation

Provide technical assistance in identification of developmental challenges, target areas, beneficiaries and partners and formulation of implementation strategy for UNDP support.
Liaise with local stakeholders to identify opportunities and where UNDP can add value.
Identify and analyze emerging developments and innovations in the environment sector globally and providing recommendations on potential adaptive strategies to RGC and UNDP for green growth.
Identify potential resources mobilization sources from bilateral, multilateral, private and other sources of financing, as well identify partnership opportunities (in particular, with the private sector).
Prepare conceptual frameworks/concept notes based on developmental challenges within target sectors.
Provide technical support in development of new interventions/projects with implementation (operational plan, monitoring and resource requirement), institutional, financial and management arrangements.

Help refine strategies and approaches for working with local partners, including approaching for identifying barriers and identifying promising innovations.

Prepare project documents following UNDP rules and procedures.

Separate ToRs will be developed for the specific services needed within the scope of the LTA. The consultants shall ensure confidentiality of all the information received during the assignment

Competencies

Functional competencies:

Strong analytical and writing skill (sample of written work to be assessed)

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Policy or Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies or other related fields

Experience:

At least 7 years of working experience in analysis, policy support, design and project development in the field of natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation and/or sustainable financing for protected areas and biodiversity.

Very good understanding of the Cambodian context, including the institutional and legal arrangements of government. Prior working experience in Cambodia is a must.

Proven experience working with a wide variety of development actors including governments, international development organizations, donors and other funding agencies, private sector entities, and/or civil society organizations including community groups.

Prior experience with the UN is an asset

Language Requirement:

Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in English is required.