International consultant-Technical Expert in developing Adaptation Fund concept note on water resources

Background

Lebanon faces several environmental threats, including air and water pollution, lack of wastewater treatment, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, solid waste management and risks associated with climate change.

There is mounting scientific evidence of climate change impacts in Lebanon. Most notably, in Lebanon, sea levels are expected to rise by 30-50 cm within the next 20 years, and temperatures are expected to increase by 1.2–1.7°C. In combination with expected decreased total precipitation (by 4–11 percent by 2100), more frequent heat waves, extreme weather events and drought, this will have large and dire impacts on the lives of children. Loss of agricultural productivity, destruction of coastal urban areas that host critical infrastructure and industry and weakened tourism will have large impacts on the country's economy, which will further affect sectors such as health and education. Additionally, water scarcity will further constrain economic growth and development, as well as agriculture and food production, health, survival, and social and economic development.

UNDP is collaborating with UNEP West Asia and UNICEF Lebanon to develop a concept note on “Building Resilience in the Water and WASH Sector in Lebanon” to be submitted to the Adaptation Fund. UNDP will be proposing and developing activities related to strengthening the sustainable operational capacity of water network in a coastal city (to be determined) through installing district water meters (WM) and intelligent metering systems (IMS) which will help inform water allocation and distribution.

The purpose of this consultancy is to draft a concept note for the Adaptation Fund, on behalf of UNDP Lebanon following the Adaptation Fund Concept Guidance

Duties and Responsibilities

The tasks mentioned below shall be performed in close cooperation with the UNDP/Climate change team. The Consultant will report to the UNDP BUR3/4NC Project Manager:

Task 1: Selection of one target pilot area for the project based on a desk review and stakeholders consultations

Compile and assess information related to the water sector in Lebanon including water supply/demand assessments, water-induced tension or conflicts, etc.
Compile and assess available information on the key climate change risks and impacts on water resources in Lebanon, identify vulnerable hotspots and identify main gaps and challenges for improved adaptation
Compile and summarize past and on-going interventions/projects related to adaptation of water resources to climate change in Lebanon (period of coverage 2018-2022)
Propose at least 3 potential pilot areas to be targeted by the Adaptation Fund Project, based on specific selection criteria (vulnerability to climate change, ease of work, scale of socio-economic impact, willingness of local authorities to cooperate, etc.)
In close coordination with UNDP, UNEP, and UNICEF, conduct virtual meetings with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy and Water, Water establishments, and key stakeholders to propose for selection one pilot area for further development of the Adaptation Fund project and validate gaps and challenges (total of 4 meetings).

Task 2: Draft the section related to UNDP’s activities of the concept note as per the Adaptation Fund Guidance

Based on the results of task 1, develop a clear climate rationale and theory of change for the project and propose related activities in accordance with the requirements of the Adaptation Fund
Validate proposed activities by conduct virtual meetings with NGOs working in the selected area, Unions of Municipalities, private sector, youth representatives, and other stakeholders as deemed necessary and identified by UNDP/UNEP/UNICEF (total of 3 meetings).
Define the role and scope of work of UNDP within the overall Adaptation Fund project and draft the section(s) related to UNDP’s activities of the concept note in-line with Adaptation Fund’s latest format
Develop the project budget for UNDP’s activities, with a clear procurement plan and timetable, and develop Terms of References for needed consultants and other team members
Develop monitoring and evaluation indicators and identify activities’ related risks
Continuously coordinate progress with UNDP, UNICEF, and UNEP (minimum 1 meeting per month across the duration of the contract)

Competencies

IIV. Competencies:

Proficiency in English

Required Skills and Experience

I. Academic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in environmental science, climate finance, engineering, natural sciences or related disciplines

II. Years of experience:

Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience

III. Technical experience:

Proven experience in concept development for climate change projects funded by the Adaptation Fund