National REDD+ Safeguards Expert

Result of Service1. GRMs for REDD+ are reviewed and further operationalized. 2. Capacity building for GRM is delivered according to an approved plan. 3. Up to 2 Trees Monitoring Reports in safeguards sections are prepared. Work LocationHomebased Expected duration9 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. This assignment is managed by UNEP under their UN-REDD Programme Technical Assistance. Coordinating with REDD-IC, UNEP and FAO national coordination office, as well as UNEP-WCMC as the international technical support agency, the national safeguards consultant will: A. Assess operation of existing GRM channels at the national, provincial and district/local levels, with a focus on LEAF Program provinces. In collaboration with REDD-IC, FAO, Ricardo/CLP, UNEP-WCMC and other partners working in this safeguards area : - Conduct a review of existing GRM practices, including interviews with key actors involved in the main GRM channels that comprise Nepal's approach to REDD+ GRM (e.g. DFO led, SIS channel, etc), covering national level (e.g. MOFE, REDD-IC, NEFIN and FECOFUN, Office of PM), provincial level (e.g. Forest Directorate and regional and local units of key stakeholder organisations such as NEFIN and FECOFUN) and district/municipal levels (e.g. Divisional Forest Offices). - As part of this assessment, identify key areas for strengthening REDD+ GRM channels, which may cover needs related to training, IT, communications, reporting etc. - Document review findings and recommendations in a short report (Nepalese & English) (which shall be linked to a review of GRMs against international best practices being conducted by Ricardo/CLP). B. Develop piloting and capacity development plan for GRM, in English and Nepali. This will be done in collaboration with REDD-IC, FAO national coordination office, Ricardo/CLP and UNEP-WCMC, and based on the joint review of GRMs. - Identify priority gaps and practical measures to fill these gaps, as well as to test the function of GRMs in the LEAF provinces, including data collection and to strengthen integration with SIS. - Present clear timelines and estimated budget for activities (e.g. for training, website upgrades, data collection etc). - Coordinate with REDD-IC and other partners to review the plan and integrate comments before it is finalised, and to agree budget for supporting the plan with UN-REDD. - Provide inputs to GRM Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) being developed by CLP. C. Implementation of the GRM capacity building piloting plan. In collaboration with REDD-IC, FAO, Ricardo/CLP and UNEP-WCMC, support the implementation of the plan developed under activity B, noting that activities will be defined in that plan, but may include: - Developing and facilitating 2-3 training sessions, coordinating with other consultants (e.g. IT, CLP), liaising with DFOs, in order to build capacity, collect data, etc., depending on budget available. - Deliver at least 3 trainings at provincial/landscape in the LEAF area. - Prepare a short report documenting the outcomes of the piloting/strengthening of GRM operations in the LEAF provinces, and synthesizing data collected. The report and any data collected shall also be reviewed by key stakeholders (e.g. via national level workshop/webinar) and comments integrated. - Presentation of the results for REDD IC through a briefing meeting. D. Deliver technical inputs on safeguards to Trees Monitoring Reports. Working with REDD-IC and FAO, who will lead the development of the TMRs, and UNEP-WCMC: - Based on the ART-TREES registration document, update and prepare the TMR 1 safeguards section, by collecting data (including from SIS update process) and updating information against all safeguards indicators for the TMR 1 period (tbc - usually a 2 year period). Coordinate with other TMR consultants and UNEP-WCMC to gather feedback from key stakeholders, address comments, and incorporate into the final draft report. - Confirm timeline and needs for the preparation of TMR 2 and assist in responding to questions/comments from the Validation & Verification Body (VVB), who will review TMR 1. - Update TMR 1 to cover TMR 2 period (tbc), strengthening the content for the report and considering VVB feedback. - Participate in workshops/meetings on TMRs as needed. - Prepare a short brief with recommendations for building national ownership of monitoring processes and future ERP reporting The consultant will be homebased, and under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator for UN-REDD Asia Pacific. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in forestry, conservation sciences, development planning or related fields is required. • A mix of professional academic qualifications will be an is desirable. Experience: • A minimum of ten years of professional experience relevant to natural resource management, participatory approaches, rural development, and/or environmental law is required. • Demonstrated experience related to safeguards policy development, safeguards implementation, and/or safeguards monitoring, including related to institutional or corporate safeguards policies, is desirable. • Demonstrated experience working with Nepalese government agencies and institutions, preferably related to forestry, natural resource management, environment, or rural development, is desirable. Skills: • Proven expertise in natural resource management, participatory approaches, rural development, and/or environmental law is required. • Experience working in the Asia and Pacific region and familiarity with regional context and challenges desirable. • Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations desirable. minimum of ten years of professional experience relevant to natural resource management, participatory approaches, rural development, and/or environmental law is required. Languages• Fluency in Nepali, and strong skills in written and spoken English is required Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.