TECHNICAL EXPERT – TIMOR LESTE PROJECT

Background Information – UNEP UN Environment 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.
Its mandate is to  coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under  review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for  action.
Background Information – Job Specific  The project “Adapting to climate change and enabling sustainable land management through productive rural  communities in Timor-Leste” is funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).
The project will be  implemented by UNEP and executed by the National Directorate of Climate Change (NDCC), Ministry of  Tourism and Environment over 6 years.
In this regard, UNEP is seeking to recruit a Technical Expert to provide technical guidance on the implementation of the project.
The Technical Expert will report to  the National Project Director and work closely with the Project Coordinator, Project Manager and in close  collaboration with Task Manager, UNEP, in realizing the project objectives.
The proposed project advocates ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) as the preferred solution to the problem  of climate change and unsustainable land management in the rural landscapes of Timor-Leste.
This  advocated approach includes the.
i) improvement of national and sub-national adaptation planning; ii)  restoration of ecosystems in water catchments; iii) development and implementation of agricultural  management systems; iv) provision of water to rural communities; and v) expansion of a climate-smart  agribusiness sector (through improved commodity production, access to value chains and markets and  sustainability certification to encourage private sector investment).
This project aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities in Timor-Leste to the impacts of climate  change by implementing interventions that promote the adoption of climate-resilient sustainable land  management (SLM) and water resource management (WRM) practices.
These interventions will incorporate  an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach and will be implemented at both the suco (village) level —  on communal land — and the farm level, specifically targeting hotspots of land degradation and climate  change vulnerability in Timor-Leste’s priority watersheds.
The project will be implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach and include government agencies,  development partners, international research forums and relevant NGOs.
Local-level EbA interventions will  be analysed and lessons learned and best practices will be collated from monitoring, evaluation and learning  (MEL) reports.
The extracted information will be used to inform upscaling of the EbA model as well as  enhance the national body of knowledge for climate change adaptation, specifically on land degradation  neutrality (LDN) and sustainable land management (SLM).
Limitations in the institutional and technical  capacity of national agencies to plan for and respond to climate change impacts will be addressed by raising  awareness, training Facility Management Groups (GMFs) and communities in the two watersheds on the implementation of Climate-Resilient Integrated Watershed Development Plans (CRIWDPs), developing  national policies on LDN and EbA and building institutional and technical capacity.
Moreover, knowledge and  information about climate impacts within the Timor-Leste target areas will be gathered, documented and  shared with a Cross-Sectoral Working Group (CSWG) which will propose policy revisions to incorporate.
i)  EbA and climate resilience; ii) LDN; and iii) agri-business development in support of poverty alleviation.
The Technical Expert will be home-based with travel to the country at least once a year.
The Technical Expert will work closely with Project Management unit based in Dili, Timor Leste for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.
Technical Expert’s roles “Technical Expert – Timor Leste Project” will provide technical assistance to member states and GAN partners on knowledge, awareness and  dissemination of best practices on adaptation to climate change.
The individual contractor will support UNEP with design and delivery of  policy roundtables, sessions and trainings targeting member states and partners through regular contact with national counterparts and  GAN regional nodes.
Functional Responsibilities The Technical Expert will provide technical guidance and support to the implemen...
The Technical Expert will provide technical guidance and support to the implementation of the project,  working in close collaboration with the National Project Director/DNCC, Project Manager and the UNEP Task  Manager.
S/he will be responsible for ensuring the availability of information on progress and performance to  provide quality assurance of the project outputs and deliverables.
Key functions.
Lead and provide technical supervision and advice and quality assurance   Strategic policy advises and knowledge management   Programme planning, implementation, M&E and reporting   Technical capacity building and knowledge management   Monitoring and promoting adaptation learning   1.
echnical Backstopping Provide overall technical backstopping for the project to ensure the project outputs and deliverables  are of good quality and in line with the project objectives.
Provide advice on best suitable approaches and methodologies for the timely achievement of project  targets and deliverables    Assist the PC / PM in planning the implementation of project activities and adjusting the project  results framework, work plan and budget as required and in line with the corporate requirement   Draft or review as requested, ToRs, for technical consultancies and subcontracts and assist in the  selection and recruitment process    Undertake technical review and provide quality assurance of the project outputs (training manual,  technical reports, studies, assessments, protocols, tools etc.) and field level interventions.
Oversee and provide technical guidance of the work of National Consultants, District Project  Coordinators in their respective domains in ensuring the quality and delivery of the tasks undertaken.
Provide strategic guidance in the establishment of a technical working group on EbA including  selection of research grants and topics for long term monitoring on EbA    Assist in monitoring the technical quality of project M&E systems (including Multiyear plans, AWPs  and targets)   Assist staff and national consultants in the conduct of project reviews and evaluations and in  revisions of the implementation strategy and work plan, based on review and evaluation results   Make recommendations to PSC for more effective implementation and coordination of project activities  2.
Monitoring & Learning support Help develop monitoring framework to measure progress against each of the targets and indicators  in the RRF including change and adjustment in the baseline assessment study being undertaken   Develop learning strategy for the project based on the current levels of awareness and   understanding of EbA measures and approaches among stakeholder groups, interest areas and  adaptation learning that the project could generate    Team up with the PM in preparing the APR and PIR for submission to UNEP/GEF   Provide inputs in knowledge management, training, communication and awareness raising of EbA  issues at national and sub national level.
Enable and support the appropriate dissemination of results  and findings to policy makers at various levels.
Support and facilitate for the development of strategic regional and international partnerships for the  exchange of knowledge, skills and information related to climate change adaptation.
Provide technical support in reviewing the existing policies and strategies to embrace EbA measures  through the development of policy brief    Develop an EbA up scaling strategy and financing plan based on the lessons learnt from this project.
Although this is a home-based position, the Technical Expert will allocate a certain amount of time within PMU  including undertaking a certain number of field visits during the early stages of project implementation and  monitoring.
A total of 305 working days has been allocated for the entire project duration; the indicative  allocated days will be split into yearly and quarterly plans.
The following outputs are anticipated during the tenure.
Annual Programme review and work planning (preparation of MYP, AWPs and budgets)   Refined project monitoring framework including changes and adjustments in the RRF targets and  indicators based on the baseline assessment study.
A policy brief on EbA including a project learning and knowledge management strategy   An EbA up scaling strategy and financing plan based on the lessons learnt from the project   Contributions for the write-up of the Project Implementation Report   Selection of research topics and grants for long term monitoring   Contributions to mid-term review, final evaluation missions including drafting of PCR   Written reviews of the technical reports, tools and knowledge products developed by the project  culminating to at least ten products   Guidance, technical oversight towards the production of knowledge products such as policy briefs,  training manuals, tools and protocols on EbA   Competencies Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization.
Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same.
Upholds organizational and ethical norms.
Maintains high standards of trustworthiness.
Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.
Collaborates and supports the development of others.
For people managers only.
Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first.
Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.
Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas.
Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.
Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.
Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements.
Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.
Performance is consistent, even under pressure.
Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.
Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks.
Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.
Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others.
Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.
Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education/Experience/Language requirements Education.
An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent...
Education.
An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree, preferably in natural resource management, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction, environmental science, agriculture and water resources management, or related discipline.
First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience.
A minimum of five (5)years of experience in a senior technical and/or leadership position with planning and management of environmental/or natural resources management programmes, institutional strengthening, capacity building, providing technical support to climate change adaptation projects or related areas is required with a Master’s or higher degree.
International working experience in the above field preferably from the South Asian region in the capacity of Technical Expert or Team Leader is a must.
S/he must possess good analytical and report-writing skills in English.
Language Requirements.
Full working knowledge (Fluency) in written and oral English is required.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset Contract type, level and duration Contract type.
International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Con...
Contract type.
International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level.
.
ICS 10 / LICA 10 / IICA 2 Contract duration.
Total of 305 working days for the entire project period.
The initial contract will be issued until 31 Dec , with possibility of extension until 31 Dec .
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link.
https://www.
nops.
rg/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.
spx   Disclaimer.
In duty stations where the NPO category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a  Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)  must be issued for a home-based contract.
Additional Information Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applic...
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.
Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.
These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.
If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions  For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract.
Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers.
For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.
In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel.
Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.