Environmental and Social Management Expert

​​Requisition ID: 4361 
Grade: ISA-Senior Specialist 
Country: Home Based 
Duty Station: Home Based 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: internal / external
Employment Type: Non-staff WAE
Contract Duration: approx. 63 working days over a period
Application Deadline: 25-Sep-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

The Division of Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA) assists Member States in the transition to low-carbon and climate resilient economies through the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency solutions and breakthrough technologies in industry and other key sectors, diversifying supply chains for renewable energy manufacturing and stimulating innovation to address critical climate and energy related challenges.

The Division assists governments in fulfilling national commitments under the Paris Agreement and progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby facilitating a just transition towards sustainable industrialization. In transitioning to a low-carbon and climate resilient economies, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of policies, knowledge and technologies and pathways to plan, manage and finance the energy transitions and climate action for industrial transformation. It collaborates closely on converging issues with IET/CTP and TCS/CMP.

The position is located under the Sustainable and Just Energy Transitions Unit (TCS/ECA/JET) focuses on promoting energy for development and leveraging technology innovation and social inclusion to lead a just energy transition. It promotes the modernization of energy infrastructure to drive decoupling growth from emissions and deploys de-risking approaches to channel public and private investments to accelerate energy access and industrial development. It supports Members States in building and diversifying renewable energy supply chains and fostering manufacturing capabilities to achieve a just energy transition for all. The unit also supports the integration of energy system design into the wider development objectives and helps countries navigate the trade-offs for energy development while ensure compliance with social and environmental norms. Finally, the Unit coordinates the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres and related partnerships and uses regional policies and approaches to achieve economies of scale.

PROJECT CONTEXT

UNIDO Project SAP ID: 220084

Project title: Transforming the financial system to support the development of sustainable energy solutions through technical assistance and investment in Madagascar

WBS: 220084-1-01-01; Grant: 2000004988

Also, the energy team, supported by the OPEC Fund and other partners, is supporting the Government of Madagascar in designing a comprehensive National Clean Cooking and Reforestation Programme. This initiative is expected to improve the living and health conditions of the Malagasy population by stimulating the development and adoption of innovative clean cooking solutions and revitalizing the degraded ecosystem as well as reducing the climate change effects in the country. The project leverages UNIDO's innovative Market Enabling Framework (MEF) to stimulate private sector investments in the clean cooking sector and its value chain for switching households from traditional fuels to modern energy cooking solutions at scale.

UNIDO, in collaboration with the OPEC Fund and other development partners, is assisting the Government of Madagascar to formulate a comprehensive National Clean Cooking Transition Program (NCCTP). This initiative is expected to improve the living and health conditions of the Malagasy population by stimulating the development and adoption of innovative clean cooking solutions and revitalizing the degraded ecosystem as well as reducing the climate change effects in the country. The OPEC Fund is providing a financing facility in the form of a US$ 35 million loan to support the implementation of the NCCTP in Madagascar and a US$ 1.5 million technical assistance (TA) grant to support the formulation of the NCCTP. UNIDO has been entrusted to implement the grant under project ID 220084 to carry out the preliminary studies to identify the detailed activities and areas of relevant clean cooking and UNDP for reforestation solutions.

The overall objective of this project is to define the baselines and establish a key performance indicator (KPI) system, innovative monitoring, evaluation (M&E) tool, and a comprehensive supporting infrastructure to identify and support a pilot project in clean cooking. In addition, UNIDO will replicate and adapt its proven market-enabling framework (MEF) model to stimulate private sector investments in the clean cooking sector and its value chain for switching households from traditional fuels to clean and affordable cooking solutions at scale. The MEF is currently being implemented in Tanzania. A private sector-driven market development approach is being implemented to stimulate investments in bioenergy value chain development to cater to the clean cooking and fuel blending markets in the country's urban areas.

At the end of this project it is expected that the following outcomes would be achieved:

• Detailed roadmap for clean cooking prepared and pilot projects ready for implementation.

• Empowerment of early-stage innovative companies initiated in particular by women and youth through incubation cycles enabling their development.

• Pilot initiatives of different types of reforestations (industrial, community, individual, etc.) involving women, youth and PLWD (People Living with Disabilities).

• Project implementation arrangement, including baseline data and an operational and innovative M&E tool for the CCRP.

UNIDO is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) to harness the full potential of industry’s contribution to (i) the achievement of sustainable development, and (ii) lasting prosperity for all. Within the first thematic pillar, UNIDO is dedicated to supporting environmentally sound and sustainable development in the full range of its project activities. In order to meet this goal, UNIDO has adopted a set of Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies and Procedures (ESSPP). These strengthen UNIDO’s accountability to the countries and communities it aims to support; stakeholders in the development processes; and the broader development cooperation and donor community.

Background Information

Purpose of the ESIA:

Environmental and social sustainability is fundamental to the achievement of development outcomes and is systematically mainstreamed into UNIDO’s project cycle through consistent application of an environmental and social screening and assessment procedure. UNIDO’s Integrated Safeguards Policy Statement (ISPS) sets out the Organization’s commitments to and responsibilities for environmental and social sustainability and to reducing the risks of non-compliance.

As per UNIDO Environmental and Social Safeguards Policies and Procedures (ESSPP), the proposed project entitled “Technical assistance in developing clean cooking and reforestation innovation project for Madagascar” has been categorized as "Category B". Category B projects are likely to have some potential adverse impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas.

To adequately prepare for the CCRP, a diagnostic assessment has been conducted to identify the gaps and barriers in accelerating access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in the country. As a result, an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will be developed during the project inception stage and once ready will be shared with relevant stakeholders for extensive consultation and feedback. The ESMP will be a dynamic working document and revised periodically during the project implementation phase, as needed, throughout the project life time. The ESMP will include narratives on environmental and social baseline in reference to the proposed project, and mitigation measures to address any associated risks or impacts that might arise from deploying various clean cooking solutions. The ESMP will focus but not limited to the following critical areas:

•          Project description and geographical coverage;

•          Policy, legal and administrative framework;

•          Capacity building of national stakeholders-MDAs, CSOs, etc;

•          Screening process;

•          Risk assessment, potential impacts of proposed pilot projects;

•          Proposed mitigation measures;

•          Environmental and social monitoring; and

•          Stakeholder engagement.

Structure of the ESMP

The ESMP for the project (NCCP) will consist of a set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures, including policies, procedures and practices – as well as the actions needed to implement these measures –to achieve the desired social and environmental sustainability outcomes. The report is expected to include the separate sections:

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Principal Social Safeguards Specialist will work under the general supervision and guidance of the Project Manager in TCS/ECA/JET. He/her will develop a detailed Environmental and Social Management Plan to suggest cost-effective measures to minimize, mitigate, or eliminate adverse impacts of the activities of this project. Measures to enhance beneficial impacts will also be recommended.

MAIN DUTIES

- Define environmental and social impact mitigation actions/measures;

- Detail environmental and social monitoring to be conducted during project implementation;

- Develop a plan to assess and build capacity to implement the environmental and social management plan and other environmental and social components of the project; 

- Develop a plan to communicate progress with implementation and effectiveness of the management plan.

Proposed methodology

• Desk review of existing literature and studies
• Filed assessment
• Stakeholder consultations
• Data analysis
• Production of final report

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, engineering, sciences, agro-industries, environment, business administration, development studies or other relevant discipline with specialization in natural resource management or equivalent is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience in evaluation of development projects and programmes at international level is required.
• Knowledge of methodologies necessary of Environmental and Social Management Plans in the context of accelerating access to energy is required.
• Experience in leading and conducting high-level, strategic or complex evaluations for UN organizations and international development banks/organizations is desirable.
• Experience in evaluating clean cooking development projects is an asset
• Sound knowledge of environmental mitigation and monitoring plans is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of legislation and donor policies that will affect the environmental Management of the project
• Familiarity with social and environmental analysis, tools and methodologies is an asset
• Experience in the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Absence of conflict of interest:

According to UNIDO rules, the consultant must not have been involved in the design and/or implementation, supervision and coordination of and/or have benefited from the programme/project (or theme) under evaluation. The consultant will be requested to sign a declaration that none of the above situations exists and that the consultants will not seek assignments with the manager/s in charge of the project before the completion of her/his contract with the UNIDO Independent Evaluation Division.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values:
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

 Managerial and Leadership Competencies

WE ARE STRATEGIC, DECISIVE, PRINCIPLED AND INSPIRATIONAL: As managers, we are strategic and fair in driving our team’s performance. As leaders, we are a source of inspiration, stand for norms and standards established in the UN Charter and duty bound to defend these ideals with a principled approach.

WE ARE INCLUSIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE: As managers, we are inclusive in our approach and maintain constructive engagement with all our stakeholders. As leaders, we embrace all personnel and stakeholders and are accountable mutually within UNIDO, within the system, to beneficiaries and the public and beyond.

WE ARE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL: As managers, we go beyond conventional methods to help our organizational units strengthen their own agility and adaptability to change. As leaders in the UN system, we have a vision which is integrated and engaged across the pillars of Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.

WE ARE COLLABORATIVE AND CO-CREATIVE: As managers, we foster a team spirit and create meaningful opportunities to hear the voices of those around us, while realizing that only by working together can we accomplish our mission. As leaders we see the inter-dependency of imperatives of the UN Charter and personally champion a collaborative inter-agency, multi-stakeholders and cross-thinking approach.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level. 

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org