FIELD RESEARCH ASSOCIATE– NEX PROJECT - SU 7 (NEPALESE NATIONALS ONLY) - UNDP - Nepal

Location : Field Based, NEPAL
Application Deadline : 04-Nov-12
Additional Category Environment and Energy
Type of Contract : Other
Post Level : Other
Languages Required : English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Jan-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : Annual contract and extended based on performance

Background

The Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA) Project for Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal, Peru and Uganda aims to strengthen the capacity of these three highly vulnerable countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. The project targets to strengthen ecosystem resilience and reduce the vulnerability of local communities with a particular emphasis on mountain regions. Specifially the project will support: (i) the development of methodologies and tools for mountain ecosystems; (ii) the application of the above tools and methodologies at the national level; (iii) the implementation of EBA pilots at the ecosystem level; and (iv) the formulation of national policies and building an economic case for EBA at the national level.

The project will create new opportunities for experimental learning between regions and among countries through parallel and cooperative development and application of methodologies and tools and the implementation of pilot projects. It will shorten the learning curve of local and national institutions and fast-track the transfer of knowledge related to building ecosystem resilience.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and is being jointly implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Field Research Associate will work directly under the supervision of Field Officer and overall guidance of Project Coordinator. S/he will be responsible for carrying out action research and monitoring of the project. S/he will support Field Officer to implement project activities in the field. The specific responsibilities of the Field Research Associate will include the following:
Work in a team to identify appropriate Ecosystem Based Adaptation Measures and take lead on piloting them in the field.
Support to carry out vulnerability assessment of ecosystem and the community.
Take lead to apply EbA tools and methodology at the local level
Document process and lessons learned during the implementation of the project
Assist Field Officer to implement the project activities as per the annual work plan and budget
Monitor project activities in the field periodically and report to Field Officer and Project Coordinator and also support relevant evaluation actions, including community evaluation of project impacts
Work in a team to develop quarterly and annual work plan and quarterly and annual progress reports
Support to develop training materials and conduct capacity building training to local stakeholder
Assist Field Officer to coordinate with Regional Director of Directorate of Forests and District line agencies and local bodies in planning and monitoring.
Assist Project Coordinator and Field Officer in organizing various workshops, trainings and planning.
Assist Field Officer to maintain close coordination/linkages with targeted District line agencies, local bodies, I/NGOs and projects within the project area
Provide additional support to Field Office and Project Management Unit as required.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
Shares knowledge and experience
Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP practice areas
Develops substantive knowledge of one or more Practice Areas
Promotes a learning environment in the office
Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
The candidate should have at least Bachelor’s degree in Environment science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or relevant area.
Experience:
Candidates mush have 5 years of work experience in the field of natural resources management
At least 3 years of research experience in the field of climate change adaptation, conservation and natural resources management and relevant area.
S/he should have a successful record of working with District line agencies, local bodies and community groups in a multi-stakeholder environment.
The candidate should have strong background on participatory planning on natural resources management and / or adaptation planning
S/he must be willing to travel frequently and adapt to difficult working conditions.
S/he should also have the ability to use tact and diplomacy, resolve conflicts and achieve results.

Computer skills and required languages:
The candidate must be computer literate.
Proven abilities in writing and speaking in English and Nepali language.


UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

To apply for this position, please click here