Vacancy - Chief Technical Advisor

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE ARTIBONITE BI-NATIONAL WATERSHED:

Phase PDF-B

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Chief Technical Advisor

Duty Station                  Dominican Republic, Pedro Santana and Haiti, Hinche

Period:                          15 months

Tentative EOD:             15 October 2006

Working languages: French and Spanish

The Project: The objective of the project Integrated Management of the Artibonite Bi-national Watershed is to promote comprehensive, integrated ecosystem–based reforms, demonstrations and investments for the sustainable management of the Artibonito watershed. This watershed is strategic for both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic it is critical for the sustained development of the Western San Juan Valley and the border area, while in Haiti it is the prime source of water for the Peligre Dam, which provides irrigation, domestic water and hydro-electricity for the country.  The current project is at the preparatory phase (PDF-B), and the main output will be a Project Document and Executive Summary for a Full-Size Project to be submitted to the GEF.

The proposed GEF project will take the following approach:

1.       Preparation of a preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Artibonite Bi-national Watershed;

2.       Compilation and sharing of existing information and filling critical data gaps through targeted assessments, using new and improved information to prepare the TDA and SAP;  and,

3.       Implement and build capacity for legal, policy and institutional reforms for integrated management of the Artibonito Watershed.

The PDF-B stage that the CTA will manage will be fully consultative and participatory, leading to submission of the GEF Project Proposal for the Artibonito Project to the GEF Council. The major outputs of this phase are:

1.   Agreement among countries, agencies, other donors and participating institutions on project coordination and implementation arrangements as well as co-financing options.

2.   Information synthesized and interpreted (preliminary TDA) to provide recommendations (preliminary SAP) on the work to be done in the full project.

3.   Complete GEF Executive Summary and UNDP Project Document including objectives, components, outcomes, outputs, activities, budget, full incremental cost analysis, log frame, STAP review, monitoring and evaluation plan, public involvement plan, documentation of co-financing, and endorsements from recipient governments’ GEF Operational Focal Points.

4.   Capacity built among regional participants to participate in future project activities, through use of national consultants in the process, and optimum use of experts from the region as international consultants.  Broad stakeholder involvement in the development and planned implementation of the project.

Responsibilities

General    Under the supervision of UNDP and FAO, the CTA will head a multidisciplinary team of professionals and consultants working at the Project Coordination Unit in the two participating countries.  The CTA is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the workplan in accordance with the allocated budget and timetable. The CTA’s responsibilities will include:

·     Manage the Project Coordination Unit, its staff, budget and imprest fund;

·     Prepare, implement and monitor a detailed annual work plan and budget;

·     Coordinate and facilitate the work of technical teams

·     Coordinate, facilitate, and supervise the work of consultants, including preparation of TORS and contracts;

·     Ensure consistency and coordination with other projects being implemented in the Artibonite Watershed;

·     Coordinate and enhance relations among relevant bodies at the national and bi-national level;

·     Organise the technical aspects of workshops and meetings as required;

·     Undertake all reporting activities in fulfilment of the requirements of the Executing and Implementing Agencies, the GEF and the Project Steering Committee, and ensure adherence to the Implementing and Executing Agencies’ administrative, and technical reporting requirements;

·     Liaise, consult, and network with national and regional stakeholders;

·     Work closely with the project design specialist to determine additional studies which need to be undertaken to provide the background information needed to prepare the Project Document and Executive Summary for submission to the GEF;

·     Coordinate and facilitate the work of the Project Steering Committee;

·     Oversee the development of information management tools to ensure evaluation, monitoring and replication activities; and,

·     Coordinate donor dialogue activities to ensure cooperation with projects under development by them and for timely resource mobilisation, in close consultation with FAO and UNDP Representatives.

Administrative     A Project Coordination Unit will be established in Pedro Santana, Dominican Republic, near the border area and will be staffed by the CTA, a Deputy Technical Assistant and an Administrative Assistant.  A sub-office will be established at Hinche, Haiti. The CTA will work closely with UNDP and FAO to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the project.

Skills and Experience Required:

Post graduate degree in Environmental Management or directly related field (e.g. watershed or natural resources management, sustainable development).

At least ten years working experience in fields related to natural resource management issues at national and regional levels, demonstrated understanding of rural sustainable development issues. At least five years experience at a senior project management level. Demonstrated diplomatic and negotiating skills. A good knowledge of the Caribbean context, particularly Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is a strong asset.  Experience in implementing UN or GEF funded projects is also an asset.

For this post fluency in oral and written Spanish and French is a requirement, as is a working knowledge of English.

Other Skills: Proven leadership skills and ability to facilitate the work of multidisciplinary teams in a large scale project is essential. Effective oral and written presentation skills.  Experience in administration for budget and human resources management required. Good professional knowledge of main office computer applications required.

Salary will be determined in accordance with the work experience of the candidate and UN regulations and will be very competitive.

Deadline for applications:  31 August 2006

Interested applicants should send their detailed CV and P-11 form to aurena@pnud.org.do or by fax at

1 (809) 531-3507.   www.pnud.org.do