EBA Impact Modeling Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been instrumental in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Job Overview:
The EBA Impact Modeling Consultant will play a crucial role in the Economics of Nature (TEN) Unit within UNEP's Ecosystems Division. This position focuses on contributing to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project aimed at building resilience of urban populations in Lao PDR. The consultant will be responsible for modeling and quantifying the biophysical impacts of selected Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EBA) measures in four cities: Vientiane, Paksan, Pakse, and Kaysone. The role involves assessing flood drivers, hazards, and the potential impacts of EBA scenarios, while also quantifying associated co-benefits. The consultant will collaborate with various stakeholders, including UNEP and World Bank staff, to ensure that the economic valuation of ecosystem services is integrated into decision-making processes. This position requires a strong understanding of hydrological modeling and ecosystem services, as well as the ability to communicate complex findings to a non-expert audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include identifying the main drivers of flood hazards, modeling flood mitigation impacts of EBA scenarios, and quantifying co-benefits associated with NBS and EBA measures. The consultant will collaborate with UNEP and World Bank staff to scope EBA scenarios, assess flood impacts, and conduct a cost-benefit analysis of EBA implementation. Responsibilities also include preparing reports summarizing findings, conducting spatial assessments, and estimating implementation costs for EBA scenarios. The consultant will ensure that the assessment considers various factors such as social impacts, environmental damage, and the robustness of proposed solutions under uncertain future conditions. The consultant will also be tasked with quantifying secondary ecosystem service impacts and conducting high-level assessments of potential environmental and social risks associated with the proposed investments.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in Applied Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree in related fields combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The candidate must have a minimum of five years of professional working experience in hydrological modeling, ecosystem services modeling, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment in developing countries. Additionally, at least three years of experience in flood impact assessment is required. Familiarity with the political economy of development planning in South East Asia is desired, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of the project.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Applied Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. In cases where a candidate holds a first university degree in a related field, a combination of two years of professional experience and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of hydrological modeling and ecosystem services valuation, which are critical to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional working experience in the fields of hydrological modeling, ecosystem services modeling, or ecosystem-based adaptation assessment, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, candidates must have at least three years of experience specifically focused on flood impact assessment. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively model and quantify the impacts of EBA scenarios and contribute to the project's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for collaboration with international stakeholders and for the dissemination of findings to a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be home-based and has a duration of six months. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for application, interview, or training processes. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.