Individual National Consultant for Assessment MUMA Consultation Committees Bigi

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises. UNDP is committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women, ensuring that development benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual National Consultant for Assessment MUMA Consultation Committees Bigi involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the MUMA Consultation Committees in the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie regions of Suriname. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of these committees in facilitating community engagement and participation in decision-making processes related to environmental and social governance. The consultant will gather data, analyze the current functioning of the committees, and provide recommendations for improvement. This role requires a deep understanding of local governance structures, community dynamics, and environmental issues in Suriname. The consultant will work closely with local stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations, to ensure that the assessment is inclusive and reflective of the community's needs and perspectives. The consultant will also be expected to prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing the findings and recommendations of the assessment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual National Consultant include:

• Conducting a thorough assessment of the MUMA Consultation Committees in the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie regions, including their structure, processes, and outcomes.
• Engaging with local stakeholders to gather qualitative and quantitative data on the committees' effectiveness and community perceptions.
• Analyzing the data collected to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the committees' functioning.
• Developing a set of actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the committees in promoting community participation and environmental governance.
• Preparing comprehensive reports that detail the assessment findings, methodologies used, and recommendations for improvement.
• Presenting the findings to relevant stakeholders, including government officials and community members, to facilitate discussions on the way forward.
• Ensuring that the assessment process is transparent, inclusive, and respectful of local customs and practices.
• Adhering to UNDP's ethical standards and guidelines throughout the assessment process.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• A strong background in social sciences, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting assessments or evaluations, particularly in community engagement and governance contexts.
• Familiarity with the local context of Suriname, including knowledge of the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie regions.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using data collection and analysis tools, as well as report writing software.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social sciences, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of community dynamics, governance, and environmental issues.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the position includes at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in conducting assessments, evaluations, or research in the fields of community engagement, governance, or environmental management. Experience working with local communities and stakeholders in Suriname or similar contexts is highly desirable. The consultant should also have a proven track record of producing high-quality reports and presentations based on assessment findings.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in Dutch, as it is the official language of Suriname. Additionally, knowledge of English is highly desirable, as it may be necessary for communication with UNDP and other international stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages or dialects spoken in the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie regions would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an individual contractor role, and the duration of the assignment will be determined based on the scope of work and the timeline for the assessment. The consultant will be expected to work on a full-time basis during the assessment period, with flexibility in scheduling to accommodate community engagements and stakeholder meetings. Compensation will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with UNDP's policies and guidelines. The consultant may be required to travel within the Bigi Pan and Noord Coronie regions to conduct fieldwork and engage with local stakeholders.