Individual Consul - Stakeholder Engagement and Social Inclusion Expert

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. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and climate change, and has a mission to empower lives and build resilient nations.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consul - Stakeholder Engagement and Social Inclusion Expert is focused on enhancing stakeholder engagement and promoting social inclusion within the context of restoring the ecosystem integrity of the degraded Bobirwa-Tswapong ecosystem in Botswana. The expert will be responsible for developing strategies that facilitate community involvement in ecosystem restoration efforts, ensuring that local populations are actively engaged in decision-making processes. This role requires a deep understanding of social dynamics, environmental challenges, and the ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. The expert will also need to address challenges related to climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and biodiversity management, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard and considered in the restoration initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Consul - Stakeholder Engagement and Social Inclusion Expert include:

• Conducting stakeholder mapping to identify key actors and their interests in the Bobirwa-Tswapong ecosystem restoration project.
• Facilitating workshops and meetings with stakeholders to gather input and foster collaboration.
• Developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement strategy that promotes social inclusion and addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Collaborating with local communities to ensure their participation in ecosystem restoration activities.
• Providing technical guidance on best practices for stakeholder engagement and social inclusion in environmental projects.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of engagement strategies and making necessary adjustments.
• Reporting on progress and challenges related to stakeholder engagement and social inclusion efforts.
• Ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and procedures throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, community development, or social inclusion, particularly in environmental or conservation projects.
• Strong understanding of the social, economic, and environmental issues affecting local communities in Botswana.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.
• Knowledge of biodiversity management and climate change adaptation strategies is an asset.
• Familiarity with UNDP policies and procedures is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Master's degree in social sciences, environmental studies, development studies, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, particularly for candidates with a strong research background in stakeholder engagement and social inclusion.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in stakeholder engagement, community development, or social inclusion, with a focus on environmental or conservation projects. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UNDP or similar agencies, is highly desirable. Proven track record of successfully implementing community engagement strategies and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UNDP. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Botswana would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an individual contractor role, with a maximum assignment period of 8 weeks within a span of 4 months. The contract is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work on-site in Botswana. The deadline for submitting proposals is 14-Aug-26 at 05:00 AM New York time. Interested candidates must submit their proposals through the UNDP supplier portal, following the specific instructions provided in the procurement notice. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the negotiation phase.