National Consultant to Support as Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert

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Position Title: National Consultant to Support as Social and Environmental Safeguards Expert
Location: Zimbabwe
Country: Zimbabwe
Deadline Date: 12-Feb-25 @ 01:16 AM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network established in 196

• UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP aims to empower lives and build resilient nations by helping countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, and institutional capabilities to sustain development results. With a workforce of over 17,000 employees, UNDP is committed to promoting social and environmental safeguards in its projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant position is designed to provide expert support in the area of social and environmental safeguards. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the projects undertaken by UNDP in Zimbabwe adhere to the necessary social and environmental standards. This role requires a deep understanding of the local context, including the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by communities. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and other partners, to assess risks and develop strategies that promote sustainable practices. The assignment will last for a total of 110 working days, during which the consultant will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs that align with UNDP's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Consultant include but are not limited to: conducting assessments of social and environmental risks associated with UNDP projects; developing and implementing safeguard frameworks and policies; providing technical guidance and support to project teams; facilitating stakeholder consultations and engagement processes; preparing reports and documentation related to social and environmental safeguards; ensuring compliance with national and international safeguard standards; and contributing to capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders. The consultant will also be expected to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safeguard measures and recommend improvements as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in social and environmental safeguards, with a proven track record of working on similar projects. A thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing environmental protection and social equity in Zimbabwe is essential. The consultant should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with UNDP's policies and procedures related to safeguards will be an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have experience in conducting training and capacity-building activities.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Environmental Science, Social Science, Development Studies, or a related field is required. Candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience in relevant areas will be given preference. Specialized training in social and environmental safeguards, impact assessment, or related disciplines is also highly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in social and environmental safeguards, with a focus on development projects. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UNDP or similar agencies, is highly valued. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and local communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe will be considered an asset, as it will facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an individual consultant role, and the contract will be for a fixed duration of 110 working days. The consultant is expected to work on a full-time basis during this period. The recruitment process is open to both national and international candidates, and compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The consultant will be required to submit proposals through the UNDP supplier portal, and any inquiries regarding the tender must be made through the messaging functionality in the portal.