National Consultant- Legal and environmental stds for Infrastructure development

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Position Title: National Consultant- Legal and environmental stds for Infrastructure development
Location: Bangladesh
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date: 27-Feb-25 @ 05:30 AM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. The organization focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance, and resilience to crises. UNDP has a significant presence in Bangladesh, where it collaborates with the government and other stakeholders to implement various development projects aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Legal and Environmental Standards for Infrastructure Development will play a crucial role in the 'Adaptation Initiative for Climate Vulnerable Offshore Small Islands and Riverine Charland in Bangladesh' project. This five-year initiative, which began in January 2023, is implemented by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of Bangladesh. The primary goal of this consultancy is to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable communities residing in coastal islands and riverine chars. The consultant will be responsible for securing land for infrastructure development by navigating the regulatory processes, engaging with government and community stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with local legal and environmental standards. The consultant's work will be pivotal in ensuring that the infrastructure development aligns with the project's objectives and adheres to the necessary legal frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Conducting thorough assessments of legal and environmental standards relevant to infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
• Liaising with government agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to facilitate the land acquisition process.
• Ensuring that all infrastructure development activities comply with local laws and environmental regulations.
• Preparing detailed reports and documentation related to land acquisition and compliance processes.
• Providing expert advice on legal matters related to land use and environmental impact assessments.
• Collaborating with project teams to integrate legal and environmental considerations into project planning and implementation.
• Conducting training sessions for stakeholders on legal and environmental standards.
• Monitoring and evaluating the compliance of infrastructure projects with legal and environmental requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a set of specific qualifications, including:

• A strong understanding of legal frameworks related to land use and environmental protection in Bangladesh.
• Proven experience in navigating regulatory processes for infrastructure development.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage with various stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills to assess legal documents and environmental impact assessments.
• Familiarity with climate change adaptation strategies and their implications for infrastructure development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, ideally holding a degree in law, environmental science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in environmental law or policy will be considered an asset. Additionally, certifications related to environmental management or land use planning may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The consultant should have substantial experience in legal consulting, particularly in the context of infrastructure development and environmental compliance. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is preferred, with a demonstrated track record of successfully navigating legal and regulatory frameworks in Bangladesh or similar contexts. Experience working with international organizations or government agencies will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory, as it is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also required, particularly for report writing and communication with international partners. Knowledge of other local languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy will span 60 working days over a period of 10 months. The position is classified as a national consultant role, and applicants must be residents of Bangladesh. The consultancy is expected to be full-time, with flexibility in working hours to accommodate stakeholder meetings and field assessments. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and additional benefits may be provided as per UNDP policies.