Background
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UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
This ToR is specifically within the scope of the project entitled “Enhancing climate resilience in Thailand through effective water management and sustainable agriculture”, which is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in the total of USD 17.5 million for 5 year duration (Funded Activity: FP170). UNDP is an Accredited Entity accountable to the GCF for the implementation of the project. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative, is the project Implementing Partner, with the King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) and Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammearbeit (GIZ) Gmbh are the two Responsible Parties.
Thailand is one of the 16 countries identified globally as being in the ‘extreme risk’ category of those most vulnerable to future climate change impacts over the next 30 years. Severe drought and flood events are likely to be experienced increasingly in the near and longer-term future as a result of the combined effects of a more vigorous hydrological cycle and enhanced surface drying. Thailand’s agricultural sector, in particular, will be impacted by changing precipitation patterns with increasingly common extreme rain events and floods, as well as more extensive drought periods, which particularly affect poor households. With climate extremes expected to increase, climate-informed water management and climate-resilient water infrastructure will be critical in order to prepare for and respond to floods and droughts, which are the key priorities in Thailand’s National Adaptation Plan 2018. Given the cost of upgrading existing water infrastructure across the country, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is seeking to complement its grey infrastructure with ecosystems-based adaptation measures (EbA), an integrated solution which brings together water management and agriculture.
The project addresses the core problem of climate-induced droughts and floods threatening agriculture livelihoods and infrastructure in the Yom and Nan river basin (Phitsanulok, Sukhothai and Uttaradit provinces). Specifically, it seeks to: a) support climate informed water management, planning and investment, and b) support vulnerable farmers in reducing volatility to changing climatic conditions, enhancing climate-informed and integrated planning as well as reduce disruption to smallholder farmers.
The objective will be achieved through generation of three complementary outputs:
Output 1: Enhance climate and risk informed planning in the water and agricultural sectors through improved climate information and cross sectoral coordination
Output2: Improve water management through strengthened infrastructure complemented by EbA measures, for greater resilience to climate change impacts
Output 3: Reduce volatility of agriculture livelihoods in drought and flood prone areas through strengthened extension support and local planning, investment in on-farm adaptation measures and greater access to finance and markets.
Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of the Integrated Team Leader of UNDP and technical consultations and guidance of the UNDP Technical Support Team, the Technical Project Specialist is responsible for, jointly with the Project Manager from Project Management Unit (PMU), the implementation and project management of the project. In so doing, the Technical Project Specialist is expected to provide technical guidance and direct contribution, based on national and/or international best practices, to the implementation of the project and, if needed, to train the project technical team (PMU, RID, UNDP) on key issues. While the Technical Project Specialist will be based in Bangkok, he/she is expected to travel to and spend time in the 3 target provinces.
Ensure effective project management in coordination with PMU and RID
Technical expertise and oversight
Policy advice and capacity building
Knowledge management
Partnership development and advocacy
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
The Technical Project Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Integrated Team Leader of UNDP Thailand and technical consultation and guidance of the UNDP Technical Support Team. He/she will also coordinate closely with PMU to collaborate for effective project management.
Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Management: Results-based Management: Ability to manage programme and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Business Management: Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakesholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Business Management: Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contibutors to participate and share, particularly externally
2030 Agenda - Planet: Nature, Climate and Energy: Climate Change Adaptation
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience
Required skills
Desired skills
Required Language
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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