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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

  • Strongly support PMU in project implementation and management under the overall guidance of the RID
  • In coordination with UNDP project and programme team, PMU and RID, provide strategic inputs to technical, financial and managerial aspects of the project to ensure that activities are on track in accordance with the Project Document, as well as provide technical and advisory support on the following elements, among others:
  • Annual work planning and budgeting
  • Procurement of goods and services
  • Budget and expenditure analysis
  • Contractual management
  • Periodical progress reporting
  • Monitoring of all the project risks and mitigation measures
  • Coordinating evaluations and auditings

Technical expertise and oversight 

  • Provide technical inputs across all project activities; control and coordinate all technical inputs and their delivery in a timely manner in close collaboration with the Project Manager (PM); provision of guidance and coordination of all technical inputs by the project consultants/technical experts
  • Serve as the chief technical advisor on adaptation solutions outlined in the project document and any other technical issues needed, including developing and integrating technical systems, standards, guidelines and procedures for government officials 
  • In close collaboration with PMU, RID and UNDP CO supervise and provide guidance to the timely implementation of project ESMP

Policy advice and capacity building

  • In close colaboration with RID, PMU and UNDP, directly contributes to annual work plan and budget revisions as to fully capture the sequencing of all technical deliverables during the project implementation
  • Builds technical and managerial capacities within the PMU, including the introduction of management tools and templates that enable effective planning, implementation and monitoring
  • Provides advice and support through technical assistance to the national counterparts, as required and relevant to the scope of the project and provides other advice as needed to UNDP concerning the evolution and role of the relevant Ministries/stakeholders within the scope of the project

Knowledge management 

  • Identifies, analyses and communicates lessons learned that may be useful in design and implementation of similar projects, shares and promotes identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from project implementation
  • Provides technical inputs and participate in producing technical materials, development and application of knowledge based tools, contributing to the analytical work of UNDP
  • Promotes the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensures effective integration thereof with other pillars

Partnership development and advocacy

  • Advices on the development and implementation of the partnership and advocacy strategies and outreach efforts
  • Establishes and maintains relations with project members, the Board of Directors and other external stakeholders, key national and international partners
  • Identifies prospects and sequencing requests to maximise opportunities for inter-agency cooperation and partnerships.

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:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental planning and management, climate change, environmental engineering, science, or related field is required, or
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Experience 

  • Minimum 5 years (with Master´s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant development experience at the national or international level.
  • At least 5 years of experience in leading and providing technical support and assistance or managing complex projects in the areas related to climate changes, planning and management of natural resources and environment, water resource management and/or agricultural development.

Required skills 

  • Good technical knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation, or other relevant areas;
  • Strong project management skill 
  • Proven experience with implementation of projects related to climate change adaptation and climate resilience ;
  • Proven track record of experience in Thailand and/or in Southeast Asian region, with direct interaction with government and public organizations;

Desired skills 

  • Professional working experience in leading, providing technical support and monitoring of development, environmental and climate related projects/programmes with the UN/international organizations is an advantage;
  • Training experience in development planning, monitoring, evaluation design, management and methodologies;
  • Experience in implementation and monitoring of projects’ risk mitigation measures
  • Good knowledge of national and international practices in climate resilient infrastructures is an asset

Required Language

  • Fluency in English and Thai.

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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Confirmed 6 hours ago. Posted 16 days ago.

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