|
Water & Wetlands Programme Advisor (WWPA)
|
BACKGROUND
The Water and Wetlands (W&W) Programme has a long history of work with the Government of Lao PDR and development partners. IUCN Lao PDR encourages collaborative, efficient and sustainable water resources management mechanisms to ensure that secure water for all. Through our work with local leadership, communities, governments and regional development partners, we seek to continue implementing multi-stakeholder processes to promote healthy watersheds and wetlands. As of April 2019, there are currently two main projects under the W&W Programme as follows:
- Climate Change Adaptation in Wetland Areas (CAWA):
In response to biodiversity surveys carried out in the two Ramsar sites and the recognition that agricultural encroachment is the greatest threat to the wetlands of Beung Kiat Ngong (BKN) and Xe Champhone (XC), FAO and MoNRE have designed a project to address the challenges and asked IUCN to provide technical support in the two Ramsar sites. CAWA seeks to reduce climate change vulnerability of the communities and the wetlands ecosystems. The project is not just be wetlands focused but also focuses on the livelihoods of people in and around the wetlands and the interactions between communities’ livelihoods and wetland ecosystems.
- Lower Mekong Basin Wetland Management and Conservation Project (MRWP):
MRWP of KfW is in line with the overall goal of the Strategic Framework for cooperation between the MRC and the Federal Republic of Germany. All projects between these two parties, pursue the following objective: “The MRC is effectively and competently supporting member countries in the sustainable management of basin challenges, particularly those arising from hydropower development and climate change”. MRWP will consist of three distinct but closely linked components: one regional component (to be implemented by the MRC) and two national components (to be implemented in Lao PDR and Cambodia). The national components to be implemented by Cambodia and Lao PDR will contribute to sustainable rehabilitation, conservation and management of wetlands ecosystem services while improving the livelihood of local communities in selected wetlands sites.
Nevertheless, the position will also support other projects and programmes, including activities under the regional Mekong WET project, and as required under the umbrella of IUCN Lao PDR
- Climate Change Adaptation in Wetland Areas (CAWA):
In response to biodiversity surveys carried out in the two Ramsar sites and the recognition that agricultural encroachment is the greatest threat to the wetlands of Beung Kiat Ngong (BKN) and Xe Champhone (XC), FAO and MoNRE have designed a project to address the challenges and asked IUCN to provide technical support in the two Ramsar sites. CAWA seeks to reduce climate change vulnerability of the communities and the wetlands ecosystems. The project is not just be wetlands focused but also focuses on the livelihoods of people in and around the wetlands and the interactions between communities’ livelihoods and wetland ecosystems.
- Lower Mekong Basin Wetland Management and Conservation Project (MRWP):
MRWP of KfW is in line with the overall goal of the Strategic Framework for cooperation between the MRC and the Federal Republic of Germany. All projects between these two parties, pursue the following objective: “The MRC is effectively and competently supporting member countries in the sustainable management of basin challenges, particularly those arising from hydropower development and climate change”. MRWP will consist of three distinct but closely linked components: one regional component (to be implemented by the MRC) and two national components (to be implemented in Lao PDR and Cambodia). The national components to be implemented by Cambodia and Lao PDR will contribute to sustainable rehabilitation, conservation and management of wetlands ecosystem services while improving the livelihood of local communities in selected wetlands sites.
Nevertheless, the position will also support other projects and programmes, including activities under the regional Mekong WET project, and as required under the umbrella of IUCN Lao PDR
JOB DESCRIPTION
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The WWPA is responsible for the management of the W&W Programme including all aspects of project cycle management, i.e. planning & development, implementation, and monitoring & reporting. WWPA is also expected to work closely with Head of Office to develop the yearly project workplans and SMART deliverables.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
The position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Technically advise and contribute towards achieving CAWA deliverables:
- Climate change vulnerability and adaptation planning to support wetland species, habitats, and local communities of the two Lao Ramsar sites
- Planning and implementation of programs for promoting and sustaining CCA measures, associated with watershed management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, institutional development, rural development.
- Strengthen capacities of water/natural resources/wetlands to apply effective governance of wetlands use and management, i.e. through R-METT assessment, and development of wetland management plans
- Capacity development programmes and innovation systems to support CC resilience strategies, such as sustainable fisheries, ecotourism development, NTFP/aquatic resource management.
- Methodological guidelines, training and participatory planning for stakeholders on integration of CCA and disaster risk management into local and national plans.
- Institutional mechanisms for coordinating CC resilience in wetlands strengthened.
Technically advise and contribute towards achieving MRWP Project deliverables:
- Undertake land use planning and zoning through field mapping of Ramsar wetlands: ground truthing with communities, defining project boundaries and proposing amendments to conservation zones if appropriate.
- Support review and implementation of 5-year management plan
- Develop sector implementation plans, including water management, fisheries, birds and wildlife, protection (by community rangers), vegetation and habitat and livelihoods (including ecotourism).
- Prepare and test guidelines for planning and implementing integrated management of wetlands.
- Promote guidelines within Government for inclusion as national policy and use in other Ramsar sites and wetlands of significance.
- Develop integrated ecosystem monitoring guidelines (ecosystem, flora and fauna, water, management, etc.) and provide training.
- Strengthen community patrolling systems.
- Support sustainable ecotourism initiatives
- Rehabilitation of sites through natural regeneration and if necessary reforestation.
- Implementation of invasive species management programs
- Support review of environmental curriculums of schools in Champasak Province and develop a concept of wetland environmental education curricula for pilot schools for teaching in an experience center.
- Undertake special studies as necessary.
Programme Management:
- Oversee the implementation of Water & Wetland Programme activities in line with prepared work plans, budgets and the approved programme/project proposal with the projects listed in Section 8 above, as well as support other projects such as the regional MekongWET project.
- Ensure adequate programme monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place and adhered to at all levels of programming so that impact of the programme can be measured.
- Resolve issues and problems as they arise and seek support from higher management and team as necessary
- Seek opportunities to replicate and expand the programme and develop Project Proposals and Concept Notes with the relevant stakeholders
- Coordinate the technical implementation of the project and communicate, liaise with local partners.
- Coordinate Field Officers in implementing multi stakeholder dialogue events at a regular basis (cluster meetings with villagers to discuss different topics related to conservation/management
of the XC and BKN Ramsar sites).
- Follow formal procedures within IUCN and to meet government requirements in order to implement field activities.
Programme and Project Development:
- Be part of the senior management team in the IUCN Lao PDR. This group will have the task of leading the development of IUCN Lao PDR program, including developing and maintaining relationships with the Government, IUCN members, Commissions and other partnerships in Lao PDR.
- Support the IUCN Lao PDR Program team in delivering results under One Program approach and facilitating the necessary coordination with the Indo-Burma Group, Regional Thematic Programs, and Global Thematic Program.
- Assist the Head of Office and Head, Indo-Burma Group in seeking new funding opportunities by developing innovative alliances with donors, members and partners and producing quality project proposals in close cooperation with both technical staff within IUCN Lao PDR and Indo-
Burma Group
- Assist Head of Office and Head, Indo-Burma Group on matters related to financing and sustainability of IUCN Lao PDR notably, updating and review of ABC list, preparation of project budget and donor contracts, definition of the core functions and costs of IUCN, integration of annual work planning and budgeting, and new financing mechanisms.
Program and Project Planning, Monitoring and Reporting:
- Coordinate the process of country program and project planning, monitoring and reporting in accordance with guidelines established for the Asia Region and globally.
- Assist with the development of good quality strategic, intercessional and annual plans for IUCN Lao PDR, including the development and regular monitoring of program and project work plans.
- Work with the Head of Office and Finance on matters related to preparation of project budgets and donor contracts, definition of the core functions and costs of IUCN, integration of annual work planning and budgeting, and new financing mechanisms.
- Integrate monitoring and evaluation in the work of all projects of IUCN Lao PDR including the development and use of performance indicators for quality management.
- Ensure that lessons learnt in various projects and units of IUCN Lao PDR are documented and internalized in the current and future work of IUCN Lao PDR.
- Ensure regular program reporting requirements by both donors and IUCN Asia Regional Office (ARO) are met (e.g. Quarterly Progress-Reports & Annual Report).
- Ensure strong links between communications/knowledge management and program coordination and delivery.
- Prepare and conduct project implementation at all levels of intervention from local (surveys, campaigns, workshops, study tours, etc.) to government (workshops, working group meetings, trainings conferences, etc.)
Institutional tasks
- Represent IUCN Lao PDR in external and internal IUCN meetings, at national, regional and international levels, as needed.
OTHER SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- Undertake any other tasks as may be assigned by, and mutually agreed with the line manager
The WWPA is responsible for the management of the W&W Programme including all aspects of project cycle management, i.e. planning & development, implementation, and monitoring & reporting. WWPA is also expected to work closely with Head of Office to develop the yearly project workplans and SMART deliverables.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
The position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Technically advise and contribute towards achieving CAWA deliverables:
- Climate change vulnerability and adaptation planning to support wetland species, habitats, and local communities of the two Lao Ramsar sites
- Planning and implementation of programs for promoting and sustaining CCA measures, associated with watershed management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, institutional development, rural development.
- Strengthen capacities of water/natural resources/wetlands to apply effective governance of wetlands use and management, i.e. through R-METT assessment, and development of wetland management plans
- Capacity development programmes and innovation systems to support CC resilience strategies, such as sustainable fisheries, ecotourism development, NTFP/aquatic resource management.
- Methodological guidelines, training and participatory planning for stakeholders on integration of CCA and disaster risk management into local and national plans.
- Institutional mechanisms for coordinating CC resilience in wetlands strengthened.
Technically advise and contribute towards achieving MRWP Project deliverables:
- Undertake land use planning and zoning through field mapping of Ramsar wetlands: ground truthing with communities, defining project boundaries and proposing amendments to conservation zones if appropriate.
- Support review and implementation of 5-year management plan
- Develop sector implementation plans, including water management, fisheries, birds and wildlife, protection (by community rangers), vegetation and habitat and livelihoods (including ecotourism).
- Prepare and test guidelines for planning and implementing integrated management of wetlands.
- Promote guidelines within Government for inclusion as national policy and use in other Ramsar sites and wetlands of significance.
- Develop integrated ecosystem monitoring guidelines (ecosystem, flora and fauna, water, management, etc.) and provide training.
- Strengthen community patrolling systems.
- Support sustainable ecotourism initiatives
- Rehabilitation of sites through natural regeneration and if necessary reforestation.
- Implementation of invasive species management programs
- Support review of environmental curriculums of schools in Champasak Province and develop a concept of wetland environmental education curricula for pilot schools for teaching in an experience center.
- Undertake special studies as necessary.
Programme Management:
- Oversee the implementation of Water & Wetland Programme activities in line with prepared work plans, budgets and the approved programme/project proposal with the projects listed in Section 8 above, as well as support other projects such as the regional MekongWET project.
- Ensure adequate programme monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place and adhered to at all levels of programming so that impact of the programme can be measured.
- Resolve issues and problems as they arise and seek support from higher management and team as necessary
- Seek opportunities to replicate and expand the programme and develop Project Proposals and Concept Notes with the relevant stakeholders
- Coordinate the technical implementation of the project and communicate, liaise with local partners.
- Coordinate Field Officers in implementing multi stakeholder dialogue events at a regular basis (cluster meetings with villagers to discuss different topics related to conservation/management
of the XC and BKN Ramsar sites).
- Follow formal procedures within IUCN and to meet government requirements in order to implement field activities.
Programme and Project Development:
- Be part of the senior management team in the IUCN Lao PDR. This group will have the task of leading the development of IUCN Lao PDR program, including developing and maintaining relationships with the Government, IUCN members, Commissions and other partnerships in Lao PDR.
- Support the IUCN Lao PDR Program team in delivering results under One Program approach and facilitating the necessary coordination with the Indo-Burma Group, Regional Thematic Programs, and Global Thematic Program.
- Assist the Head of Office and Head, Indo-Burma Group in seeking new funding opportunities by developing innovative alliances with donors, members and partners and producing quality project proposals in close cooperation with both technical staff within IUCN Lao PDR and Indo-
Burma Group
- Assist Head of Office and Head, Indo-Burma Group on matters related to financing and sustainability of IUCN Lao PDR notably, updating and review of ABC list, preparation of project budget and donor contracts, definition of the core functions and costs of IUCN, integration of annual work planning and budgeting, and new financing mechanisms.
Program and Project Planning, Monitoring and Reporting:
- Coordinate the process of country program and project planning, monitoring and reporting in accordance with guidelines established for the Asia Region and globally.
- Assist with the development of good quality strategic, intercessional and annual plans for IUCN Lao PDR, including the development and regular monitoring of program and project work plans.
- Work with the Head of Office and Finance on matters related to preparation of project budgets and donor contracts, definition of the core functions and costs of IUCN, integration of annual work planning and budgeting, and new financing mechanisms.
- Integrate monitoring and evaluation in the work of all projects of IUCN Lao PDR including the development and use of performance indicators for quality management.
- Ensure that lessons learnt in various projects and units of IUCN Lao PDR are documented and internalized in the current and future work of IUCN Lao PDR.
- Ensure regular program reporting requirements by both donors and IUCN Asia Regional Office (ARO) are met (e.g. Quarterly Progress-Reports & Annual Report).
- Ensure strong links between communications/knowledge management and program coordination and delivery.
- Prepare and conduct project implementation at all levels of intervention from local (surveys, campaigns, workshops, study tours, etc.) to government (workshops, working group meetings, trainings conferences, etc.)
Institutional tasks
- Represent IUCN Lao PDR in external and internal IUCN meetings, at national, regional and international levels, as needed.
OTHER SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- Undertake any other tasks as may be assigned by, and mutually agreed with the line manager
REQUIREMENTS
|
• Minimum of a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as Climate Change, Hydrology, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management or Environmental Management. • At least 7 years of progressive work experience out of which at least 5 years in a project management role; experience in project implementation and execution is essential; GEF and KFW grant management experience is highly desired • Strong presentation skills and exceptional written and spoken communication skills in English is essential; ability to speak Lao would be highly beneficial • Experience and ability to work in a multicultural and multi-perspective environment and a broad awareness of the Greater Mekong region |
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
www.iucn.org
https://twitter.com/IUCN