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Background While climate change is observed across, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes ial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Explicit requirements include Fluency in English and Nepali is required and 2 years of relevant experience.
Last checked: 8 hours ago
Closing date: TBD
Country: Nepal
Duty station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Contract type: Not specified
Grade: Not specified
Applicant eligibility: Local / national only
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Background
While climate change is observed across Nepal, the rate of temperature increase is more pronounced at higher altitudes. This temperature rise accelerates the rate of glacial retreat, increasing the size of glacial lakes located in these high-altitude areas and, in turn, their likelihood of breaching in the form of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) which cause severe flooding, landslides and mudflows that damage infrastructure and private assets, and disrupt transportation networks, agricultural production, power supplies from hydropower plants and tourism activities. Damages from GLOFs are often irreparable for decades, with considerable economic costs, particularly to downstream populations. The risk of GLOFs is further exacerbated by increasing temperatures which increase the rate of snow and ice melt and the proportion of precipitation falling as rain, which increases the volume of the lakes, thereby reducing the amount of ‘freeboard’, which increases the likelihood of overflow and the intensity of resulting floods.
The Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 Lakes are at exceptionally high risk of breaching having already exhibited considerable increases in volume, accelerated degradation of their ice-cored moraines, and a reduced amount of ‘freeboard’ as a result of climate change. Combined, these factors have destabilized the lakes, exposing the Gandaki Basin and the Dudhkoshi and Arun Sub-basins to the threat of a GLOF event. Without intervention, the risk of GLOF will be high and GLOF can adversely impacts the downstream vulnerable communities. .
In response to this risk, USD36 millions of GCF funds, alongside USD14 million in cofinance, will be directed to reduce the risk and impacts of GLOFs at the four priority glacial lakes by shifting towards a proactive approach to GLOF risk reduction in Nepal. The proposed project presents an integrated approach to GLOF risk management in Nepal by addressing institutional and technical capacities, physical protection (both grey and green infrastructure approaches), hazard monitoring and early warning. This integrated approach will utilise GCF funds to: i) lower the water levels of four glacial lakes to reduce their risk of breaching; ii) implement Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in mountain ecosystems to mitigate the residual flood impacts from a GLOF; iii) establish and implement early warning systems to alleviate damages and prevent the loss of lives from GLOFs; and iv) strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to plan for and respond to GLOFs and floods. These interventions will catalyse a shift from a need- and project-based approach towards proactive and pre-emptive approaches, engendered through strengthened capacity among institutions and communities.
The project will be implemented following UNDP’s support to National Implementation Modality (NIM), with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) of Nepal acting as the Implementing Partner. Under this modality, UNDP is supporting DHM in recruiting key positions for the establishment of a Project Management Unit, which will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Members of the PMU will collectively be responsible for overall planning and budgeting, collaborating with other ministries, sectors and government entities to implement the project performance management system; bidding for the provision of project consultancy services; coordination with the responsible parties in terms of bidding of goods and services; disbursement and implementation of project audits, operation of accounts, monitoring and preparation of overall project reports (annual), and safeguards policy monitoring reports.
Duties and Responsibilities
The PMU will be headed by the Project Coordination Specialist (PCS). The ESS Analyst will report directly to the Project Coordination Specialist. The PMU will operate under the overall guidance of the National Project Director (NPD) — as assigned by MoEWRI. The ESS Analyst will work closely with the GESI and M&E Evaluation Analyst.
The Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Analyst will be responsible for ensuring that all project activities comply with the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and related safeguard standards of UNDP and the GCF. The Analyst will oversee the preparation and implementation of site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Indigenous Peoples’ Plan , monitor compliance, and provide technical advice to mitigate risks associated with lake lowering, Eco-DRR measures, and early warning system interventions. Key duties include supporting risk assessments, establishing and operating the grievance redress mechanism, strengthening the capacity of implementing partners and communities on safeguards, and reporting on safeguards performance to the Project Management Unit, UNDP, and GCF. The Analyst will also document good practices and contribute to knowledge-sharing platforms to promote replication of safeguards approaches across the region. The role will conclude with the submission of final safeguards performance reports and integration of lessons into the project’s terminal evaluation and closure. The ESS Analyst will be responsible for the following key functions:
1. Prepare, implement and monitor Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP):
2. Undertaking of risk assessments and impact analysis:
3. Strengthenning of institutional and community capacity on safeguards:
4. Support grievance redress and stakeholder engagement:
5. Plan, monitor, report and document on safeguards implementation and lessons on safeguards:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Management
Business Direction & Strategy
2030 Agenda: Peace
2030 Agenda: People
2030 Agenda: Prosperity
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Required skills:
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Required Languages:
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
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