Background
The overall objective of this assignment is to support organization and facilitate activities related to the Second High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, that will take place in Dushanbe on 20-22 June 2020. The primary goal of the Conference is a comprehensive discussion of the issues of implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, with bringing its activities to the notice of wider international community. This conference also provides a platform to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the International Decade and elaboration of recommendations for further action, including contribution to the achievement of water-related Sustainable Development Goals.
In achieving the project objectives, the underlying strategic implementation approach is to ensure that the country follows up towards the water-related initiatives in the framework of the “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028” as declared in the Resolution A/RES/71/222 of the UN General Assembly (GA). To fully benefit from the momentum built by the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” and represent its national vision at the adequate level, Tajikistan as the initiator of the UN GA resolution and in cooperation with the UN institutions, particularly the UN-Water and other partners and UN Member States, has developed a comprehensive plan of activities. As part of planned activities, Tajikistan is expected to hold the Second High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, on 20-22 June 2020, in Dushanbe.
The United Nations Development Programme in Tajikistan, based on the request of the Government of Tajikistan, agreed to provide assistance in preparation to and conducting of the International Conference, in particular, development of the agenda, preparation of the list of participants, invitations and discussion papers, organization of the International Steering Committee and interaction with global networks, like UN-Water, as well as bilateral and multilateral donor agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
The scope of work is two-folded. Under the overall guidance of UNDP Senior Management in Tajikistan, in coordination with relevant CO Team Leader and ARR/Programme, and in partnership with UN contributing agencies, the International Consultant is expected to work closely with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, in order:
Under Task 1 above, the Consultant is expected to facilitate and support the organization of the Second International Conference within the framework of the “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028”. More specifically, the incumbent is expected to:
- Provide assistance in Tajikistan’s follow-up towards the water-related initiatives in the framework of the "International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028" that was declared in accordance with the Resolution A/RES/71/222 of the UN General Assembly (GA);
- Assist and facilitate the Government of Tajikistan, the initiator of the UN GA resolution, in implementing a comprehensive plan of activities towards holding the Second High-Level International Conference within the framework of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, planned to be held on 20-22 June 2020 in Dushanbe. This is to be performed in cooperation with UNDP and other contributing UN institutions, other development community partners and UN Member States. In particular:
- Preparation of the draft background document for the conference by March 2020, its subsequent posting on the Conference Website, further improvement as a result of e-consultations, the International Steering Committee as well as the conference proceedings;
- Development of the agenda, preparation of the list of participants, invitations and discussion papers, organization of sub-groups and sessions, and interaction with global networks, like UN-Water and bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, including within three meetings of International Steering Committee;
- Preparation of background (analysis) reports on the global affairs with consideration of international best experience around water cooperation issues;
- Development of the agenda, structure of the conference programs, order of conducting opening and closing ceremonies of the conference, pre-conference events, exhibition, etc.;
- Preparation of Terms of Reference for each plenary and thematic sessions and organization of support towards their convening;
- Support to invitation of highly qualified professionals, chairmen and moderators, as well as speakers for respective sessions, events, as well as the plenary;
- Support to inviting of competent representatives of international and non-government organizations to the work of the Conference;
- Development of concept notes and programs for all events and interventions under UNDP’s leadership or participation that are planned to be held in the framework of the International Conference, including on different aspects of the water issues relevant to UNDP activities in Tajikistan and support to organization of such events, including to development related speeches, interventions, publications, brochures and other materials, as necessary;
- Development and publication of handouts and preparatory materials for the events and the Conference, which will ensure the informational coverage of the participants and improved access of general public to reference and resource materials.
- Preparation of the draft background document for the conference by March 2020, its subsequent posting on the Conference Website, further improvement as a result of e-consultations, the International Steering Committee as well as the conference proceedings;
- Development of the agenda, preparation of the list of participants, invitations and discussion papers, organization of sub-groups and sessions, and interaction with global networks, like UN-Water and bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, including within three meetings of International Steering Committee;
- Preparation of background (analysis) reports on the global affairs with consideration of international best experience around water cooperation issues;
- Development of the agenda, structure of the conference programs, order of conducting opening and closing ceremonies of the conference, pre-conference events, exhibition, etc.;
- Preparation of Terms of Reference for each plenary and thematic sessions and organization of support towards their convening;
- Support to invitation of highly qualified professionals, chairmen and moderators, as well as speakers for respective sessions, events, as well as the plenary;
- Support to inviting of competent representatives of international and non-government organizations to the work of the Conference;
- Development of concept notes and programs for all events and interventions under UNDP’s leadership or participation that are planned to be held in the framework of the International Conference, including on different aspects of the water issues relevant to UNDP activities in Tajikistan and support to organization of such events, including to development related speeches, interventions, publications, brochures and other materials, as necessary;
- Development and publication of handouts and preparatory materials for the events and the Conference, which will ensure the informational coverage of the participants and improved access of general public to reference and resource materials.
Under Task 2 above, the Consultant is expected to work on conceptualization and development of UNDP support strategy and one full fledge project proposal in support of water sector reform agenda of the Government of Tajikistan. The Consultant is expected to carry out consultations with key national stakeholders and other relevant counterparts to support proposal development process. It is expected that the project proposal will be also presented at least three potential funding institutions.
The proposal should clearly articulate UNDP CO positioning in support of Water Sector Reform agenda beyond 2020, including:
- Analytical paper on policy work in the water sector conducted by UNDP Tajikistan to-date;
- Development of position paper for UNDP-led policy work in support of water sector reform agenda during 2021-2026, a) clearly defining UNDP’s offer and value addition, as well as b) theories of change for proposed areas of support;
- Development of project proposal on broader integrated water resource management.
The project proposal is expected to support the water sector reform agenda, in particular (but not limited to):
- Facilitate a sector wide policy dialogue towards coordinated implementation of the reform principles?
- Strengthen systems and mechanisms to adopt river basin management approaches to water management;
- Institutionalize mechanisms to ensure irrigation water management is based on hydrological, not administrative, boundaries.
The expected project proposal will utilize an evidence based policy reform based on pilot interventions as a core principle. Such critical issues as decentralization and subsidiary management of water systems cannot be addressed adequately without impartial information and empirical evidence proving the actual situation. Thus, the proposed project will have to attempt to contribute in undertaking needed assessments and support information management that is foremost accessible to policy makers and consumers.
There is also a need for development of comprehensive capacity building programme to support the water sector reform implementation as part of the project proposal, and to contribute to the empowerment of related water institutions in promotion and realization of good governance guided by the principles of HBRA to water management. The interventions must focus explicitly on principles of transparency, accountability and citizen participation at the core of governance initiatives.
To contribute in achieving those objectives, the proposed intervention will focus on activities at policy level (policy guidance and institutional development) with oversight and coordination of on-going projects by relevant implementing agencies, i.e. Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, as well as the main beneficiary, Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation.
PURPOSE
The International Consultant is required to work under the guidance of the UNDP Senior Management in Tajikistan in coordination with relevant CO Team Leader and ARR/Programme, and in partnership with UN contributing agencies. The purpose of this assignment is to facilitate and support the organization of the Second International Conference within the framework of the “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028”.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The International Consultant will facilitate and support the organization of the Second International Conference within the framework of the “International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028”. Lead on conceptualization and development of the project proposal on integrated water resources management in Tajikistan.
The detailed ToR is presented in Annex 3.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Functional Competencies
- Knowledge and experience of the political, socio-economic and environmental trends related to water cooperation issues and water resources management approaches at global, regional and national (Tajikistan) levels;
- Skills in organization and facilitation of international conferences, events, workshops and broad-based consultative processes/programmes/project documents on water cooperation issues and water sector development;
- An independent, reliable, responsible self-motivator able work under pressure;
- Excellent communication, team-building and diplomatic skills to develop partnerships;
- Familiarity with UNDP, multilateral and bilateral partners’ programming policies, templates and requirements.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Proven problem-solving skills creative thinking to organize and facilitate water cooperation policy consultation platforms, conferences, and other related events on issues related to water cooperation initiatives and water resources development at regional and global levels;
- Familiarity with global water agenda, SDG context; and with Demand Responsive Approach;
- Proven ability to develop high level policy briefs, strategies, and outcome documents.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic Qualifications:
- Postgraduate or other advanced university degree related to water management or any development related field;
Professional experience.
- At least 7 years of relevant work experience in organization and facilitation of international water cooperation events at regional and global levels;
- Experience with organization and delivery of high level thematic conferences on water or other related themes;
- Previous experience with UNDP and familiarity with UNDP community development programs is an asset;
- Demonstrated experience in capacity development initiatives, notably at the systemic and institutional levels, preferably at the global and international levels;
- Previous work experience in Central Asia and especially in Tajikistan is an important asset.
Knowledge of languages:
- Fluent in English language and ability to work in a multi-cultural, mixed nationality environment regardless of personal feelings or political ideology. Working knowledge of Tajik and/or Russian is a significant asset.
Application Procedure:
Please follow the link to download Individual Consultant Procurement Notice and follow the application procedures indicated in the downloaded ICPN:
http://www.undp.tj/va/upload/va/ICPN%20International%20Consultant_Water%20Conference.pdf
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.