Concept Note Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Expert consultant

Result of Service

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the Climate Change Unit in delivering an adjusted concept note for the SAP proposal, increasing the project’s potential for urban resilience though the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and provide inputs to support the selection of cities for its implementation. This consultancy is developed in the framework of the Nature4Cities project, specifically under Outcome 4.1: An increase in the number of quality project concept notes developed and submitted Nature4Cities Project Output 4.1.1: five project concept notes developed of a fundable quality Output 1: Provide inputs to support the selection of the cities Arraijan, La Chorrera y Capira, for the integration of the Nature-based Solutions approach in the SAP proposal of Panama. Project Activity 4.1.1.4: Develop seven national concept notes on Urban Nature based Solutions. This consultancy regards the concept note of Panama, and will provide inputs as follows: Responsibility: Develop a report on the selection of urban areas for the integration of the NbS approach of Nature4Cities in the adjusted concept note for Panama, taking into consideration: • geographic location • socioeconomic scenario • climate risks with a watershed approach • urban and territorial planning process • climate planning framework • complementarity with national and local priorities • overview of urbanization process Product 1: A report that includes the justification of the urban selected areas for Nature-based Solutions (NbS), taking into consideration the geographic location, socioeconomic scenario, climate risks with a watershed approach, urban and territorial plans, and national and local priorities and the meeting report that approves the decision. Output 2: Develop an adjusted concept note for the SAP proposal, including the NbS for urban resilience approach Project Activity 4.1.1.4: Develop seven national concept notes on Urban Nature based Solutions. This consultancy regards the concept note of Panama, and will provide inputs as follows: Responsibility: Provide input and adjust the concept note, including NbS insights for urban areas. The adjusted proposal should detail: • Current legal and policy framework • Climate vulnerability data and trends of three cities • Climate impacts cascade, and justification of NbS approach. • NbS potential to reduce gender-differentiated climate risks • NbS potential for urban adaptation benefits and co-benefits • Global, regional and national initiatives for NbS in urban areas • Adjusted problem statements and main barriers to including NbS approach • Adjusted theory of change, project scope and Logical Framework to integrate the NbS approach All data should be referenced and annexes to support the information should be included. Product 2: A report of the adjusted concept note proposal, (in English, following the GCF SAP concept template) including the NbS insights for urban areas and readjusting baseline, problem statements, project scope and logical framework accordingly. Specific tasks and responsibilities For this consultancy the incumbent is expected to carry out the formulation and edition of the concept note of the project Nature4Cities in Panama, and shall ensure the following tasks: – Conduct stakeholder consultations with the main local and national actors to present the concept note and produce the outcomes. – Develop a clear justification for the urban selected areas where the project of NbS should be implemented. – Develop workshop materials and report with the main results and present the advances to the regional N4C coordinator and the Climate Change Coordinator as well as the government. – Generate a minute notes after meetings with ANDs, stakeholders, internal working teams. – Proper coordination between the project management unit, key local stakeholders and the rest of the project team. – Develop the justification of the incorporation of different cities in the proposal and mainstream urban planning with Nature-based Solutions considering the past lessons learnt of Nature4Cities. – Analyse the information within the Climate Risks and Vulnerability Assessment, national adaptation plans, portfolio of NbS, private sector engagement plans, stakeholders mapping, climate financial assessments of Panama´s Nature4Cities areas. – Provide technical inputs in the theory of change of the concept note, in line with the further justification of the climate rationale of the regional approach requested by the GCF. – Nature-based Solutions approach and options should be integrated all along the concept note. – Analyse the architecture and governance for a competitive program to implement local adaptation measures. – Identify and generally characterize potential executing entities in the intervention areas. – Compilation and analysis of synergies with relevant projects to ensure complementarity and non-duplicity. – Inclusion of the gender perspective in the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) planning in urban areas within the concept note. – Provide input for the baseline assessment on the state of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) integration into urban planning in each participant city(ies), including an estimation of the feasibility of NbS integration into urban planning and development processes. – Coordinate visits to project sites. – Systematize national material on shared folders for a common regional use on knowledge management, capacity building and communication activities. – Provide on-the-ground information for progress reports.

Work Location

HOME-BASED

Expected duration

4 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP (UNEA). The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is the second most urbanized region in the world, with ~80% of the population living in cities. Within the next two decades, this proportion is projected to reach ~85%, thereby ranking the cities of the LAC region among the fastest-growing in the developing world. The rate of urban expansion is faster in small and medium-sized cities relative to megacities. This rapid urbanization and the associated expansion of cities is degrading urban and peri-urban ecosystems – including wetlands, green spaces and forests – that provide a wide range of ecosystem services for urban communities. To address the vulnerability of urban communities, governments in the (LAC) region need to develop and implement cost-effective, low-risk solutions, such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by protecting, maintaining and rehabilitating priority ecosystems in urban areas. As a result, UNEP is working with the governments of, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ecuador, Uruguay, Panamá and Cuba to execute a Readiness project “Nature4Cities – Increasing resilience through Nature based Solutions in Latin-American cities” funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The aim of the project is to increase the capacity of participating countries to design and implement Nature Based urban development strategies that ensure urban resilience to climate change through five main areas of work: (1) Strengthening the knowledge base of national and local governments to assess the potential for Nature Based Adaptation and Mitigation Solutions in urban areas in the context of broader climate change strategies; (2) Reinforcing enabling policies and institutional frameworks to increase adoption of NBS in urban planning; (3) Strengthening partnerships between key actors to accelerate the adoption of NBS solutions; (4) Defining climate finance strategies through innovative public, private and blended financial mechanisms and facilitating access to climate finance for the sustained implementation of NbS; (5) Accelerating upscaling and replication through a regional Urban NBS platform. UNEP LACO seeks to contribute with countries in Latin America to implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Latin American countries. The Concept Note Urban Nature-based Solutions (NbS )Expert consultant will be responsible for the mainstream of an existing concept note including the vision of Nature-based Solutions in urban areas and will coordinate his/her work with the UNEP regional adaptation and transparency team. The consultant will be supervised by the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator of the Climate Change Unit in UNEP LACO and will work in close collaboration with Panama’s National Designated Authority (NDA). He/She will work home-based with frequent meetings in the office of the Ministry of Environment in Panama City, Panama, and in the UNEP LAC Regional Office.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: – Bachelor’s degree in environment, natural resources management, architecture, urban development, or a related field is required. – Master’s degree in environment, landscape architecture, forestry, international relations, urban planning or related field is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in urban planning and design, Nature-based Solutions, adaptation to climate change, urban resilience, or a related field is required. A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in collaborating with the formulation of concept notes to international funds, mainly GCF, is desirable . Experience working in Panama or for national or local institutions and/or government, with the correspondent legal suitability to practice in the country is desirable. Experience in meetings organization, higher education, capacity building and/or planning training is desirable. Experience with UN agencies is desirable. LANGUAGE: – Fluency in Spanish is required – Fluency in English is required SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS : – Knowledge of key topics related to climate change adaptation, the Paris Agreement, SDGs, the IUCN standard for Nature-based Solutions, is desirable. – Strong analytical skills to examine complex data, ability to write in an informative and appealing way and identify key messages is desirable. – Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to facilitate complex reports for a target audience is desirable. – Facilitation of new approaches to decision making e.g., adaptation pathways is desirable. – Convening multiple actors across the relevant decisions is desirable. – Knowledge of land use regulations and urban planning regulations. – Knowledge of ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, ecological restoration and sustainable use of natural resources is desirable. – Knowledge of Panama’s environmental and climate change policies is desirable. – Ability to design and develop technical documents is desirable. – Ability to read and interpret geographic maps is desirable. COMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM – Ability to identify, analyze, and participate in resolving issues/problems. – Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. – Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. – Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. – It is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. – Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. – Remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. – Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. – Is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect one’s position. – Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. – Identifies priority activities and assignments. – Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. – Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. – Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Read Full Description