Low Value Consultant: Wetland restoration using youth as actors of change in Lesotho

Under the general supervision of the Senior Progamme Manager, the purpose for the work of the consultant is to compare the cost/benefit and cost efficiency analysis of classical models of intervention to restore wetlands with a model where youth are the actors of change. The final output will be a concept note outlining a possible economic case for involving youth in wetland restoration including via monetizing CO2 sequestration

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Work Assignment

The consultant will be asked to compare a conventional intervention model, where NGOs plan and execute interventions to a Youth for Change (Y4C) model for the wetland restoration use case. The Y4C model acknowledges that youth are a significantly underutilized resource and can contribute significantly to achieving tangible and positive impacts for themselves, their community, and the environment. A special emphasis of the research conducted should lie on the economic and mathematical modeling of the cost/benefit of both approaches in terms of environmental impact such as CO2 sequestered, increased biodiversity, etc. but also in terms of economic and social costs/benefits such as income generated for youth, royalties generated, cost of water purification, etc. The study would be based on previous research from South Africa and  Lesotho and other countries/regions that are comparable to South Africa/Lesotho. Where necessary the study would identify areas that require further research. The analysis should also include the impact on youth and society/community. The deliverable would be a concept note that clearly outlines the potential advantages of wetland restoration in Lesotho using youth as the agents of change. This concept note will then be shared with relevant key stakeholders such as the Lesotho government, South African stakeholders, GenU, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa to unlock further funding to implement such a project.

Deliverables

Deliverables	Duration (Estimated # of days or months)	Timeline/Deadline
Inception report detailing the methodology for the analysis	0,5 months	15 November 2024
A draft report outlining the advantages of wetland restoration detailing the potential economic case for involving youth as agents of change in wetlands restoration in SA and Lesotho and for funding such a program. The draft should also contain a draft concept note for such a programme.	1,5 months	15 January 2025
A final report outlining the advantages of wetland restoration using youth as agents of change in comparison to traditional interventions including a concept note for such a programme,	2 months	31 March 2025

Qualification or Specialized Knowledge and Experience Required

• Education: Doctoral degree in economics or environmental & natural resources studies with strong mathematical/economic modeling skills
• Experience in working in Southern Africa, ideally South Africa and Lesotho
• Strong analytical skills and experience in economic analysis and socio-economic studies
• Strong drafting skills
• Fluency in English

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions, or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.