In 2012 the UNDP regional services centre for Eastern and Southern Africa in partnership with the OECD-DAC developed a guidance note on “How Developing Countries Can Generate Greater Value and Welfare From Natural Capital – Payment for Ecosystem Services”. The guidance note examined the role donor agencies can play in supporting the creation of greater value from natural capital; how donor agencies can reflect natural capital value in their broader development portfolio; and how developing countries can benefit from better valued natural capital. In answering to these questions, the guidance note identifies some tools and instruments for generating greater value and welfare from natural capital, lessons learnt in their application, and recommendations for development partners who wish to support payment for ecosystems services implementation in developing countries
Below are some of the main points raised in the guidance note:
- For low income countries, natural capital represents over a quarter of their total wealth. This wealth can be integrated into growth of these countries through: natural resource accounting, policy reforms for capturing natural resource rents, and payments for ecosystem services (PES). Policy reforms have the greatest potential as they can be far-reaching. PES can contribute to poverty reduction.
- For pro-poor PES schemes to reach their potential, they need to be integrated in the broader development processes of countries. PES needs to be relevant in livelihood strategies of populations where it is implemented. Combining growth, poverty reduction and environmental protection objectives is possible, but it is also challenging and requires specific and sustained efforts.
- Donors can support the successful development of pro-poor PES schemes by working at three levels. First, supporting the integration of PES schemes and the perspectives of the poor in national and international policy processes. Second, supporting improved design of PES schemes – so that they are pro-poor and sustainable. Third, improving the quantity and quality of their financial support – making it more strategic and predictable, and moving from project to programmatic approaches
- Local-level governance structures must be capable of administering and distributing incentives in an equitable manner. There is a need for significant capacity development efforts at the enabling environment - organizational and individual levels for PES
A number of opportunities and tools exist for programming PES at country level. To get maximum benefits out of PES schemes these need to be integrated into country development programmes. In providing support to national governments, entry points include the integration of PES in the development of UNDAFs and country programmes; post Rio+20 implementation strategies, and integration within project development programming cycles – such as GEF programming.
The UNDP regional environment project is now commissioning the development of a practical (‘How-To’) guide on the valuation of natural capital and payment for ecosystems services; and how to integrate these in country programmes. The practical guide will form part of the various tools for the development of a framework towards the transformation to and/or development of a green economy. UNDP is therefore seeking the services of a consultancy consortium (university, research institute, consortium of researchers, not for profit think tank organisations etc.) to undertake this consultancy.
|
Duties and Responsibilities
|
Objectives:
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a practical guide to programming natural capital valuation and payment for ecosystem services in country programmes. The guide will serve to assist UNDP country offices in the integration of these concepts into country programmes. As the guide is intended to be applied in more than one country situation, it should include flexibility in approach and issues to be addressed.
Deliverables:
The consultancy will deliver a ‘Practical Guide to Natural Resources Valuation and Payment for Ecosystems Services Programming” for development practitioners primarily in UNDP. The consultant is expected to build on the existing work that UNDP has undertaken in this area. The following are the main tasks.
- Review and synthesise reports, policies, strategies and other relevant documents on the subject
- Prepare a how-to guide on programming for the valuation of natural capital and payment for ecosystem services – maximum 20 pages. The guide should contain definitions of PES – indicating the different types of PES and how they can be applied; natural capital valuation; mainstreaming/programming methodologies of PES – these need to take into account the differing circumstances of countries
- Collate comments and feedback received for integration into the final document/report
- Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on programming payment for ecosystem services
The duration of the assignment is expected to be a total of 45 days over the period of three months. The submission of the first draft of the practical guide is 16 May 2013. The second draft is expected on 10 June 2013. The final version of the Practical Guide is expected on 28 June 2013.
The consultants will report to the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor on Biodiversity and the Project Manager for the Regional Environment Project, “Management of Environmental Services and Financing for Sustainable Development” at the UNDP Regional Service Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
|
Competencies
|
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to UN mission, vision and values (especially the approach towards, gender, trade and human development);
- Practices adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:
- Good knowledge, understanding, and some experience of international trade, entrepreneurship especially from the perspective of economics of gender (being able to look at the relevant issues from a strong gender lens);
- Excellent facilitation, training, and analytical skills are required. Excellent skills in coordination, reporting and extracting necessary and relevant information are a must.
|
Required Skills and Experience
|
Education:
- Applicants must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in natural resources management/economics, environmental economics, environmental management, economics, development or a closely ecology related field.
Experience:
- Applicants must be part of a recognized research institute, consortium, organization, think tank or university.
- Technical knowledge of ecosystems services and management in Africa.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in the environment sector, policy-formulation, environmental economics and strategy development and in the generation of environmental management tools.
- Experience in PES and natural capital valuation
- Proven record in the writing of research papers, reports and publications on environmental management, payment for ecosystems services issues pertaining to Africa. Excellent quantitative and qualitative research, communication, networking, influencing and facilitation skills.
- Experience of working with international organizations, government agencies, regional organizations, NGOs, civil society, communities and other stake-holders.
- Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Computer literate in standard software applications.
- Experience with UNDP environment programming at country level.
Language Requirements:
- Proficiency in English required.
FC: 04210 |
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=35920
