International Integrated Water Resources Management
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:
Vacancy Code
VA/2011/KuraAras/IWRMC/01
Post Title
International Integrated Water Resources Management Coordinator
Post Level
International ICA, Level 1
Project Title
KuraAras FSP/ 70228
Org Unit
EMO IWC
Duty Station
Tbilisi, Georgia
Duration
September 2011 through September 2012 with possible extension
Closing Date
21/08/2011
Background
The Project will assist the Kura-Aras riparian states to 1) identify the principal threats and root causes of the trans-boundary water resources of the Kura Aras-River Transboundary Basin and 2) develop and implement a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investments to address these threats. Balancing overuse and conflicting uses of water resources in transboundary surface and groundwater basins is seen as the critical issue in the basin and will be a principal focus of project attention from the very outset of project related activities. The Project will create synergies with and build upon a range of initiatives being undertaken by the countries themselves and those of bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors that have given priority to the Basin.
The long-term development/environmental goal of the project is sustainable development of the Kura-Aras River Basin enhanced through ecosystem-based Integrated Water Resource Management approaches. The project objective is to improve the management of the Kura-Aras River Transboundary Basin through the implementation of a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investment options using the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) process. In order to achieve this objective, the project will update the TDA, formulate the SAP and associated National IWRM plans, undertake a range of public involvement and awareness activities focusing on trans-boundary activities, and undertake demonstration projects that implement key aspects of the SAP.
During the development of the preliminary TDA, four priority transboundary problems were identified as affecting the Kura-Aras River Basin: 1. variation and reduction of hydrological flow; 2. deterioration of water quality; 3. ecosystem degradation in the river basin; and, 4. increased flooding and bank erosion. The TDA will be revised taking into account key gap filling activities to be undertaken as part of this project and the planned activities of the EU funded Kura-Aras Regional Project. The final TDA will serve as the scientific basis for development of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) an agreed programme of interventions for the introduction of Integrated Water Resource Management approaches throughout the basin. The TDA will review the potential impacts of climate change on the priority transboundary issues. The SAP will
incorporate a basin vision, water resource quality objectives, targets and interventions in the short and medium term to meet the targets. Key activities which will inform both the TDA and the SAP will be the demonstration projects on the establishment of ecological flows at key locations in the basin and the trialing of water management systems in the Aras basin. The SAP will be underpinned by the development of national IWRM plans in Azerbaijan and Georgia and implementation of the existing IWRM plan in Armenia.
This project has been designed in close collaboration with the Kura-Aras Basin countries. It has been developed in coordination with the other major donors, inter alia, European Union and USAID, to ensure maximum synergy and minimum overlap between supporting projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
The International IWRM Coordinator shall be responsible for supporting the production of the up-dated TDA, coordinating thematic inputs and gap filling activities and he/she shall co-chair the TDA Technical Task Team with the Science Officer reporting directly to the Project Coordinator; Key technical responsibilities are the support to development National IWRM Plans, and linking the national IWRM plans and priorities in the transboundary context including:
o Provide support in the analysis of findings for the Capacity Needs Assessment
o Coordinate development of IWRM training materials and modules for each country and the region as a whole;
o Coordinate the National IRWM Plans in collaboration with the International Senior IWRM Expert Consultant and the National Coordinators, taking climate change impacts into consideration;
o Coordinate identification of national and regional IWRM priorities;
o Oversee the development of Regional SAP interventions and pre-feasibility studies of priority interventions;
o Take primary responsibility for organization of the donor conference, and advising the countries on strategic investments; He/she will liaise with the governments, stakeholders, national coordinators, and international consultants as needed and appropriate; He/she will be expected to travel throughout the region, with frequent travel to Baku and Yerevan, as well as other travel as needed; He/she will support stakeholder education and activities related to IWRM including curriculum review and development at all levels; He/she will provide support to the demonstration project development and implementation and integrate the results into the National IWRM Plans and SAP; Additional tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator; The International IWRM Coordinator reports directly to the Project Coordinator
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
Final TDA report and technical task team reports Analysis report for National Capacity Needs Assessments Training modules for IWRM Capacity building with support from Senior International IWRM Expert Consultant Coordinated National and Regional IWRM Training and capacity building materials Coordinated National IWRM plans with support from Senior International IWRM Expert and National Coordinators Regional SAP based on national IWRM plans and corresponding priorities included in the national plans Donor Conference Report Curriculum review and recommendations Quarterly Reports in line with Strategic Results Framework for Project Document Annual regional reports for findings with lessons learned in line with GEF M&E requirements
The personnel is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
Familiarity with river basin ecology required; Familiarity with basic international environmental law related to water management and transboundary issues required; Highly self motivated, and self directed with critical thinking skills required; Excellent organizational and analytical skills required; Interdisciplinary team experience required; Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines required; Actively generates creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations required; Good interpersonal skills, diplomatic client-orientation, and ability to work in a team required; Demonstrated management and team building skills required; Effectively use of Information Technology as a tool and resource required; High level of flexibility required; Proficiency in Russian and English languages required; Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills required; Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF and UNDP desired.
Education/Experience/Language
Master’s degree in Water Resource Management, IWRM, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Planning, Environmental Engineering with IWRM focus or a directly related field required; At least 3 years experience in fields directly related to the assignment required; Experience in development of IWRM plans and support to IWRM Policy implementation experience required; Strong abilities in adapting IWRM principles to applied situations required; Proven experience in coordinating project activities required; International experience in transboundary IWRM a strong asset; Experience in countries in the broader Caucasus and Former Soviet/Eastern European Region a very strong asset; Familiarity with EU WFD as a tool for IWRM desired, experience with EU WFD a very strong asset;
More information on the project is available here:
http://iwlearn.net/iw-projects/Fsp_112955519303/project_doc/kura-aras-project-document-gefid-1375
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to iwvacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
Vacancy Code
VA/2011/KuraAras/IWRMC/01
Post Title
International Integrated Water Resources Management Coordinator
Post Level
International ICA, Level 1
Project Title
KuraAras FSP/ 70228
Org Unit
EMO IWC
Duty Station
Tbilisi, Georgia
Duration
September 2011 through September 2012 with possible extension
Closing Date
21/08/2011
Background
The Project will assist the Kura-Aras riparian states to 1) identify the principal threats and root causes of the trans-boundary water resources of the Kura Aras-River Transboundary Basin and 2) develop and implement a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investments to address these threats. Balancing overuse and conflicting uses of water resources in transboundary surface and groundwater basins is seen as the critical issue in the basin and will be a principal focus of project attention from the very outset of project related activities. The Project will create synergies with and build upon a range of initiatives being undertaken by the countries themselves and those of bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors that have given priority to the Basin.
The long-term development/environmental goal of the project is sustainable development of the Kura-Aras River Basin enhanced through ecosystem-based Integrated Water Resource Management approaches. The project objective is to improve the management of the Kura-Aras River Transboundary Basin through the implementation of a sustainable programme of policy, legal and institutional reforms and investment options using the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) process. In order to achieve this objective, the project will update the TDA, formulate the SAP and associated National IWRM plans, undertake a range of public involvement and awareness activities focusing on trans-boundary activities, and undertake demonstration projects that implement key aspects of the SAP.
During the development of the preliminary TDA, four priority transboundary problems were identified as affecting the Kura-Aras River Basin: 1. variation and reduction of hydrological flow; 2. deterioration of water quality; 3. ecosystem degradation in the river basin; and, 4. increased flooding and bank erosion. The TDA will be revised taking into account key gap filling activities to be undertaken as part of this project and the planned activities of the EU funded Kura-Aras Regional Project. The final TDA will serve as the scientific basis for development of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) an agreed programme of interventions for the introduction of Integrated Water Resource Management approaches throughout the basin. The TDA will review the potential impacts of climate change on the priority transboundary issues. The SAP will
incorporate a basin vision, water resource quality objectives, targets and interventions in the short and medium term to meet the targets. Key activities which will inform both the TDA and the SAP will be the demonstration projects on the establishment of ecological flows at key locations in the basin and the trialing of water management systems in the Aras basin. The SAP will be underpinned by the development of national IWRM plans in Azerbaijan and Georgia and implementation of the existing IWRM plan in Armenia.
This project has been designed in close collaboration with the Kura-Aras Basin countries. It has been developed in coordination with the other major donors, inter alia, European Union and USAID, to ensure maximum synergy and minimum overlap between supporting projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
The International IWRM Coordinator shall be responsible for supporting the production of the up-dated TDA, coordinating thematic inputs and gap filling activities and he/she shall co-chair the TDA Technical Task Team with the Science Officer reporting directly to the Project Coordinator; Key technical responsibilities are the support to development National IWRM Plans, and linking the national IWRM plans and priorities in the transboundary context including:
o Provide support in the analysis of findings for the Capacity Needs Assessment
o Coordinate development of IWRM training materials and modules for each country and the region as a whole;
o Coordinate the National IRWM Plans in collaboration with the International Senior IWRM Expert Consultant and the National Coordinators, taking climate change impacts into consideration;
o Coordinate identification of national and regional IWRM priorities;
o Oversee the development of Regional SAP interventions and pre-feasibility studies of priority interventions;
o Take primary responsibility for organization of the donor conference, and advising the countries on strategic investments; He/she will liaise with the governments, stakeholders, national coordinators, and international consultants as needed and appropriate; He/she will be expected to travel throughout the region, with frequent travel to Baku and Yerevan, as well as other travel as needed; He/she will support stakeholder education and activities related to IWRM including curriculum review and development at all levels; He/she will provide support to the demonstration project development and implementation and integrate the results into the National IWRM Plans and SAP; Additional tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator; The International IWRM Coordinator reports directly to the Project Coordinator
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
Final TDA report and technical task team reports Analysis report for National Capacity Needs Assessments Training modules for IWRM Capacity building with support from Senior International IWRM Expert Consultant Coordinated National and Regional IWRM Training and capacity building materials Coordinated National IWRM plans with support from Senior International IWRM Expert and National Coordinators Regional SAP based on national IWRM plans and corresponding priorities included in the national plans Donor Conference Report Curriculum review and recommendations Quarterly Reports in line with Strategic Results Framework for Project Document Annual regional reports for findings with lessons learned in line with GEF M&E requirements
The personnel is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
Familiarity with river basin ecology required; Familiarity with basic international environmental law related to water management and transboundary issues required; Highly self motivated, and self directed with critical thinking skills required; Excellent organizational and analytical skills required; Interdisciplinary team experience required; Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines required; Actively generates creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations required; Good interpersonal skills, diplomatic client-orientation, and ability to work in a team required; Demonstrated management and team building skills required; Effectively use of Information Technology as a tool and resource required; High level of flexibility required; Proficiency in Russian and English languages required; Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills required; Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF and UNDP desired.
Education/Experience/Language
Master’s degree in Water Resource Management, IWRM, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Planning, Environmental Engineering with IWRM focus or a directly related field required; At least 3 years experience in fields directly related to the assignment required; Experience in development of IWRM plans and support to IWRM Policy implementation experience required; Strong abilities in adapting IWRM principles to applied situations required; Proven experience in coordinating project activities required; International experience in transboundary IWRM a strong asset; Experience in countries in the broader Caucasus and Former Soviet/Eastern European Region a very strong asset; Familiarity with EU WFD as a tool for IWRM desired, experience with EU WFD a very strong asset;
More information on the project is available here:
http://iwlearn.net/iw-projects/Fsp_112955519303/project_doc/kura-aras-project-document-gefid-1375
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), via e-mail to iwvacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
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