International UNV Expert: Resourcing and Partnerships Specialist

Mission and objectives

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment. The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP's Saudi Arabia efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from the counterparts.

Context

In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species and managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, and technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology and digital capabilities, establishing cooperation and strengthening its network internationally, and promoting forest conservation practices, and increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level and on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery and seed bank with a road map for establishing a large-scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom's afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy and standards of tree planting and creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle and beyond. This project will build upon the long-standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom and the UNDP in 1975. The project expected outputs are:
• Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network.
• Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach.
• Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation.
• Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure.
• Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

International UN Expert Volunteers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to:

- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 2, Monthly Expertise differential USD Entry Lumpsum USD Annual and learning leaves;

- Free Medical and life insurance; and

- Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support,

Task description

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Saudi Arabia is seeking a dedicated and experienced resourcing and partnerships specialist to join our efforts in supporting the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. This role is crucial in identifying, engaging, and mobilizing a network of experts within UNDP, Other UN Agencies, Academia, and relevant environmental organizations to contribute to the Center's initiatives aimed at enhancing vegetation cover and combating desertification in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts to drive sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. Under the direct supervision of the Digital Stream Project Manager the UN Volunteer will:

• Expertise Identification and Engagement: Proactively identify and engage with subject matter experts within UNDP, Other UN Agencies, academic institutions, and environmental organizations globally. Build a comprehensive database of experts specialized in vegetation cover, desertification, combating desertification strategies, climate change, and sustainable land management.

• Partnership Development: Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research centers, and environmental organizations to support the Center's initiatives. Coordinate with these entities to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research, and collaborative projects.

• Project Support and Collaboration: Work closely with the project teams to understand their technical needs and match them with the appropriate experts. Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of projects.

• Capacity Building: Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions to build the capacity of local stakeholders and project teams. Utilize the expertise within the network to enhance understanding of best practices in vegetation cover enhancement and desertification control.

• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports on expert engagement activities, outcomes, and the overall progress of collaborations. Ensure proper documentation of expertise and resources mobilized for the Center's initiatives

Skills

Eligibility criteria

Age

35 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

15 years of experience in 1. Global Expert Network Development: Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and engaging with top-tier subject matter experts in areas critical to environmental sustainability, such as desertification, climate change, and sustainable land management. This includes developing strategies for expert outreach and engagement to build a global network of professionals who can contribute to the organization's projects and goals.

Desire:

2. Strategic Partnership Building: Specialized skills in creating and sustaining partnerships with key organizations, including UN agencies, academic institutions, and non-profits, focus on mutual goals in environmental research and project implementation. This involves negotiating partnerships that facilitate access to a broad pool of experts and collaborative opportunities. 3. Expert Resource Mobilization for Project Impact: Ability to match project needs with expert capabilities, ensuring that the right expertise is leveraged to enhance project outcomes. This includes creating mechanisms for easy access to and collaboration with identified experts to support project teams. 4. Collaboration and Network Utilization: Competence in fostering a collaborative environment among identified experts, project teams, and partners. This involves facilitating interactions and exchanges that bring added value to environmental projects, leveraging the network's collective expertise to solve complex challenges. 5. Impact Analysis and Expert Engagement Reporting: Proficiency in assessing the effectiveness of expert engagements and partnerships, tracking the impact of these collaborations on project outcomes, and reporting on successes and areas for improvement. This includes developing metrics and indicators to evaluate the contribution of expert networks to the organization's strategic goals. 6. Domain-Specific Environmental Expertise: Deep knowledge and expertise in the environmental domain relevant to the specialist's work, including understanding of the latest research, trends, and challenges in areas such as combating desertification, climate change adaptation, and sustainable land management. This includes the ability to apply this knowledge to identify the most relevant experts and inform strategic decisions and project approaches.

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, public policy, or a related field, a higher degree in environmental management, sustainable development, or climate change policy is considered an asset

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem-solving and solution-oriented
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management