Result of Service

The consultancy has the following final outputs (i) a report on existing NbS experiences in the urban context of Lusaka, (ii) establishment of a NbS policy community and key stakeholder workshops, (iii) selection of NbS pilot areas and (iv) NbS implementation plan.

Work Location

Lusaka, Zambia

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will collaborate with the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) to support the implementation of the DANIDA-funded project “Implementation of urban nature-based solutions (NbS) for mitigation and adaptation” in Lusaka. The purpose is to participate in the analysis of the local situation and development of an implementation plan for NbS addressing urban heat, urban flooding, or drought hazards for pilot areas in Lusaka. For this, the consultant will be responsible for collecting data, complementary analyses, coordinating and engaging with local and national stakeholders, organizing meetings and site visits, and disseminating analysis results. Background NbS refer to actions that conserve, sustainably manage, or restore ecosystems to address societal challenges while providing environmental, social, and economic benefits. These solutions utilise the power of nature to mitigate and adapt to climate change, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development. Scaling up NbS in urban settings requires identifying options for attracting private-sector investment despite difficulties in identifying cash flows and high upfront investment costs. This requires the development of adequate business models and multiple-benefit assessments, i.e., the benefits of urban NbS need to be quantified and qualified spatially and over time to provide a better understanding of the enabling environment needed in their support. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (MIHUD). The work program of the project in Zambia includes: 1. Analysis of the local situation and development of implementation plans for NbS in the urban context. 2. Development of bankable business models for implementing NbS in collaboration with local urban partners for tackling heat, flood, and drought hazards. 3. Development of pre-feasibility assessments for the implementation of NbS implementation options and 4. Formulation of policy recommendations to manage NbS and capacity building & training of relevant stakeholders. We are currently looking for a home-based local consultant in Lusaka, Zambia to help in collecting project-related data, coordinating and engaging with local stakeholders, organizing meetings and/or site visits, and other relevant activities to disseminate analysis results. The consultant is expected to work closely with and under guidance from the project team in UNEP CCC. The part-time Nature-based Solutions Expert is required for providing support for the first activity (and potentially beyond) in the above-mentioned work program led by UNEP-CCC as part of the DANIDA NbS project in Zambia. The consultant’s work is required for the in-situ tasks below and includes inputs and reviews/feedback on various project documents, ensuring the project’s successful on-the-ground delivery and alignment with the objectives of the DANIDA NbS project in Zambia. The consultant is required for the following in-situ tasks: a. Data collection and analysis b. Stakeholder engagement and coordination including facilitation of workshops c. Development of a refined NbS implementation plan for the pilot areas • Objectives Provide technical and liaising support to the project for (i) data collection and analysis of NbS in Lusaka, (ii) stakeholder engagement and coordination with the NbS policy community and coordination of consultations, site visits, and workshops (iii) development of a refined NbS implementation plan for the pilot areas. • Output expectations Work package 1 – Data collection and analysis: The consultant is expected to lead ground-truthing and complementing analyses of existing experiences and literature on NbS implementation relevant to the specific urban context in Lusaka. This analysis shall be complementary to ongoing analyses conducted by UNEP-CCC. Work package 2 – Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: The consultant is expected to establish contacts with stakeholders and potential local/national donors, financiers, funders of nature-based solutions and to identify potential pilot areas for NbS in Lusaka. Work package 3 – Development of a refined NbS implementation plan for the pilot areas: The consultant is expected to identify implementation risks, define steps and timelines for implementing NbS and identify the resources required to implement the solutions. • Performance indicators Quality of Data Collection: Evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of the collected data based on the predefined data request, including the level of detail and relevance to the project’s objectives. Evaluation of the quality and completeness of deliverables based on predefined criteria and feedback from UNEP-CCC and MIHUD. Stakeholder Engagement: Assessment of the effectiveness of stakeholder mapping, the establishment of contacts, and the depth of stakeholder consultations, including the diversity and relevance of stakeholders engaged. Timeliness and Responsiveness: Meeting deadlines for the submission of deliverables and responsiveness to feedback from UNEP-CCC and MIHUD, demonstrating reliability and project management skills. Clarity and Usability of Reports: Evaluation of the reports’ clarity, coherence, and usefulness based on feedback from target users and stakeholders, ensuring the deliverables meet the project’s objectives. The consultant will undertake a range of tasks and responsibilities to support the successful implementation of the DANIDA NbS project in Zambia. These include data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, pilot project facilitation, and reporting. Work package 1 – Data collection and analysis: Specific tasks (T) are gathering relevant background information and data on the current state of urban development and environmental concerns in Lusaka, focusing on urban heat, flooding and costal hazards (T.1.1), reviewing urban policies and regulations relevant to NbS (T.1.2) and identifying and describing NbS that address urban heat, urban flooding, and drought hazards (T.1.3). Based on this, the consultant is expected to identify and justify suggestions for urban NbS pilot areas (T.1.4). It is the responsibility of the consultant to prepare and submit detailed reports summarizing the data collection and analysis. 1st Deliverable (D.1) – 01 March 2025 – Submission of Report on existing NbS experiences in the urban context with suggestions for pilot areas. Work package 2 – Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: WP2 starts simultaneously with WP1. Specific tasks are to coordinate a launch workshop for which the consultant conducts a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise (T2.1), organize consultations and site visits per request (T2.2.) and coordinate a co-decision workshop with relevant stakeholders and UNEP-CCC for the choice of pilot areas and communication with local stakeholders (T2.3). It is the responsibility of the consultant to document the outcomes of workshops. 2nd Deliverable (D.2) – 01 May 2025 – Launch workshop and a co-decision workshop for pilot area selection. Work package 3 – Development of a refined NbS implementation plan for the pilot areas: Specific tasks are the identification of implementation risks for NbS (T3.1), definition of the steps and timeline for implementing NbS (T3.2) and identification of the resources required to implement the solutions (T3.3) in the pilot areas. It is the responsibility of the consultant to gather empirical supporting information (e.g., costs) and expert judgments for the implementation plans. 3rd Deliverable (D.3) – 30 June 2025 – NbS implementation plan.

Qualifications/special skills

A master´s degree or equivalent in environmental science, resource economics, urban planning, or another relevant field is required. Advanced degrees (PhD) are desirable. 3+ years of experience in the environmental sector. Experience in organizing workshops and/or similar events is required. – Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for preparing reports, and presentations, as well as for engaging with stakeholders and presenting complex information in a clear and understandable manner. – Experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation is necessary. The consultant should have the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions, to gather feedback and incorporate diverse perspectives into the project. – Proven project management skills are essential. The consultant should be capable of managing timelines, and stakeholder relationships to ensure the successful completion of project deliverables. Overall, the consultant should possess a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, stakeholder engagement abilities, report writing abilities and project management experience relevant to the indicated work to effectively support the project’s objectives.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other local languages is an asset.

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.