Consultant – Development of Protected Areas Management Plans
Advertised on behalf of
Location : Mbabane, SWAZILAND
Application Deadline : 07-Jul-17 (Midnight New York, USA)
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Aug-2017
Duration of Initial Contract : 40 working days spread out between August and December
Expected Duration of Assignment : 40 working days spread out between August and December
Background
Swaziland’s formal Protected Areas (PAs) cover approximately 4% of the country’s total land area, and are relatively rich in biodiversity with their share of endemism as represented in various ecosystems. Furthermore, the country has set targets for the conservation of its ecosystems and species in line with the National Development Strategy (Vision 2022) and other international targets such as the Aichi Targets under the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity. While some of the critical ecosystems and species are found in existing PAs, some are found in areas where there is prone to unstainable utilization and overexploitation of resources, thereby threatening livelihoods and impeding sustainable development.
The Strengthening National Protected Areas Systems (SNPAS) in Swaziland is a six year Project funded by GEF and aims at developing, expanding and effectively managing the capacities of Swaziland’s PAs network in order to protect the biodiversity. This will be undertaken through the ‘landscapes’ approach, working towards sustainable development and will involve integrated land and natural resource management that transforms the current PA patchwork into a network, and enhance vulnerable communities’ livelihoods, in particular those adjacent to the PAs.
The SNPAS Project has been organised around three components: (i) knowledge-based platform operationalised at the national, regional and community levels to address current and emerging threats to PAs and biodiversity conservation; (ii expansion of PA network, and (iii) strengthening PA functioning through improved conservation management and operational support for existing and new PAs, including both formal and informal. PAs will be established and managed in critical biodiversity rich areas as clusters, integrating different sites that are managed by the Government of Swaziland (GoS), the private sector and local communities, and enable a matrix of complemental land-use activities across board.
The current institutional capacity is not adequate for effective biodiversity conservation management with inefficiencies, gaps, overlaps and inconsistencies which lead to challenges in integrating all aspects of PA management through an integrated planning mechanism and this affects the ability of government, SNTC and other agencies to effectively manage and conserve biodiversity. The development of Protected Areas Management Plans for the SNTC management nature reserves (Mantenga, Mlawula and Malolotja Nature Reserves) will enhance internal capacity and improve sustainability towards effective and efficient biodiversity conservation through systematic planning, training and capacity development.
In this regard, the technical services of a Consultant to develop Protected Areas’ Management Plans for Malolotja, Mlawula and Mantenga Nature Reserves while at the same time building capacity for the SNTC Staff.
Objectives
- To develop PA management plans for Malolotja, Mlawula and Mantenga Nature Reserves.
- To develop the capacity of the Swaziland National Trust Commission staff to enable them develop PA management plans through the learning and doing process.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working under the guidance of the Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC), Project Steering Committee (PSC) with day-to-day support from the SNPAS National Project Manager, the Consultant will perform the following tasks
- Review of existing Management Plans for SNTC Protected Areas and draft a report with recommendations for areas of improvement.
- Develop Protected Areas management planning guidelines including entities’ performance targets and review processes and Protected Areas Management Plans templates for future use in other PAs proclaimed in the country.
- Build capacity for SNTC Staff using the ‘learning and doing’ approach on the development of management plans.
- Develop Protected Areas’ Management Plans for Malolotja, Mlawula and Mantenga Nature Reserves with PA zoning plans that will be subsequent integrated in the business plans
- Train SNTC Staff using the learning and doing approach on the developed management plans.
- Finalize the Protected Areas Management Plans for Malolotja, Mlawula and Mantenga Nature Reserves and submit copies to the SNTC for approval by the SNPAS PSC.
Deliverables
- An Inception Report and a Work Plan with activity timelines and methodology for the development of the PA Management Plans within ten (10) days of signing the contract approved by the PSC.
- Review Report of existing Management Plans for SNTC Protected Areas.
- Training through learning and doing process for SNTC staff in the three SNTC Reserves.
- Final draft of the PA Management Plans for Malolotja, Mlawula and Mantenga together with Develop Management plans templates for future use in other PAs proclaimed in the country.
All above deliverables will be faciliated by monthly Progress Report to the Project Steering Committee.
Competencies
Functional Competences
- Proven experience in Natural Resources Management in Africa/southern Africa and in support to country process implementation;
- Proven experience in dealing with high level knowledge of conservation management issues as well as socio-economic, ecological, wildlife issues;
- High level knowledge in PA management, natural resources planning and management.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Sound judgment and strong client and results orientation;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Required Skills and Experience
Qualifications
- A postgraduate degree (Masters or higher) in a subject related to Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Forestry Biodiversity, Wildlife Management, or related field.
Experience
- At least 10 years’ experience developing PA Management Plans, Conservation Plans, game ranchers, law enforcement and eco-tourism;
- Experience of developing participatory trainings and workshops;
- Experience in developing capacity indicators;
- Demonstrated strong analytical, research, presentation skills; and
- Report writing skills.
Language
- Fluency in English.
Application procedure
Qualified candidates may submit their application consisting of the technical proposal and Financial Proposal (daily rate) together with a letter of interest.
Qualified female candidates and those living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
More Information
- Job City Mbabane
