Advisor for Environmental Design

Organization: UNDP Saudi Arabia, through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC).

VA No. VA24-64

Position Title: Advisor for Environmental Design

Consultancy Type: National Expert

Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Duration: 1 Year

Vacancy Date of Issue: 24 April 2024

Vacancy Closure Date: 1 May 2024

Expected Starting Date: 1 June 2024

This vacancy is announced by UNDP Saudi Arabia through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC). SOC is a sub-contractor for UNDP Saudi Arabia, assisting the programme in implementing their activities through HR and contract management of consultants working in their support.

Project Title:

Strengthening institutional and technical capacities of National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification

Project Description:

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 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.

Scope of Work

The Advisor for Environmental Design will be responsible for the following:

1. Monitoring System Development:
   • Ensure compliance with environmental design regulations in Saudi Arabia, adapting strategies as regulations evolve.
   • Assist in preparing detailed work plans for presentation within design projects, highlighting key objectives and timelines.
   • Develop and periodically review strategic plans, making adjustments to current designs based on performance data and stakeholder feedback.
   • Refine and optimize design monitoring tools and methodologies to enhance tracking and reporting of project progress.
2. Data Collection & Field Work:
   • Compile, gather, and analyze existing research and data relevant to environmental designs and support informed decision-making.
   • Recommend and propose environmental designs based on analysis of collected data and emerging trends in the field.
3. Reporting & Representation:
   • Serve as the primary contact point for all matters related to environmental designs at NCVC, coordinating with various departments.
   • Represent the Centre in discussions, meetings, and events, articulating project visions and progress to stakeholders when nessecary.
   • Keep track of the newest research in the field of environmental design, integrating innovative practices and technologies to maintain NCVC’s leadership in the industry.
   • Turn research and development findings into actionable policy recommendations for senior management and stakeholders.
4. Capacity Building & Other Responsibilities:
   • Conduct training sessions and offer guidance to NCVC staff to enhance their skills in environmental design and project execution.
   • Address additional duties that fall under the specialist’s area of expertise, contributing to broader project goals and initiatives.
   • Identify skill gaps within the NCVC team and develop training sessions to enhance competencies, and implement continuous improvement.
   • Regularly update the team on the latest trends and advancements in research and environmental designs.
   • Develop and implement a mentoring program within NCVC for knowledge transfer and professional growth among staff.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Advisor for Environmental Design will be responsible for delivering the following:

1. Monitoring System Development:
   • Produce comprehensive analytical reports reflecting the impact and efficacy of environmental design projects.
   • Formulate a strategic approach to the planning and implementation of environmental designs and conduct thorough periodic evaluations to inform adjustments.
   • Oversee the development and refinement of performance indicators for design project monitoring.
2. Data Collection & Field Work:
   • Draft and present detailed proposals for environmental design projects that align with both local and international sustainability goals.
   • Undertake extensive fieldwork to collect, collate, and analyse data, informing the development of environmental designs with an emphasis on practical application and feasibility.
3. Reporting & Representation:
   • Compile comprehensive records and detailed representation logs of the Centre’s contributions to industry dialogues, symposiums, and related events.
   • Prepare thorough compliance reports and benchmarking analyses detailing NCVC’s conformance with both local and international environmental design standards.
4. Capacity Building & Other Responsibilities:

• An assessment report identifying skill gaps within the NCVC team and highlighting tailored training initiatives.
• A periodic review capturing the latest trends and advancements in environmental designs and their introduction to the NCVC team.
• Develop a curriculum and deliver educational sessions aimed at enhancing the environmental design proficiency of NCVC staff across various departments.
• Conduct a detailed skills audit within the team and create a professional development program and training strategies.
• Compile and report on the latest innovations, regulatory updates, and academic findings in environmental design, creating a continuous knowledge-sharing platform within NCVC.
• Facilitate workshops and seminars for continuous learning and innovation in environmental design practices among the NCVC team.

Note: The expected outputs and deliverables may be subject to adjustment and refinement during the project based on evolving needs and priorities.

Institutional Arrangement

The Advisor for Environmental Design will work under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator at NCVC and indirectly to the National Project Officer at UNDP.

Duration of the Work

• The expected duration of work is 12 months.
• The post is anticipated to start on [1 June 2024] and end on [1 June 2025].
• The completion of deliverables and milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
• The timeline for review and feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
• Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Advisor and the NCVC, considering the project’s progress and requirements.

Duty Station

• This assignment will be based in NCVC’s head office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• UNDP will cover the around ticket to/from the duty station.
• If unforeseen travel outside the consultant’s duty station city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).

Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant’s travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced degree (PhD) in the field of environmental designs.

Experiences:

At least 15 years of experience in urban planning, design, and environmental projects.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of policies on environmental studies and designs in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations in the field of environmental designs and research.
• Knowledge of data analysis methods and tools.
• Strong data collection and analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead stakeholder meetings and educational programs.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Ability to work collaboratively with teams.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms relevant to forest monitoring.
• Adaptability to emerging technologies in the field of forest monitoring.

Language:

Fluency in Arabic and English.