UNCCD Workshop Coordinator

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

VA No. VA24-72

Position Title: UNCCD Workshop Coordinator
Consultancy Type: International Expert

Duty Station: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Office-Based)

Duration: 2 Months

Vacancy Date of Issue: 12 May 2024

Vacancy Closure Date: 16 May 2024

Expected Starting Date: 15 June 2024

A. Project Title:

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

B. 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. UNDP is collaborating with the NCVC through a joint project designed to support the Center in increasing the 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:

1. Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network.

2. Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach.

3. Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation.

4. Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure.

5. Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

   Context:
   Within delegated authority, the UNCCD Workshop Coordinator, will be responsible for the duties listed below with a focus on providing coordination support to NCVC in the development, design, production, and implementation of the UNCCD Workshop in 2024
   Among other, the Consultant will support NCVC in developing, designing, producing, and implementing an UNCCD Workshop, to Provide an overview of monitoring indicators and global programs to reduce land degradation, including LDN. It will also address challenges in measuring LPD and SOC in hyper-arid zones and explore alternative approaches. The workshop aims to develop a research pathway for testing alternative metrics in hyper-arid areas. It will also consider how these indicators and LDN can be used in planning actions with initiatives like SGI and MGI and provide guidelines for a project aligned with SDG indicator 15.3.1. The event will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a three-day period, scientists practitioners, and researchers will be encouraged to visit the workshop.

The UNCCD Workshop objectives are:

1. Utilize LPD and SOC monitoring indicators to address land degradation
through sustainable land management.

2. Overcome challenges in measuring LPD and SOC in hyper-arid zones.

3. Explore alternative approaches for monitoring LPD and SOC in hyper-arid regions. 4. Develop a research pathway for identifying and testing alternative metrics in hyper-arid zones. 5. Apply LPD and SOC indicators and LDN framework in national and regional initiatives like SGI and MGI for monitoring and planning.6. Establish guidelines for launching hyper-arid zone projects aligned with SDG indicator 15.3.1.

B. Scope of Work

The UNCCD workshop coordinator will be responsible for the following:
1. Manage the design, development, production and installation of the workshop Displays and Components

• Build personal knowledge of NCVC and UNCCD programs and projects in order to effectively contribute to the design and formulation of the workshop structure and program;
• Create a comprehensive event budget and monitor expenses on a regular basis in respect of the workshop.
• Support NCVC on the coordination and development of displays and activities;
• Design and structure a cohesive workshop display;
• Ensure that content and displays adhere to NCVC UNCCD guidelines and brand manuals;
• Ensure that content and displays adhere to strict venue guidelines
• Support NCVC in engaging with external stakeholders – including national government counterparts, NGOs, youth organizations, civil society and private sector partners – for the purpose of organizing and marketing the workshop;
• Ensure that all required equipment (such as sound systems, audio, and video screens) is in place in a timely
  and organized fashion.

2. Lead and coordinate the effective and timely execution of the UNCCD Workshop on july 29, 30 and 31

• Provide substantive support to NCVC in the coordination of UNCCD Workshop well ahead of the day of the event;
• Organize, facilitate and oversee set-up of the workshop;
• Ensure smooth execution and implementation of displays during the entirety of the workshop.

3. Support NCVC in facilitating key Post-workshop follow-up items

• Support the coordination of a comprehensive report and / or survey to NCVC after the workshop concludes;
• Provide suggested follow-up action items after the conclusion of the workshop;
• Provide a detailed budget expenditure report with all receipts as required.

D. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The UNCCD workshop coordinator will be responsible for delivering the following:

1. Manage the design, development, production and installation of the workshop Displays and Components

• Develop a thorough understanding of the NCVC and UNCCD programs and projects to contribute effectively to workshop design and formulation.
• Create a comprehensive event budget and regularly monitor expenses for the workshop.
• Assist NCVC in coordinating and developing displays and activities.
• Design and structure a cohesive workshop display.
• Ensure that content and displays align with NCVC and UNCCD guidelines and brand manuals.
• Ensure compliance with strict venue guidelines for content and displays.
• Support NCVC in engaging with external stakeholders, including national government counterparts, NGOs, youth organizations, civil society, and private sector partners, for organizing and marketing the workshop.
• Ensure timely and organized setup of all necessary equipment, such as sound systems, audio, and video screens.

2. Lead and coordinate the effective and timely execution of the UNCCD Workshop on july 29, 30 and 31

• Offer substantial support to NCVC in coordinating the UNCCD Workshop well in advance of the event day.
• Organize, facilitate, and supervise the setup of the workshop.
• Ensure seamless execution and implementation of displays throughout the entire duration of the workshop.

3. Support NCVC in facilitating key Post-workshop follow-up items

• Assist in coordinating a comprehensive report and/or survey for NCVC upon the conclusion of the workshop.
• Offer suggested follow-up action items after the workshop concludes.
• Provide a detailed budget expenditure report, including all required receipts.

Schedule of Deliverables:

1.Workshop schedule: detailed schedule for workshop session 2 months July 29, 30 and 31 National Project Coordinator

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

2. Workshop materials: gather and prepare necessary resources

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

3.Venue setup and logistics: coordinate workshop venue setup and logistics

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

4. Participant communication: clear and timely communication with participants

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

5. Workshop facilitation: ensure smooth and engaging workshop execution

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

6. Budget and expenses management: monitor and manage workshop budget and expenses

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

7. Evaluation and feedback: collect and analyse post-workshop feedback

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

8. Photography & Videography

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

9. Design of Content

• Estimated duration to complete: 2 months.
• Target due dates: July 29, 30 and 31.
• Review and approvals required: National Project Coordinator.

E. Institutional Arrangement
The UNCCD workshop coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator and indirectly with UNDP National Project Officer.

F. Duration of the Work

• This assignment will be based in NCVC Riyadh.

• 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.

G. Duty Station

• This assignment will be based in NCVC Riyadh and remotely.

• The consultant will cover the around ticket to/from the duty station.

  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:

Background education in business management, event planning. A minimum of international working experience is considered an asset.

Experiences:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning and organization as well as prior experience with advocacy on SDGs and a background on environmental work is required.

Required Skills:

• Professionalism: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to development finance and financial systems. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development of programmes. Proven ability to analyse complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging issues in the area of finance and development.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
• Judgment/Decision-making: Identifies key issues in complex situations and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Language:

Fluency in English is required. Arabic is a plus.

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY

1. CV must be submitted online in PDF through SOC’s portal via the following link: https://jobs.my-soc.org/apply/20240512153134/xQwu6VCjL41pg5z9hlHvt0P8S
2. Use the English language only.
3. To review the full ToR, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/131cy4-jCMPdjnX-ld38-o1GmVXPc65zM/view?usp=sharing
4. Indicate clear years of experience with each job (Month/Year)
5. If the candidate is currently employed by a government institution, he/she must be able to provide an unpaid leave of absence for the duration of the consultancy.
6. Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.
7. By submitting your application, you have read the Terms of Reference for this position and agree that any false, wrong, or incomplete information might lead to your disqualification in this recruitment process.