Cyprus: Biological / Environmental Science Technician (Turkish Speaking)

Feb 11, 2020 | UNDP
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United Nations Development Program (UNDP) works to support the ongoing peace and confidence building process by promoting initiatives that encourage dialogue and cooperation between the communities of Cyprus. The European Commission, as part of its support to confidence building measures, initiated a new "Support to the Bi-Communal Technical Committees Facility". This support facility will seek to enable cooperation and to build confidence with a view to contributing to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The Bi-Communal Technical Committees were established by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities under the auspices of the United Nations, to address issues that affect the day-to-day life of people, through encouraging and facilitating greater interaction and understanding between the two communities.

Technical Committee on Health is now implementing a bi-communal project for identification and distribution of vectors of medical importance in Cyprus. As part of the project, a surveillance network will be established with the aim to:

  • Identify mosquito vectors both native and invasive species at an island level focusing in regions at higher risk for disease transmission
  • Map mosquito distribution to prioritize regions for which enhanced measures should be taken to control the mosquito population to promote public health
  • Enhance capacity building of local communities to identify mosquitoes of medical significance and to perform surveillance programs
  • To increase public awareness on protection measures against mosquito bites

Within this context, UNDP is seeking a Biological / Environmental Science Technician to work jointly in a bi-communal team on a part time basis to support the Technical Committee with the establishment of the surveillance network in Cyprus.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Programme & Communications Analyst and in collaboration with the Scientists and Co- Chairs of the Technical Committee on Health, the Technician will carry out the followings:

  • Placement and collection of traps;
  • Preparation of samples for identification;
  • Preliminary morphological identification;
  • Preparation of samples for molecular identification;
  • Data entry and sustaining of database.
  • Ensuring all laboratory equipment required for the purpose of this assignment is available and can be accessed with the technician’s own means. 

Consultant and the supervisor will mutually agree on the timeframe for each deliverable / output at the initial phase of the project.

Deliverables / Outputs

  • Deliverable/output 1: Setting up and collection of traps
  • Deliverable /output 2: Preparation of samples for analysis
  • Deliverable /output 3: Data entry and sustaining of database

Competencies

Professionalism

  • Shows pride in work and in achievements.
  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
  • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
  • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.
  • Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organizing

  • 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • University Degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences

Experience:

  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience
  • Work experience in Cyprus will be considered as an asset
  • Knowledge of the Cyprus context is an asset
  • Experience in working in bi-communal projects will be considered an advantage

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English
  • Working knowledge of Turkish language

Other requirements:

  • Valid driving license
  • Ability and willingness to travel island wide
  • Access to required laboratory equipment

Application:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

  • CV or Personal History (P11): Applicants are required to submit CV or a P11 Form. The UNDP P11 Form can be downloaded from:  http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Careers/P11_Personal_history_form.doc
  • Reference; Contact details of 3 references

Financial Proposal:

Applicants are requested to submit financial proposal in euro for the group of outputs listed below which should be detailed as follows:

  • Output  1 per this ToR.
  • Outputs  2 and 3  as per this ToR.

The financial proposal shall cover all expenditures including fees, health insurance, vaccination, international (all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel) or local travel (place of residence to office and office to place of residence), cost of living and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services. Leave benefits (annual, sick, paternity, maternity) are not applicable to Individual Contractors and absent days including weekends and office holidays are not payable.

Logistics of the Assignment: 

The Consultant shall arrange her/his own local travel. Cost of transportation to and from the field (location of traps) should be excluded from the financial proposal.  Please note that consultants will need to provide their own laptop and other relevant equipment for working purposes.