Brazil: Terms of Reference for Senior Environmental Expert to Develop the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil, Administered Individual Consultancy

Sep 5, 2020 | UN High Commissioner for Refugees
View Original

UNHCR is a global organization, dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. We are in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a Consultancy - Senior Environmental Expert to Develop the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil, either as a remote role, or onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil, depending on the availability of the consultant.

Title: Senior Environmental Expert to Develop the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil

Duty Station: either remote or onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil

Duration: 10 weeks, between the starting date of the contract and the 15th of December. The contract will not be extended, and the product's delivery may not surpass the deadline of 15th of December 2020.

Contract Type: UNHCR administered Individual Consultancy

Application closing date: 9 September 2020

Start Date: asap

Organisational context

UNHCR The Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool – NEAT+ (www.eecentre.org/neat) is an environmental screening tool that allows humanitarian actors to quickly identify issues of environmental concern before or while designing longer-term emergency or recovery interventions or its extensions/adjustments. NEAT+ gives organizations a snapshot of environmental vulnerabilities in their operations and highlights environmental risks associated with specific activities (water, sanitation, and hygiene, food security and livelihoods, and shelter). This information not only provides insights on how to mitigate environmental risks but can also be used for triggering interest in environmental issues for advocacy and fundraising purposes. The NEAT+ was developed by the Coordination of Assessments for Environment in Humanitarian Action Joint Initiative; a multi-stakeholder project involving UNHCR aiming to improve the coordination between environmental and humanitarian actors. The NEAT+ was launched in 2019.

The NEAT+ was originally developed as a tool principally for rural displacement contexts. NEAT+ has been successfully pilot-tested and applied by over ten humanitarian organizations in around 20 field operations worldwide, primarily in rural and peri-urban settings. UNHCR has rolled out the NEAT+ in its field operations, recommending it as a standard tool to establish environmental baselines in operations. The tool has been applied by UNHCR in around ten countries worldwide, including in suddenly escalating emergency settings. While the NEAT+ has been applied in non-rural settings, it was designed for rural contexts where there is an increasing interest among operational partners to apply the tool in urban contexts as well. This would correspond to the global trend of increased emergency responses taking place in urban settings while durable solutions for refugees and migrants seek their integration into cities.

The Brazilian emergency response to the Venezuelan Situation is a suitable context for applying the Urban NEAT+ since humanitarian actions are performed predominantly in urban environments in the north of the country. The cities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista concentrate 13 Operação Acolhida’s official shelters and an emergency site managed by UNHCR, its implementing partners, and the Brazilian Army, while the cities of Manaus and Belém respond through governmental shelters that receive the support of UN Agencies. Additional facilities such as the Area of Protection and Care (APC) have been implemented to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the spontaneous settlements, mostly public and private buildings inserted in the urban fabric, also receive support from humanitarian actors and the Operação Acolhida. Activities include the installation of temporary WASH equipment and support to the improvement of the infrastructure, such as clearance of sewage systems, and donation and support for installing tarpaulins to reduce infiltration in improvised dwellings during the rainy season. This diverse and dynamic urban scenario offers the ideal conditions for the development and test of the urban version of the NEAT+.

The NEAT+ tool is specifically adapted to humanitarian contexts and is designed to be used by non-specialists, with a user-friendly interface. Local responders and local governments may apply it to non-emergency situations, generating additional contributions to the host communities. Finally, Brazil is also one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic globally. Emergency responses to challenging situations as pandemics require fast and structural interventions such as the APC in the city of Boa Vista, which has the potential to generate significant environmental impacts. In that sense, the urban version of the NEAT+ would be an asset to respond to crisis considering the environmental dimension while its modules cover some of the largest sectors in the Brazil response (shelter, WASH, food security).

Objectives

The general objective of developing and applying the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil is to minimize harmful impacts to lives and livelihoods by strengthening UNHCR efforts on mainstreaming the environment into its humanitarian operations. The provision of a tool adapted for urban settings will allow non-environmental humanitarian responders to incorporate the environmental dimension in their programmes and projects, enhancing efficiency and reaching higher levels of sustainability. The specific objective of this ToR is to hire a Senior Environmental Expert to lead and conduct the development of the urban version of the NEAT+ with focus on the humanitarian context in Brazil.

To support the development of the activities and products by the consultant, UNHCR Brazil, counting with the support of UNEP Regional Office (LAC) and the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit, will perform activities aiming to provide basic information for the consultant, as listed below.

  • Analysis of the Brazilian context where it will be piloted;
  • Analyses of the current tool accordingly to Brazil's operation;
  • Two-day online workshop to discuss the draft proposal for an urban NEAT+ (the consultant, if already hired, will attend it and support the activities);
  • A brief workshop report outlining the recommendations of the working group for the urban NEAT+.

Duties and responsibilities

Activities should preferably be implemented on site, in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil

  • Analysis of the current version of the NEAT+ tool and past experiences of its piloting (interviews with around 5 experts);
  • Establishment of an expert working group with participation of UNHCR Energy and Environment Unit (HQ) and UNEP Regional Office and UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit;
  • Analyses of the inputs provided by the working group;
  • Revision/adaptation of the current tool based on consultations with working group;
  • Proposal outlining the adaptation of the NEAT+ tool to urban settings (key issues to consider and possible solutions);
  • Draft urban NEAT+ as beta version, including updated questionnaires and adapted impact weighting (note: the beta version will not be available as a full Excel and KoBo tool, but will be used by experts already familiar with the NEAT+ where analysis is completed after field testing);
  • Provision of guidance for field testing in Brazil, to be performed with the support of the Environmental Field Adviser under the supervision of the expert;
  • Feedback on test results and discussions with the working group;
  • Based on feedback from the expert group, pilots and other interested stakeholders: Development of the final draft Urban NEAT+;
  • Presentation of the tool to UNHCR as well as the expert group for comments and feedback;
  • Provision of online training for UNHCR Brazil staff on the tool and its use;
  • Write-up of the updated version (urban NEAT+ guidance document);
  • Provision of final weighting and analysis to technical developer, for subsequent development of final tool files (KoBo and MS Excel).
  • Delivery of the final report on the activities performed, including guidance for the next steps and recommendations.

Timeframe: 

Please consult the full Terms of Reference for details. To be adjusted in coordination with the hired consultant and accordingly to the date of contract assignment.

Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, natural sciences, social and political studies, international relations, development (emphasis on environment or conflict), social anthropology, disaster management (with an emphasis on the environment), or another demonstrably relevant field is essential.
  • A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in environmental assessment and management, international relations and cooperation, or related area;
  • Experience working in humanitarian affairs, humanitarian action, emergency response and/or disaster risk reduction, preferably in a field location
  • Proven experience as a consultant and the ability to work independently, including remotely if necessary;
  • Experience with environmental assessment tools for disaster/emergency contexts;
  • Fluency in English (mandatory);
  • Proficiency in computer skills including experience of MS Word, Excel, MS Office Project, KoBo;
  • Strong conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and actionable recommendations;
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage tasks toward work plan deliverables and deliver high quality technical /analytical information;
  • Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-cultural setting and with multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, multilateral agencies, development partners, and the private sector is needed.

Desirable qualifications and competencies

  • Previous professional work experience in the United Nations system;
  • Demonstrated work experience in emergency response, forced migration, displacement, refugee's issues, disaster risk reduction, climate change, green recovery would be an asset, environmental impacts of emergency response, humanitarian response planning;
  • Experience in organizing and implementing online training;
  • Availability to implement activities fully or partly on site;
  • Experience with the Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool – NEAT+
  • Knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish.

Duration of assignment

The duration of the consultant’s services shall be 10 weeks. Between the starting date of the contract and the 15th of December. The contract will not be extended, and the product's delivery may not surpass the deadline of 15th of December 2020.

Office space, equipment, and other logistic support

Depending on the modality of the consultancy (home-base or, preferably, field-base), office space will be arranged by the consultant or provided by the UNHCR SO Boa Vista. In either case, the consultant will be required to have their own telecommunication equipment (i.e. laptop).

Outputs (deliverables)

The dates may be adjusted, if necessary, according to the contract assignment date.

  • By 23rd of October 2020: submission of a report and supporting documentation (photographs, participation lists, rough drafts, etc.) for: a) Current tool analyses; b) Formation of a working group; c) Analyses of the inputs; d) Revision of the tool; e) Redrafting and weighting; f) Development of urban tool;
  • By 15th of December 2020: delivery of the final products, as listed in the “activities” section, by the consultant and acceptance by UNHCR.

Outcomes

Humanitarian actors and local responders worldwide will have free access to the Urban NEAT+ tool, allowing them to enhance its programmes and projects performed in urban settings. Humanitarian operations enhance their environmental mainstreaming practices by applying the tool to reduce the negative environmental impacts generated by humanitarian crises and its emergency responses while also increases actions that generate positive environmental impacts, contributing to host communities.

Reporting lines

The consultant will report to Oscar Sanchez Pineiro, UNHCR Head of Sub-Office Boa Vista. He/she will work in permanent coordination with the UNHCR Environmental Field Adviser and UNHCR Field Offices and will receive technical advice from the UNHCR Energy and Environment Unit (HQ), UNEP Regional Office in Panama City, and UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit.

Costs

The total contract cost including all activities to be performed and products to be delivered by the consultant is from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. The cost will be defined according the modality of work (on site or remote). If the consultant travels from a different part of the of the country to take up the function, any incurred costs are included in the above-mentioned lumpsum and no DSA or any other travel compensation shall be paid.

Payment to consultant

  • 10% upon the signature of the contract;
  • 30% upon submission of a report and supporting documentation (photographs, participation lists, rough drafts, etc.) for: a) Current tool analyses; b) Formation of a working group; c) Analyses of the inputs; d) Revision of the tool; e) Redrafting and weighting; f) Development of urban tool;
  • 60% at the delivery of the final products, as listed in the “outcomes” section, by the consultant and acceptance by UNHCR.

Location

The successful candidate will either work remotely or on site in onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil.

To apply

Interested applicants should submit their letter of motivation, Personal History Form (PHF) and CV to brabrhr@unhcr.org indicating Senior Environmental Expert in the subject of the email, with closing date of 09 September 2020.

Personal History Forms are available at PHF Form / Supplementary Sheet. Candidates must include the following in their submission:

  • CV detailing education background and all relevant experience;
  • Motivation letter, explaining candidate’s interest in the project; specifying availability for onsite work.

Candidates will be subject to reference checks during the selection process.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

UNHCR is a global organization, dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution.Weareinover130countries,usingourexpertisetoprotectandcareformillions. UNHCR,theUNRefugeeAgency,isofferingaConsultancy-SeniorEnvironmentalExpert to Develop the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil, either as a remote role, or onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil, depending on the availability of theconsultant. Title: Senior Environmental Expert to Develop the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil Duty Station: either remote or onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil Duration: 10 weeks, between the starting date of the contract and the 15th of December. The contract will not be extended, and the product's delivery may not surpass the deadline of 15th of December 2020. Contract Type: UNHCR administered Individual Consultancy Application closing date: 9 September 2020 Start Date: asap

 

Organisational context

 

UNHCR The Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool – NEAT+ (www.eecentre.org/neat) isan environmental screening tool that allows humanitarian actors to quickly identify issues of environmental concern before or while designing longer-term emergency or recovery interventions or its extensions/adjustments. NEAT+ gives organizations a snapshot of environmental vulnerabilities in their operations and highlights environmental risks associated with specific activities (water, sanitation, and hygiene, food security and livelihoods, and shelter).Thisinformationnotonlyprovidesinsightsonhowtomitigateenvironmentalrisksbut can also be used for triggering interest in environmental issues for advocacy and fundraising purposes.TheNEAT+wasdevelopedbytheCoordinationofAssessmentsforEnvironmentin Humanitarian Action Joint Initiative; a multi-stakeholder project involving UNHCR aiming to improve the coordination between environmental and humanitarian actors. The NEAT+ was launched in2019. The NEAT+ was originally developed as a tool principally for rural displacement contexts. NEAT+hasbeensuccessfullypilot-testedandappliedbyovertenhumanitarianorganizations inaround20fieldoperationsworldwide,primarilyinruralandperi-urbansettings.UNHCRhas rolled out the NEAT+ in its field operations, recommending it as a standard tool to establish environmental baselines in operations. The tool has been applied by UNHCR in around ten countries worldwide, including in suddenly escalating emergency settings. While the NEAT+ has been applied in non-rural settings, it was designed for rural contexts where there is an increasinginterestamongoperationalpartnerstoapplythetoolinurbancontextsaswell.This wouldcorrespondtotheglobaltrendofincreasedemergencyresponsestakingplaceinurban settings while durable solutions for refugees and migrants seek their integration intocities. The Brazilian emergency response to the Venezuelan Situation is a suitable context for applying the Urban NEAT+ since humanitarian actions are performed predominantly in urban environments in the north of the country. The cities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista concentrate 13 Operação Acolhida’s official shelters and an emergency site managed by UNHCR, its implementingpartners,andtheBrazilianArmy,whilethecitiesofManausandBelémrespond through governmental shelters that receive the support of UN Agencies. Additional facilities such as the Area of Protection and Care (APC) have been implemented to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the spontaneous settlements, mostly public and privatebuildings inserted in the urban fabric, also receive support from humanitarian actors and the Operação Acolhida. Activities include the installation of temporary WASH equipment and support to the improvement of the infrastructure, such as clearance of sewage systems, and donation and support for installing tarpaulins to reduce infiltration in improvised dwellings during the rainy season. This diverse and dynamic urban scenario offers the ideal conditions for the development and test of the urban version of the NEAT+. The NEAT+ tool is specifically adapted to humanitarian contexts and is designed to be used bynon-specialists,withauser-friendlyinterface.Localrespondersandlocalgovernmentsmay apply it to non-emergency situations, generating additional contributions to the host communities. Finally, Brazil is also one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic globally. Emergency responses to challenging situations as pandemics require fast and structural interventions such as the APC in the city of Boa Vista, which has the potential to generate significant environmental impacts. In that sense, the urban version of the NEAT+ would be an asset to respond to crisis considering the environmental dimension while its modules cover some of the largest sectors in the Brazil response (shelter, WASH, food security).

 

Objectives

 

The general objective of developing and applying the Urban NEAT+ in Brazil is to minimize harmful impacts to lives and livelihoods by strengthening UNHCR efforts on mainstreaming the environment into its humanitarian operations. The provision of a tool adapted for urban settings will allow non-environmental humanitarian responders to incorporate the environmentaldimensionintheirprogrammesandprojects,enhancingefficiencyandreaching higher levels of sustainability. The specific objective of this ToR is to hire a Senior EnvironmentalExperttoleadandconductthedevelopmentoftheurbanversionoftheNEAT+ with focus on the humanitarian context inBrazil.To support the development of the activities and products by the consultant, UNHCR Brazil, counting with the support of UNEP Regional Office (LAC) and the UNEP/OCHA Joint EnvironmentUnit,willperformactivitiesaimingtoprovidebasicinformationfortheconsultant, as listedbelow. •         Analysis of the Brazilian context where it will bepiloted;•         Analyses of the current tool accordingly to Brazil'soperation;•         Two-day online workshop to discuss the draft proposal for an urban NEAT+ (the consultant, if already hired, will attend it and support theactivities);•         A brief workshop report outlining the recommendations of the working group for the urbanNEAT+. 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Activities should preferably be implemented on site, in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil

 

•         Analysis of the current version of the NEAT+ tool and past experiences of its piloting (interviews with around 5experts);•         Establishment of an expert working group with participation of UNHCR Energy and Environment Unit (HQ) and UNEP Regional Office and UNEP/OCHA Joint EnvironmentUnit;•         Analyses of the inputs provided by the workinggroup;•         Revision/adaptation of the current tool based on consultations with workinggroup;•         Proposal outlining the adaptation of the NEAT+ tool to urban settings (key issues to consider and possiblesolutions);•         Draft urban NEAT+ as beta version, including updated questionnaires and adapted impactweighting(note:thebetaversionwillnotbeavailableasafullExcelandKoBo tool, but will be used by experts already familiar with the NEAT+ where analysis is completed after fieldtesting);•         ProvisionofguidanceforfieldtestinginBrazil,tobeperformedwiththesupportofthe Environmental Field Adviser under the supervision of theexpert;•         Feedback on test results and discussions with the workinggroup;•         Based on feedback from the expert group, pilots and other interested stakeholders: Development of the final draft UrbanNEAT+;•         Presentation of the tool to UNHCR as well as the expert group for comments and feedback;•         Provision of online training for UNHCR Brazil staff on the tool and itsuse;•         Write-up of the updated version (urban NEAT+ guidancedocument);•         Provision of final weighting and analysis to technical developer, for subsequent development of final tool files (KoBo and MSExcel).•         Deliveryofthefinalreportontheactivitiesperformed,includingguidanceforthenext steps andrecommendations. Timeframe:  Please consult the full Terms of Reference for details. To be adjusted in coordination with the hired consultant and accordingly to the date of contract assignment. Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required The ideal candidate will have: •         Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science, natural sciences, social and political studies, international relations, development (emphasis on environment or conflict), social anthropology, disaster management (with an emphasis on the environment), or another demonstrably relevant field isessential.•         A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in environmental assessment and management, international relations and cooperation, or relatedarea;•         Experience working in humanitarian affairs, humanitarian action, emergency response and/or disaster risk reduction, preferably in a fieldlocation•         Provenexperienceasaconsultantandtheabilitytoworkindependently,includingremotely ifnecessary;•         Experience with environmental assessment tools for disaster/emergencycontexts;•         Fluency in English(mandatory);•         Proficiency in computer skills including experience of MS Word, Excel, MS Office Project, KoBo;•         Strong conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverseinformationfromvariedsourcesintoconclusionsandactionablerecommendations;•         Demonstrated capacity to manage tasks toward work plan deliverables and deliver high quality technical /analyticalinformation;•         Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-cultural setting and with multiple stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, multilateral agencies, development partners, and the private sector isneeded.

Desirable qualifications and competencies

 

•         Previous professional work experience in the United Nationssystem;•         Demonstrated work experience in emergency response, forced migration, displacement, refugee'sissues,disasterriskreduction,climatechange,greenrecoverywouldbeanasset, environmental impacts of emergency response, humanitarian responseplanning;•         Experience in organizing and implementing onlinetraining;•         Availability to implement activities fully or partly onsite;•         Experience with the Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool –NEAT+•         Knowledge of Portuguese orSpanish.

Duration of assignment

 

The duration of the consultant’s services shall be 10 weeks. Between the starting date of the contract and the 15th of December. The contract will not be extended, and the product's delivery may not surpass the deadline of 15th of December 2020.

 

Office space, equipment, and other logistic support

 Depending on the modality of the consultancy (home-base or, preferably, field-base), office space will be arranged by the consultant or provided by the UNHCR SO Boa Vista. In either case, the consultant will be required to have their own telecommunication equipment (i.e. laptop).

 

Outputs (deliverables)

 The dates may be adjusted, if necessary, according to the contract assignment date.•         By 23rd of October 2020: submission of a report and supporting documentation (photographs, participation lists, rough drafts, etc.) for: a) Current tool analyses; b) Formationofaworkinggroup;c)Analysesoftheinputs;d)Revisionofthetool;e)Redrafting and weighting; f) Development of urbantool;•         By15thofDecember2020:deliveryofthefinalproducts,aslistedinthe“activities”section, by the consultant and acceptance byUNHCR.

 

Outcomes

 HumanitarianactorsandlocalrespondersworldwidewillhavefreeaccesstotheUrbanNEAT+ tool, allowing them to enhance its programmes and projects performed in urban settings. Humanitarian operations enhance their environmental mainstreaming practices by applying the tool to reduce the negative environmental impacts generated by humanitarian crises and its emergency responses while also increases actions that generate positive environmental impacts, contributing to host communities.

 

Reporting lines

 The consultant will report to Oscar Sanchez Pineiro, UNHCR Head of Sub-Office Boa Vista. He/shewillworkinpermanentcoordinationwiththeUNHCREnvironmentalFieldAdviserand UNHCRFieldOfficesandwillreceivetechnicaladvicefromtheUNHCREnergyand Environment Unit (HQ), UNEP Regional Office in Panama City, and UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit.

 

Costs

 The total contract cost including all activities to be performed and products to be delivered by the consultant is from USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. The cost will be defined according the modality of work (on site or remote). If the consultant travels from a different part of the of the country to take up the function, any incurred costs are included in the above-mentioned lumpsum and no DSA or any other travel compensation shall be paid.

 

Payment to consultant

 

•         10% upon the signature of thecontract;•         30%uponsubmissionofareportandsupportingdocumentation(photographs,participation lists, rough drafts, etc.) for: a) Current tool analyses; b) Formation of a working group; c) Analysesoftheinputs;d)Revisionofthetool;e)Redraftingandweighting;f)Development of urbantool;•         60% at the delivery of the final products, as listed in the “outcomes” section, by the consultant and acceptance by UNHCR.

 

Location

 The successful candidate will either work remotely or on site in onsite in Boa Vista, Brazil.

 

To apply

 Interestedapplicantsshouldsubmittheirletterofmotivation,PersonalHistoryForm(PHF)and CV to brabrhr@unhcr.orgindicating Senior Environmental Expert in the subject of the email, with closing date of 09 September2020.

 

Personal History Forms are available at PHF Form / Supplementary Sheet. Candidates must include the following in their submission:

 

•         CV detailing education background and all relevantexperience;•         Motivationletter,explainingcandidate’sinterestintheproject;specifyingavailabilityfor onsitework. Candidates will be subject to reference checks during the selection process. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).