Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The program helps countries to developing policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to building resilience to sustainable development results. UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation. To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country's growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.

Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and build resilience to maintain development outcomes. UNDP implements several projects in different areas and offers its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, expertise, expert advice and a broad international network of technical cooperation. To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country's growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society. Brazil received funds from the Green Climate Fund for the project "REDD+ results payments for results achieved by Brazil in the Amazon biome in 2014 and 2015" (Floresta+ Amazônia Project). The results-based payments received by Brazil from the GCF will contribute to the implementation of the forest sector actions of Brazil's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the overall objective of Brazil's National Strategy for REDD+ (ENREDD+). This project has two main results: 1. Development of a Pilot Project for Payment for Environmental Services for the Conservation and Recovery of Native Vegetation (Floresta+ Amazônia Project); and 2. Strengthen the implementation of ENREDD+ in Brazil, through improvements in its structure and governance systems Within the pilot project is the Innovation modality, which aims to foster the development of solutions and enterprises that contribute to the creation and consolidation of the environmental services market and to other approaches that promote the conservation, recovery and sustainable use of native vegetation, as well as to generate income for environmental service providers. The modality is implemented in conjunction with the National Secretariat of Biodiversity – SBC of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change – MMA, responsible for regulating Law No. 14,119, of January 13, 2021, which establishes the National Policy for Payment for Environmental Services. This agenda is in line with the results of the project, which are to contribute to the economic, social and environmental development of indigenous peoples, quilombolas, traditional peoples and communities and family farmers (PIPCTAF), recognizing and remunerating their efforts for sustainable practices. The Volunteer will be responsible for supporting the structuring and implementation of the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) model for the sustainable management of pirarucu, advising the National Bioeconomy Secretariat of the MMA, working directly at the Superintendence of the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources in Amazonas (IBAMA/AM), through the monitoring and systematization of information, facilitation of dialogue and institutional articulation between the various actors involved.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Technical Advisor of the Innovation Modality (M4) of the Floresta+ Amazônia Project, the UN Volunteer/Specialist in Payments for Environmental Services (PES), in collaboration with the IBAMA Superintendence Team in Amazonas and the National Bioeconomy Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, will be responsible for the execution and support of the activities, as described below: • Support the structuring of the Payment for Environmental Services model related to pirarucu management; • To advise IBAMA in monitoring and verifying compliance with environmental services provided by managers and their organizations; • Support IBAMA in the systematization of information on pirarucu management areas to support the definition of organizations eligible to receive PES, as well as to define the respective PES values; • Intermediate the flow of information between IBAMA, National Supply Company (CONAB), UNDP and the National Secretariat of Bioeconomy (SBC) of the MMA; • To act in the facilitation of dialogues between IBAMA, CONAB, SBC - MMA and UNDP to ensure an efficient implementation of the PES; • Carry out activities to support community organizations in order to maintain the functioning of this PES model; • Support the definition of guidelines and recommendations for all actors involved; • Support the holding of alignment workshops, training with organizations in the areas of management, advice and conducting meetings of the Arapaima Program committee, among other pertinent events; • Support the definition of priority areas for the development of activities to strengthen pirarucu management through analysis with IBAMA and MMA; • Facilitate qualification processes for community organizations to access PES; • Conduct PES model evaluation activities through document analysis and face-to-face meetings with the actors involved; • Prepare terms of reference for consultancies provided for in the project.

Competencies and values

a. Professionalism: Proven understanding of UNDP-relevant operations; technical skills or knowledge relevant or transferable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact to deal with partners; sound judgment; ability to liaise and coordinate with a wide range of different actors, especially at senior levels; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to take broad responsibilities and work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately, and confidentially; client-oriented and responsive; b. Integrity: Demonstrating UN and UNDP values and ethical standards in daily activities and behaviors; acting without consideration of personal gain; resisting undue political pressure in decision-making; standing by decisions in the organization’s interest even if unpopular; taking prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; not abusing power or authority; c. Teamwork and respect for diversity: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multiethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality, and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality, ensuring equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; d. Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment; e. Planning and organizing: Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently and on time; ability to set priorities and plan, coordinate, and monitor one’s own work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and handle multiple simultaneous projects/activities; f. Communication: Proven interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military, volunteers, counterparts, and local interlocutors from diverse backgrounds; ability to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of target groups; g. Flexibility: Adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and limited comfort; operate independently in austere environments for extended periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and be relocated to other duty stations within the area as needed; h. Genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; commitment to UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as UN Core Values, respecting the ethical standards that guide legal and public governance work.

Living conditions and remarks

The activities will be carried out in person at the facilities of the IBAMA Superintendence in Amazonas in Manaus – AM. The level of safety in Brazil is moderate (3). The United Nations Department of Security (UNDSS) advises exercising a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in large cities. Violent crimes such as robberies, armed robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults are very high. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Brazil. For missions in rural areas or Indian reservations, special procedures may apply. UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance. As this is a national UN Volunteering assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for organizing their own housing and other essential goods. The UN National Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. Information on full entitlements at the duty station is available at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos