Work LocationHome-based
Expected duration5 Months
Duties andResponsibilities
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP administers the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The Contracting Parties to the Convention are Comoros, France (Reunion), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and United Republic of Tanzania. The Convention offers a legal framework, a forum for intergovernmental discussions and coordinates the efforts of its contracting parties in the protection, management, and development of their coastal and marine environment. The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is at risk from accidental oil pollution from vessels, oil exploration / production and the bulk transportation and handling of crude oil and related products. Incidents leading to oil pollution can result in serious ecological and socio-economic damage and disruption. Recognizing the benefit of mitigating oil pollution risks, the international community has supported the development of oil spill preparedness measures within the region, including encouraging the ratification and implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC Convention) and the Nairobi Convention’s Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Marine Pollution in Cases of Emergency in the Eastern African Region (Emergency Protocol). By ratifying these intergovernmental agreements, countries in the WIO region have committed to the development of plans and procedures in readiness for possible oil spills. The Nairobi Convention Secretariat is executing the GEF funded project titled the “Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE) which has a component supporting improved regional management of potential pollution threats associated with oil spills. The Project is implemented in coordination with the participating countries and partners both at national and regional level. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Regional Service Centre for Africa is the implementing agency of the SAPPHIRE project and providing oversight in the execution of the project. In Seychelles, the Disaster Risk Management Act 2014 creates the legal framework for national emergency preparedness and response. Implementation of the Act is led by the Division of Risk and Management Division (DRMD), and they have published principles and guidance for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), including: National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Plan 2021-2030; National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP) 2019-2024; National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and “Gold†Functional Command Level Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). To achieve the objectives set out in legislation, policy and plans, Seychelles has adopted an Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS). IEMS requires a common framework within which MDAs, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector can “Work together seamlessly to prepare, respond and recover, from the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexityâ€. Oil pollution preparedness and response is addressed by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response) Regulations, which implement the International Convention on Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, 1990 in Seychelles. These Regulations stipulate several planning requirements for both government and the private sector, including preparation of a national contingency plan for an oil pollution incident; this National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) should be coordinated with the NIEMP framework. Whilst the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) is the Authority under the Regulations, they have committed to work with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) in developing the NOSCP. This activity contributes to achieving objectives of the SAPPHIRE project especially Component 3 deliverable 3.1.5 which promotes interventions that address the potential impacts of the growing oil and gas sector in the region. Objective of the Consultancy The UNEP-Nairobi Convention would like to hire an international consultant to revise the national oil spill contingency plans for Seychelles in alignment with the NIEMS. The assignment will be home-based with travel to Seychelles where necessary. In executing the consultancy, the consultant will work closely with the Nairobi Convention Secretariat team, the SAPPHIRE project Implementing Agency (UNDP), National Focal Point of the Nairobi Convention and SAPPHIRE project, among others as deemed appropriate and necessary. Specific Tasks and Responsibilities: Under overall supervision of the Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and direct supervision of the SAPPHIRE Project Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the Government of Seychelles, the consultant will undertake the following specific tasks: a) Facilitate an initial 1st in-person workshop in Seychelles of key stakeholder to ensure a common understanding of the proposed approach to development of the NOSCP. The workshop will allow participants to share their expectations and confirm what resources and capability they can contribute to national oil spill preparedness and response. b) Conduct a site visit in Seychelles to review the condition and status of the local oil pollution equipment stockpile(s) held by the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG). This visit will also consider the supporting logistics and emergency response centre facilities, including possible visits to the Rescue Coordination Centre and the NEOC. c) Revise the existing NOSCP in alignment with the NIEMS. The revisions should remain consistent with IMO guidelines, as required under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response) Regulations. d) Develop an implementation plan for the NOSCP including a training and exercise programme and possible equipment procurement needs. e) Facilitate a 2nd virtual stakeholder workshop where the progress on developing the revised NOSCP and its Implementation Plan will be presented. f) Facilitate a 3rd in-person national stakeholder workshop to discuss and validate the revised NOSP and its Implementation plan and update the two documents based on the comments, concerns, inputs and recommendations from the workshop. g) Revise and submit the final draft of the revised NOSCP and Implementation Plan for Seychelles.
Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree is required in Marine Biology/ Sciences (Marine biology and coastal management/Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection/ Maritime Affairs – Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration/ Oceanography and Marine Environmental Management), Environmental Sciences or other closely related fields. A first level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum of 7 years of work experience is required in coastal and marine conservation and management, programme development, management of natural resources, in international settings including in the Western Indian Ocean region. Minimum of 7 years’ experience in the implementation of oil spill preparedness and response programmes/ emergency management at national and regional levels is an essential requirement.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For this consultancy, fluency in English is required.
No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
