International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Regional Coordinator for the GEF Trifinio project. OAS. Deadline: 24JAN23

Type of contract: Full-Time Consultant Organizational Unit: DDS Start of consultancy: February 2023 Duration: 6 months – renewal subject to performance Consulting fees: based on experience, training and skills Workplace: Esquipulas, Guatemala Deadline: Send CV and cover letter no later than January 24th, 2023, to water@oas.org
  1. Background

  1. For more than 50 years, the OAS has been working on approaches that take into account the multiple values of water at the watershed level. This level allows us to have a broad vision, not restricted to the place where the water is produced or to the place where it is consumed, but  a complex system, where all sectors coexist, all users, and both upstream and downstream. We have scaled this approach at the transboundary level, 60 percent of the continent is covered by transboundary basins where 70 percent of the total surface water flow crosses, and where 40 percent of the population lives. The most important biodiversity hotspots (and the largest to produce enough water in terms of quality and quantity) found in LAC are shared by one or more countries: Amazonas, the Pantanal, Lake Titicaca, Guarani Aquifer, Trifinio among others. The problems found in transboundary basins are generally the same as those found at the national level; however, its management and governance is complicated by international jurisdictions and the divergent interest of countries sharing the water resources.

  1. Due to its biodiversity, its potential to act as carbon sinks, and the economic and subsistence needs of its populations, the Trifinio region has been the longest-running flagship program in the OAS-Water, with more than 35 years of experience.  The Trifinio Region consists of 7,541 km2, distributed at the point where the borders of El Salvador (15.6%), Guatemala (46.5%) and Honduras (37.9%) converge; it is home to about 1 million inhabitants, of which 50% of the population are women and approximately 15% of the total population is indigenous. The region is considered a priority area for the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and is one of the few areas that unites the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through its 3 transboundary river basins: Motagua, Ulúa and Lempa.

  1. The project "Promoting Water Security in the Trifinio Region" focuses on improving cooperation for water resources management in the tri national Lempa River basin. The overall objective is to promote water security in the Lempa basin and, at the same time, increase the resilience of the basin's ecosystems to climate variability and change. The project: (1) strengthen environmental governance and transboundary cooperation frameworks affecting the natural resources of the Lempa basin, with an emphasis on transboundary management; (2) identify sustainable financing mechanisms to implement priority actions to solve the transboundary environmental problems of the basin; (3) engage communities and the private sector in demonstration projects to strengthen their capacities to apply ecosystem-based management approaches to activities that support human health and livelihoods; and (4) raise awareness of the benefits of integrated water resources management approaches for human communities and the environment. Together, these activities aim to initiate the transformative changes that will lead the basin towards greater water security and build climate-resilient ecosystems.

  1. Financial resources come from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and are managed by the United Nations Environment Program, and executed by the Water Program of the Department of Sustainable Development, OAS/SEDI in coordination with the Trinational Trifinio Commission (CTPT) and its Trinational Technical Unit (UTT). For implementation, A 'Project Coordination Unit' (PCU) will be created to coordinate the implementation work and report on outputs and results.

  1. The UCP will be responsible for
  1. Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project;
  2. Ensure project assurance and quality control (QA/QC);
  3. Ensure timely execution of project components and activities;
  4. Consolidate project reports, including technical, environmental and financial progress reports;
  5. Communication of the project to the public, including through the website and the media;
  6.  Communication/coordination with OAS and UNEP and CTPT;
  7. Coordination of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) requirements; and
  8. Facilitate the work of mid-term and final evaluations.

  1. The PCU will carry out effective monitoring and evaluation activities in the field and will submit periodic reports and supporting documentation to the GS/OAS, UNEP and CTPT through the Project Steering Committee (PSC) in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation plan. These include quarterly progress reports, annual project implementation reviews (PIRs), annual project reports, and a final report.  The Regional Coordinator is central to the PCU of the Trifinio project and will lead the achievement of the expected results of the project. It is expected that the PCU of Trifinio will be composed of the following staff 1) Project Coordinator - Regional Coordinator 2) IWRM Consultant 3) Knowledge Management and Communication Consultant 4) Administrative and Financial Professional.

  1. Objective of the consultancy

  1. The main objective of the consultancy is to lead and coordinate, under the supervision of the OAS/CTPT and UNEP, the general execution of the project, the elaboration of the results/outputs, and presenting these results/products to the Project Steering Committee (PSC)

  1. Activities to be carried out:

  1. The Regional Coordinator will have the following responsibilities and activities:
  • Analyzes the project background treaties, agreements, and other projects being developed in the area of scope, especially the Project Document and its annexes approved by the GEF to ensure proper understanding of the project´s scope.
  • Prepares a detailed draft work plan and annual budget in collaboration with the executing agency to be reviewed and approved by the PSC;
  • Prepare Project Operations Manual, in coordination with the OAS/CTPT, where decision-making mechanisms and planning and project execution processes are established.
  • Provides guidance and supervision to the work of the staff of the PCU including with regard to the implementation of all activities specified in the Project Document and ensure their timely completion.
  • Ensure the implementation of the project with respect to the established indicators that are detailed in the project results framework.
  • Provides day-to-day technical inputs into project planning and implementation processes.
  • Liaises with other relevant GEF and non-GEF projects with focus on those referred to in the Project Document.
  • Establishes linkages with other relevant GEF and non-GEF projects, focusing on those mentioned in the project document.
  • Provides general leadership in terms of coordination of activities with other programmes and projects at global, regional and where feasible national, levels.
  • Oversees the allocation of funds in accordance with the direction of the Project Steering Committee.  Prepares and presents for consideration and approval of the PSC, adjustment proposals, change requests or updates to the project management plan, including budget changes as defined by the agencies´ guidelines and regulations.
  • Advise the OAS/CTPT and the PSC on the execution of the project, including any modifications or improvements to achieve the objectives of the project. Similarly, the coordinator shall, seeks as required direction, and strategic guidance from the PSC regarding project implementation and execution of agreed activities over the entire period of the project.
  • Review all documents prepared by third parties for submission to the PSC to ensure they meet the appropriate technical, scientific and English standards.
  • Act as technical secretary of the meetings of the PSC, in charge of convening and organizing meetings with the OAS/CTPT, preparing agendas, minutes and recommendations in accordance with the rules of procedure of those bodies.
  • Conducts field visits and missions, as needed, to help verify project results.
  • Lead the exchange, dissemination and application of knowledge, building partnerships with relevant institutions, including Governments, international organizations, regional bodies, academia and civil society.
  • Plans and coordinates activities with implementing and executing agencies to ensure maximum "visibility" of the project in the region and in the GEF, including being the public liaison for the project.
  • Coordinate the assignment of national project focal points through the government entities established in the project document.
  • In consultation with PSC, establishes Terms of Reference for Letters of agreement, sub-contractors and consultants.
  • Guarantee a level of quality and adequacy of the technical products of the project.
  • Leads the development of the Transboundary Decision Analysis and the Shared Aquifer Diagnosis Analysis (SADA).
  • Lead national consultancies and the review process with government agencies for gap analyses, IWRM capacity assessments and proposal development.
  • Leads launching of inter-ministerial committees and policy dialogues.
  • Overall guidance of the Transboundary Conjunctive use Aquifer pilot consultation process and review of protocols/directives with the Projects Steering Committee.
  • Leads the investment plan and portfolio structuring and its articulation to the SAP proposal, promotion and development of donor round-tables.
  • Leads the development of cooperation agreements and of any high-level document or activity.
  • Guides PIACT enhancements and overall outreach strategy in the field; ensures applicability of open source tool for TDA/SAP and IT hydroclimatic platform.
  • Monitors the work of the consultants and sub-contractors, based on their Terms of Reference, and evaluate the quality of the outputs.
  • Coordinate the field implementation of pilot projects, monitoring tools, communication documents, the website and any other project outputs.
  • Oversees the implementation of the Trifinio Project’s Knowledge Portal; contributes to the identification of the Portal’s technical and business requirements according to the needs of the project and the PSC.
  • Leads the establishment of requirements for the Decision-Making Support System, data sharing agreement and rules for harmonization.
  • Leads the development of the project website and provides technical advice.
  • Prepares in close consultations with all partners and executing agencies the annual PIR reports for transmission to the GEF.
  • Prepares progress reports to be submitted to the PSC and OAS, as well as the reports required by UNEP to be submitted through OAS.
  • Ensures adherence to the Implementing and executing agencies’ administrative, financial and technical reporting requirements.
  • Ensures that financial allocations and expenditures are in accordance with UN and OAS financial rules and regulations.
  • Clears for approval administrative and financial reports, external communications and travel requests.
  • Assists as required in arrangements for the terminal evaluation.
  • Leads project meetings, and the negotiation process of the agreements, protocols, directives and plans expected from the project.

  1. Responsibility

  1. The contractor will work in close coordination with the CTPT through the mechanisms defined in the institutional governance of the project, supervised by the Regional Project Coordinator; and being technically responsible for compliance with these terms of reference with the Department of Sustainable Development (DDS) of the OAS General Secretariat. It will act within the framework of the CTPT General Secretariat in close coordination with the UTT. The work involves frequent interaction with the following: i) Counterparts, senior officials and technical staff in the OAS, the Trifinio Plan and in the funds, programs and other specialized agencies of the UN; (ii) Representatives and officials of national and local governments, international organizations and consultants; (iii) Grassroots organizations and local and indigenous communities of the Lempa watershed

  1. Education and professional experience:
  • Higher university degree (master's degree) in civil, hydraulic or environmental engineering or in a related field such as agronomy, environmental sciences and territorial local development.
  • Minimum 15 years of professional experience, in management, project evaluation using logical framework and results-based management approaches.
  • Experience implementing projects in the 3 beneficiary countries; experience in initiatives related to the management and monitoring of projects in the Trifinio Region, is a plus.
  • A minimum of 5 years in the management or coordination of GEF projects.
  • Previous work experience with UNEP, GEF, OAS and partner institutions will be valued. 
  • Demonstrated success in leading IWRM or water sector projects. Experience in international negotiations will be valued.
  • Excellent command of Spanish and English.
  • *At least 2 references will be requested from consultants who have passed the first phase of evaluation.

  1. Competences:
  • Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
  • Communication: Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style; good drafting and copy-editing skills. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Capacity to develop and facilitate relationships with the media community. 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
  • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
  • Planning & 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: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
  • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
  • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
  • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.