Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Announcing 'Discovering Young Leaders Programme' (DYLP)

Dear All,


Do you see yourself as a young leader or an aspiring leader?

Would you like to sharpen your leadership edge and learn from some of the smartest brains in Africa and experts in youth programming across the Commonwealth?

Then, plan to attend the 'Discovering Young Leaders Programme' (DYLP)!

THE PROGRAMME

100 Participants | 54 Countries | 5 Weeks | One Theme – YOUTH LEADERSHIP!!!

This Commonwealth course is designed as a purely ONLINE interactive forum to inspire, empower and expose young people to views and concepts of leadership, global trends in youth empowerment and the principles of youth development across the Commonwealth.

Participants are expected to be leaders of youth organizations, aspiring youth leaders, and heads and members of National Youth Councils and youth associations/clubs, and are between 15 and 29 years old.

Discover how you see yourself, and how others see you as a leader; analyze the connection between self-awareness and effective leadership; examine the essence of democratic institutions and principles of democratic governance; explore your thoughts and ideas on leadership at the national and community levels and sharpen your leadership edge; decide on ACTIONS you will take in becoming the best leader the world has ever seen!!

Date: 17 September – 19 October 2012
Location: Online. Basic IT skills and access to internet is MANDATORY for this course.
Application DEADLINE: 03 September 2012

Find attached Programme Flier and Application Form.

For any questions, concerns or clarification, contact DYLP Coordinator viaw.salami@commonwealth.int  or simply visit our group page on Facebook viahttp://www.facebook.com/groups/cypafrica/

Feel free to circulate within your network.

Kind regards,

Wale

 Wale Salami 
Programme Intern
Commonwealth Youth Programme - Africa Centre 
Youth Affairs Division

Introduction to a Green Economy: Concepts and Applications - UNITAR/UNEP E-Learning Course, 2nd Edition, 8 October - 30 November 2012

In response to the high interest received, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will deliver a 2nd edition of the e-learning course “Introduction to a Green Economy: Concepts and Applications”, from 8 October to 30 November 2012. Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the green economy, as well as global, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to advance low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world economic, policy and/or personal context.
 
Comprehensive information and registration details are available at http://www.unitar.org/event/unitarunep-e-learning-course-introduction-green-economy-concepts-and-applications-2nd-edition and in the course flyer (click here to access the flyer). Registration is open until 30 September 2012.
 
Please feel free to disseminate information about this course through your networks, and do not hesitate to contact us (
envgov@unitar.org) should you need any further information.
 
Yours,
The UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme Team
 
Background
The concept of a green economy is receiving increasing international attention, as countries explore new patterns of development that take into account economic, social and environmental sustainability considerations. The recent UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), June 2012, reaffirmed the role of a green economy in achieving sustainable development. In order to provide interested stakeholders from government, business, civil society and academia with an introduction to the green economy concept the United Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are offering an interactive e-learning course.

Target Groups
The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a general understanding about the green economy concept and latest developments. They include:

<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Diplomats from Permanent Missions and Ministries of Foreign Affairs
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Environmental managers in private sector and civil society organizations
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Faculty, researchers and students
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Interested citizens

Learning Objectives
Participants will learn about different concepts and facets of the green economy, as well as global, national and sector-specific challenges and opportunities to advance low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive development. Additionally, participants will begin to develop basic skills for applying the green economy concept in a real world economic, policy and/or personal context.

After completing the course, participants will be able to:
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Define the concept of a green economy and explain its value
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Describe social, environmental and economic benefits of advancing a green economy
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Identify enabling conditions for greening national economies
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Provide examples of successful green economy investments, initiatives and projects
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Identify principal challenges and opportunities for greening key economic sectors
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Describe national planning processes in support of a green transformation
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Recognize the range of international and regional green initiatives and support services to foster green development
<![if !supportLists]>    <![endif]>Apply the green economy concept to a real world economic, policy and/or personal context

Methodology
The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. Participants are provided with the opportunity to learn through various experiences: absorb (read); do (activity); interact (socialize); and reflect (relate to one’s own reality). The reading of an e-book is complemented by a range of learning activities and experiences that include interactive exercises, discussion forums, and an applied case study. The estimated average workload is seven hours per week over a 5 week period. 3 additional weeks are provided for completing the case study exercise.

Course Fee and Registration
The course participation fee is 600 USD. A small number of full/partial fellowships are available for participants from developing countries working in the public sector, academia or non-profit organizations. Priority for fellowships will be given to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). For details please contact the UNITAR Environmental Governance Programme at envgov@unitar.org


Deadline: 30 September 2012.

CDKN Call for EOI: Mainstreaming Climate Change into the transport sector in Colombia


Climate and Development Knowledge Network
Mainstreaming Climate Change into the transport sector in Colombia

Dear Sir/Madam:
The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) aims to help decision-makers in developing countries design and deliver climate compatible development. CDKN does this by providing demand-led research and technical assistance, and channelling the best available knowledge on climate change and development to support policy processes at the country level. In Colombia, CDKN is supporting the mainstreaming adaptation strategies into sectors and local governments, a key mandate of the Colombian Policy Guidelines for Climate Change (CONPES No. 3700), as well as the National Development Plan (DNP 2010-2014).

One of the sectors that CDKN is starting to work with in Colombia is transport.  Climate scenarios for Colombia describe future changes in sea level, temperature and precipitation regimes, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events that could significantly affect infrastructure planning, construction, use, and maintenance.  Recent flood-related disasters and future climate conditions make it necessary to incorporate climate risk management and adaptation into the planning and decision-making occurring today in Colombia's transport sector.   Given that the highways built today in Colombia should be able to endure climatic events expected in the next decades, transportation infrastructure must be planned with the objective of reducing the vulnerability of the roads system to current and expected climatic variation, events, and impacts.

Considering this urgent need to address climate change in the transport sector, CDKN is partnering with Colombia's Ministry of Transport in the project "Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia".  This project will produce a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Transport Sector, one of the first of its kind in the region.  The Adaptation Plan will necessarily draw upon international and local knowledge and expertise, and it will be guided by a benchmarking of examples of effective adaptation to climate change in transport sectors around the world.   The Adaptation Plan will provide an action plan for incorporating the management of climate risk related in infrastructure planning and development, and it will be accompanied by measures to ensure that the plan is adopted by the entities and contractors associated with the transport infrastructure sector.  Because many infrastructure projects will be procured in the short term in Colombia, the project will also create a set of guidelines for use in upcoming public procurement processes in order to make sure that infrastructure contracts incorporate increasingly better standards and specifications to address climate risk.

CDKN are looking to procure:

Consultant(s), company, or consortium with relevant local and international expertise to develop and implement the project "Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia', including the participatory development of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Transport Sector.

Suggested requirements:

Essential:
  • Excellent project management skills.
  • Experience and proven skills in working with multiple stakeholders and participatory planning processes.
  • Strong knowledge and experience of transport and transport infrastructure sector, including standards and specifications, preferably including in developing countries.
  • Strong knowledge and experience in climate change vulnerability and adaptation planning, preferably related to transport infrastructure.
  • Knowledge and proven expertise in transport infrastructure engineering concepts.
 Desirable:
  •  Knowledge and experience of working with Colombian governmental institutions.
  • Knowledge of infrastructure procurement processes in Colombia.
  • Knowledge of Colombian government policy processes, investment and financing structures and decision making.
  • Established networks in the infrastructure and/or climate change sectors in Colombia and internationally.
Instructions for interested parties

In order to receive the full terms of reference for the role and the expression of interest selection document please send an email to cdknetwork.procurement@uk.pwc.com.

The email should include the following information:
  • Subject line: 'EOI: Mainstreaming Climate Change into the Transport Sector in Colombia'
  • Organisation/company name.
  • A contact name(s), email address and telephone number for the most appropriate person(s) to send further information to regarding application.
Please note that in order to formally submit an expression of interest, the EOI selection document must be completed and submitted in English or in Spanish accompanied with an English translation.

The deadline for submitting the completed Selection Document is 17:00 UK Time Friday 7th September 2012. Any questions regarding the EOI process should be submitted by 30th of August, 2012.  Applicants should be informed on whether they have been shortlisted for the next round on the week commencing 10th September 2012.

Thank you and best regards,
The CDKN Team

Monday, August 27, 2012

ICIMOD’s Youth Initiative – Youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD): A legacy of its own

ICIMOD’s Youth Forum timeline:
2010: SERVIR-Himalaya Youth Forum on Empowering Youth with Earth Observation Information for Climate Actions 1-6 October 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal
------------------
2011A: Asia Pacific Youth Forum on Climate Actions and Mountain Issues, 8-12 August 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal
2011B:  SERVIR-Himalaya Sub-regional Youth Forum (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) on Climate Actions in the Himalaya at Bhutan Climate Summit, 14 – 19 November 2011 in Thimpu, Bhutan
2011C: SERVIR-Himalaya National Youth Forum on Climate Change, 5-8 December 2011 in Islamabad, Pakistan
------------------
2012A: SERVIR-Himalaya National Youth Forum on Climate Change, 23-26 January 2012, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2012B: Global Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions at Rio+20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2012C: Asia Pacific Graduates' Youth Forum on Green Economy, 25-29 September 2012 in Kathmandu, Nepal
2012D: South Asian Youth Forum on Mountain Issues and Sustainable Actions in Islamabad, Pakistan (planned)

Other Major Youth Activities:
2009A: E-discussion on The Young Can Do! Let's Protect Forests with Our Hands, 29 April to 27 May 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal
2009B: Beginning of the youth for Sustainable Mountain Development (Y4SMD) initiative at ICIMOD, with launch of the special report ‘The Young Can Do!’, 12 August 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal
2009C: Cosponsored First South Asian Youth Summit on Climate Change,  3-6 September 2009, Dhulikhel, Nepal
------------------
2010A: ICIMOD-British Council First Café Scientifique in Asia on Climate Change Adaptation, 25 February 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal
2010B: ICIMOD-British Council Workshop on Creating a Sustainable Network of Climate Change Champions from Bangladesh, Nepal and Uzbekistan, 19-24 September 2010  in Kathmandu, Nepal
2010C: Cosponsored International Graduate Conference on Climate Change and People, 15-19 November 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal
------------------
2011A: Youth and Climate Change Poster Competition, January-February 2011, Kathmandu, Nepal
2011B: ICIMOD-British Council Youth Corner on Climate Change Adaptation, 12 March 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal
2011C: ICIMOD-British Council Café Scientifique on 'Climate Change and Water' with Dr Garrett Kilroy, 25 March 2011, Kathmandu, Nepal
2011E: Asia Pacific Youth on Green Economy-Special Side Event at the UNEP-TUNZA Conference, 27 September 2011 in Bandung, Indonesia
2011F: Contributed to Panel Discussion on Youth Engagement on Climate Change & Rio+20 Processes at UNFCCC COP17, 8 December 2011 in Durban, South Africa
2011G: ICIMOD-CONDESAN-SDC and VerbierGPS: Engaging Children and Youth in Mountain Development (Asia, Europe and South America) – Test launch of the World Mountain Forum, 11 December 2011 in Kathmandu, Nepal
------------------
2012C: Youth Perspectives on Promoting Green Economy in South and Central Asia at Planet Under Pressure 2012, 26 March 2012, in London, UK
2012D: Formation of ‘Asia Pacific’ and ‘Nepal’ task Forces on Rio+20 and advocacy in Nepal, HKH and globally, January-August 2012 (http://nepaliyouthrio20.blogspot.com/,http://rioplus20.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/APY.Rioplus20)
2012E: ICIMOD Funded Youth Alumni organised ‘Youth and Green Economy’ and ‘My sustainable dream and practice’ side events at the UNCSD MGCY Youth Blast Conference, 8-12 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ICIMOD Publications on Youth:

ICIMOD Multimedia Products aimed at Youth:

For more information:
Tek Jung Mahat, Team Leader and Utsav Maden, Events Manager at youthmedia@icimod.org.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

FOR A FEW MORE DAYS: register for the 2nd International Conference on Low Carbon Energy for Development

Transitions to low carbon energy systems: which pathways to energy access for all?

We are pleased to announce that registration has been extended for a few more days<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/booking> for the second international workshop of the Low Carbon Energy for Development Network (LCEDN<http://www.lcedn.com/>), which will take place at the University of Sussex in Brighton in the UK on the 10th and 11th September 2012. Please visit the event website<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/index> before August 30th to register.

Although we have had enormous interest in the event, there are still some places available. So, we have decided to keep registration open for a few more days, but please register as soon as you can.

This second LCEDN conference is intended to identify and discuss priority questions that need to be answered to meet the UN goal of "Sustainable energy for all". Reflecting on the outcomes and implications of Rio+20, the workshop will have a particular focus on the extent to which low carbon development can simultaneously address concerns around energy access, poverty reduction, human development and economic growth.

The workshop is international in both its scope and significance and it will be hosted by SPRU<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/> and the STEPS Centre<http://www.steps-centre.org/> at the University of Sussex. It is being supported by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The event will involve participants drawn from across a wide array of academic communities, government departments, private sector organisations and NGOs, as well as a range of countries.

Basic registration is £160 for the two days. Accommodation, conference dinner and other options are also available at extra cost. Details of these costs are available on the event website<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/index>.

We have already secured many excellent speakers, including a keynote address by Kevin Urama<http://www.atpsnet.org/about/structure/secretariat/index.php> of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, and more will be announced soon. See the event programme<http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/lcedn/programme> for more details.

Best wishes and we hope to see you in Brighton in September.

Bettina

Bettina Zenz
Project Coordinator
SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research
Freeman Centre
University of Sussex
Falmer BN1 9QF
T: (01273) 878166
E: b.zenz@sussex.ac.uk<mailto:b.zenz@sussex.ac.uk>
My usual working hours are Wednesday – Friday, 08:30 -4:30.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

2013 Climate Leadership Awards Application Period Now Open


2013 Climate Leadership Awards Application Period Now Open

Calling national attention to exemplary leadership in response to climate change, the Climate Leadership Awards program is seeking its 2013 crop of corporate, organizational and individual leaders. Officially opening its application period, U.S. EPA and its three NGO partners -- The Climate Registry (The Registry), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), and the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) -- are now accepting applications for 2013 awards through October 12, 2012. EPA’s Climate Leadership Awards webpage details the application process. 

Climate Leadership Award winners will be publicly honored in early 2013 at an awards gala in conjunction with the Climate Leadership Conference to be held in Washington, DC.
 Awards criteria have been updated, recognizing leadership in the following categories:
  • Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate)
    Recognizes organizations that publicly report and verify corporate GHG inventories and publicly set aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals.
  • Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Achievement Award)
    Recognizes organizations that publicly report and verify corporate GHG inventories and achieve aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals.
  • Supply Chain Leadership Award
    Recognizes organizations that have their own comprehensive GHG inventories and aggressive emissions reduction goals and can demonstrate they are at the leading edge of managing GHGs in their organizational supply chains.
  • Organizational Leadership Award
    Recognizes organizations that not only have their own comprehensive GHG inventories and aggressive emissions reduction goals, but also exemplify leadership both in their internal response to climate change and through engagement of their peers, competitors, partners, and supply chain.
  • Individual Leadership Award
    Recognizes individuals exemplifying extraordinary leadership in leading their organizations’ response to climate change and/or affecting the responses of other organizations.
Questions?
Please direct questions as follows:
Climate Leadership Conference: questions@ClimateLeadershipConference.org


Apply NOW, due October 12
For more comprehensive information about the Climate Leadership Awards, go to:

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Dates to Remember
October 12, 2012Deadline for 2013 CLA applications
January 2013CLA winners notified
February/March 2013Climate Leadership Awards Gala and Conference (dates to be announced shortly)

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to receive government recognition for your climate leadership and highlight your achievements and competitive edge to key stakeholders.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Vacancy: Director of Programs, WOCAN - open until position is filled

WOCAN Vacancy

Position:                                            Director of Programs
Application deadline: Until Filled
Location:                                            Bangkok, Thailand with extensive travel
Salary:                                               Competitive and commensurate with experience

Organization Description:
Founded in 2004, Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (WOCAN) is an international, membership-based and women-led NGO currently headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with a mission to build the leadership of women in agriculture and natural resource management for effective advocacy and organizational transformation through an innovative approach of partnering motivated professional and rural women. WOCAN is a global leader in strengthening capacities for gender analysis, women's leadership and gender mainstreaming within technical sectors of agriculture and natural resource management. WOCAN implements projects in Asia and Africa, using a participatory action research approach to develop innovative strategies and 'best practices' for strengthening women and men leaders for gender equality in these sectors.

Position Summary:
The Director of Programs is a senior position to provide operational leadership in the realization of the organization's mission and programs. Responsibilities include organizational development, program strategy and implementation, as well as financial and administrative oversight for programs. The position is based in Bangkok.
The Director of Programs reports to, and works closely with, the Executive Director, and has regular contact with members of the WOCAN board, staff based in offices in Thailand, USA, Nepal, Italy and one to be set up in Africa, as well as the  Core Associate teams in Asia and Africa.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership and Development (25%)
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>The Director of Programs plays a critical role in organizational leadership and development, including:
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>monitoring and evaluating organizational development under the direction of the Executive Director.
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>shaping and implementing organizational priorities and organizational infrastructure to support the realization of WOCAN's strategic goals.
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>designing and facilitating organizational processes for strategic planning, budgeting and review, employee evaluation and organizational learning.
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>supporting the Executive Director to implement, monitor and evaluate institutional policies, strategic plans and systems.
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>contribute to organizational and strategic planning processes
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>supporting the Executive Director to develop new initiatives and programs.

Program Management (50%)
The Director of Programs plays a vital role and works closely with the staff, Core Team of Associates, Consultants and the Executive Director to develop and realize WOCAN's goals. Responsibilities include:
  • helping define programmatic vision and strategy.
  • developing program and policies.
  • overseeing the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs.
  • managing and integrating programmatic learning across the organization.
  • preparing contracts and supervising consultants.
  • overseeing development of communication products.
  • preparing new project proposals and seeking funding for these.
  • Overseeing management of the WOCAN website, through updates and the communication.

Finance, Human Resources & Administration (25%)
The Director of Programs oversees human resources and administrative functions related to the programs, along with the Operations Manager and other finance staff, including:
  • ensuring sound policies and procedures for fiscal control, risk management, contracts, human resources and legal compliance.
  • manage the development and monitoring of the program and organizational budgets.
  • contribute to recruitment, evaluation and retention of staff and consultants.

Qualifications:
Knowledge and Experience
  • Master's degree or PhD and at least 8 years of experience related to gender and development in agriculture and natural resource management.
  • Substantive knowledge on issues related to core themes.
  • Minimum 8 years directing or coordinating programs within an international organization that involves managing staff, budgets, and management responsibilities.
  • Experience in fiscal management, organizational budgeting processes.
  • Demonstrated experience in the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs.
  • At least 5 years working in Asia, preferably in Southeast Asia

Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to think strategically, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment and lead change.
  • Ability to think through staffing needs and priorities; comfortable building and developing organisational processes for a young organization with a unique and flexible structure that is continually evolving in careful and well thought-out strategic stages;
  • Ability to flexibly share leadership and build consensus with high level of cross‐cultural competence.
  • Proven ability to work in a dynamic team and build strong working relationships.
  • High level of written and spoken English.
  • Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences.
  • Energetic and self-directed, with positive attitude and a sense of humor.
  • Proven ability to operate in a global organization where prompt and responsive e-mail and phone communication is critical.
  • Availability to travel frequently regionally and globally.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, CV and writing sample via email to: vacancies@wocan.org

WOCAN is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified men as well as women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Invitation: 'Disaster Risk Reduction in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush (HKH) region' session on 30 August, 2012 at IDRC DAVOS, Switzerland

Dear Colleagues,

Please find below an event update I received from Mr. Hari Krishna Nibanupudi, DRR Specialist at ICIMOD.

Best,
Tek
------------------------


Dear Friends,

ICIMOD will be organizing a session titled  ‘Disaster Risk Reduction in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush (HKH) region’ on 30th August, 2012 at IDRC DAVOS.

Members from the HKH region and other regions who are interested in this subject are welcome to attend our session. Those who are interested in making a short presentation on are encouraged to contact Hari Krishna (hkrishna@icimod.org) for more details. Further details is available on the web at http://www.icimod.org/?q=8208 .

Kindly note that this invitation is essentially to connect with those members who have already made their arrangements to attend IDRC DAVOS.
This is not meant to invite proposals for supporting participation.

Thank you!

Hari Krishna