Strategic Consultant

CTG Overview

CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.

CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.

Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.

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Overview of Position

In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia & Middle East green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species & managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical & technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively & efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology & digital capabilities, establishing cooperation & strengthening its network internationally & promoting forest conservation practices & increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level & on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi green initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery & seed bank with a road map for establishing a large scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy & standards of tree planting & creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole of society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth & other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle & beyond. This project will build upon the long standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom & our client in 1975. The project expected outputs are:

• Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation & network.
• Output 2: Promoting conservation practices & strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy & outreach.
• Output 3: Model tree nursery design & ecosystem conservation.
• Output 4: Transformation of information technology & digital infrastructure.
• Output 5: Strengthening institutional & technical capacity.

Role Objectives

The Strategic Consultant will play a key role in providing strategic guidance & fostering collaboration to enhance international cooperation & partnerships for the NCVC. The scope of work will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Strategic business design & organizational development:

• Conduct comprehensive organizational analysis to align afforestation department goals with NCVC’s strategic objectives.
• Design & implement efficient operating models & organizational structures to facilitate smooth transitions & scalable operations.
• Develop management strategies that integrate environmental considerations into the core business processes.

Environmental & sustainability consulting:

• Provide expert guidance on environmental sustainability, aligning afforestation efforts with eco friendly practices & sustainability benchmarks.
• Integrate sustainability into project life cycles, ensuring that all afforestation initiatives contribute to the broader environmental objectives of NCVC.

Sustainable waste management & circular economy integration:

• Evaluate current waste management practices & develop policies that promote sustainable waste reduction, reuse & recycling within afforestation efforts.
• Conduct cost benefit analyses for the deployment of waste to energy technologies & develop circular economy frameworks pertinent to afforestation & greening.

Greening & combatting desertification:

• Architect comprehensive greening masterplans, integrating cutting edge strategies to combat desertification & restore ecosystems.
• Devise & implement targeted initiatives aimed at expanding green spaces & bolstering the region’s resilience to climate change.

Renewable energy feasibility & climate adaptation financing:

• Undertake feasibility studies for the implementation of renewable energy solutions within the scope of afforestation projects.
• Navigate the landscape of climate adaptation finance, identifying funding opportunities & creating financial frameworks that support sustainable afforestation initiatives.

Expected outputs & deliverables:

Strategic business design & organizational development deliverables:

• A detailed report outlining the organizational requirements & a strategic alignment plan with actionable recommendations for the afforestation department.
• A newly designed operating model & organizational structure complete with implementation roadmaps.
• Management strategy documents incorporating environmental sustainability into business processes.

Environmental & sustainability consulting outputs:

• Comprehensive sustainability guidelines for afforestation projects, aligning with global standards & practices.
• A sustainability integration plan for existing & new projects, with metrics for measuring environmental impact.

Sustainable waste management & circular economy integration deliverables:

• Policy documents & guidelines on sustainable waste management specific to afforestation initiatives.
• A cost benefit analysis report for waste to energy technology deployment & a strategic plan for circular economy adoption.

Greening & combatting desertification outputs:

• A masterplan for greening & desertification combat initiatives, including project charters for pilot projects.
• Progress reports on initiatives aimed at expanding green spaces, with an assessment of their impact on regional climate resilience.

Renewable energy feasibility & climate adaptation financing deliverables:

• Feasibility study reports for renewable energy projects within the afforestation domain.
• A comprehensive guide to climate adaptation finance opportunities, including a portfolio of potential funding sources & a strategy for engaging with financiers.
• It’s important to note that the expected outputs & deliverables may be subject to adjustment & refinement during the project based on evolving needs & priorities.

Project Reporting

• The Strategic Consultant will work for the afforestation department under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator at NCVC & indirectly to the National Project Officer.

Key Competencies

• Master’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, sustainability, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 16 years of professional experience in environmental & sustainability sectors, with a focus on project management, waste management & green technologies.
• Proven expertise in strategic business design & organizational development.
• Extensive knowledge in environmental sustainability & the implementation of eco friendly practices.
• Familiarity with waste management practices & circular economy principles.
• Experience in designing greening masterplans & strategies to combat desertification.
• Ability to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy & energy efficiency projects.
• Strong analytical & critical thinking skills.
• Excellent leadership & team management abilities.
• Proficiency in project financing & understanding of climate adaptation finance mechanisms.
• Experience in policy formulation & stakeholder engagement.
• Capacity to manage multi disciplinary projects & cross functional teams.
• Proficiency in English (both written & spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.
• Any certifications related to environmental management, sustainability or business strategy would be beneficial.
• Set a&align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Create & act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Proactively initiate & champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Think beyond immediate task / barriers & take action to achieve greater results.
• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter agency collaboration.
• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce & champion inclusivity.
• Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (general assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working & negotiation processes.
• Ability to take decisions in a timely & efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise & resources.
• Conservation & sustainable use of biodiversity, land, forests & oceans.
• Reduced emissions from deforestation & forest degradation.
• Green economy & green growth.
• Economic transformation, policy & planning.
• Effective & efficient delivery & implementation of programs & projects.

Team Management

• Team management experiences is desired for this role.

Further Information

• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.
• The expected duration of the work is 12 months.
• The completion of deliverables & milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
• The timeline for review & feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
• Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Strategic Consultant & the NCVC, considering the project’s progress & requirements.
• Our client will cover the around ticket to / from the duty station.
• If unforeseen travel outside the consultant’s duty station city is requested by our client & not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by our client in line with applicable rules & regulations & upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).
• A written approval from our client & relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant’s travel to any locations than stated on this ToR on official missions where necessary.