• Vacancy: Senior National Consultant – Maritime Environmental Emergency Response
• Location: Aden, Yemen (with potential travel to ship location)
• Duration: 60 working days over 3 months.
• Contract Type: Individual Consultant (IC)
• Reference: UNDP-YEM-00436 / Negotiation ID: 34834

Background:

In March 2024, the MV Rubymar, a cargo ship carrying large quantities of fuel oil and fertilizer, sank in the Red Sea. This incident posed serious threats to Yemen's marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and fisheries. In response, UNDP Yemen has launched a project aimed at strengthening national capacity to manage such maritime environmental emergencies.

As part of this initiative, UNDP seeks to recruit a Senior National Consultant to support in-country technical coordination, response readiness, and environmental risk monitoring related to the Rubymar incident and future threats.

Key Responsibilities:

The National Consultant will work closely with the International Consultant, UNDP Project Manager, and Yemeni government agencies to achieve the following objectives:

Provision of In-Country Technical Support:

• Collaborate with the International Consultant to provide continuous technical support to the Government of Yemen (GoY) throughout the project.
• Offer immediate technical and scientific support in case of deterioration of the Rubymar wreck or other potential incidents, and enhance technical expertise in oil spills.

Coordination of Rubymar Wreck Inspections:

• Work with various agencies/ministries to plan and conduct regular inspections of the Rubymar wreck.
• Ensure inspections are carried out following the delivery and commissioning of the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV).
• Contribute to the preparation of post-inspection reports, which will be distributed to relevant stakeholders.

Practical Deployment Drills:

• Identify suitable sites for practical deployment drills.
• Schedule and supervise regular drills and management exercises.
• Collect and analyze feedback from these exercises to improve response strategies.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Develop an equipment planned maintenance programme.
• Participate in the collection and analysis of surface and underwater water samples to monitor environmental impacts.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Coordinate with relevant agencies to prepare logistics for inspections and drills.
• Contribute to the development of systems for real-time data collection and monitoring during incidents.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Affairs, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in environmental or maritime disaster response.
• Knowledge of oil spill response, marine environmental regulations, and emergency coordination.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent command of English; Arabic an advantage.

Required Documents:

• Updated CV and Cover letter.
• Technical proposal (approach, methodology, and workplan)
• Financial proposal (lump-sum format)
• Confirmation of interest and availability form via the Quantum system.

Language Requirement:

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret environmental data and spill dynamics.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and GIS tools.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Commitment to environmental protection and sustainable
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to local contexts.