The 4 August 2020 explosions dramatically showed the close interlink between security and development. The event was a tragic result of years of malpractices and corruption that have nourished a negligent attitude in properly addressing evident safety and security problems, including the risks posed by the trade of dual use goods in a port built in the proximity of a densely populated area. The sense of impunity also made the port and the sea a privileged spot for illegal trafficking and smuggling activities. The magnitude of the event exposed the vulnerability of the national system as well to prevent hazard, manage crisis and conduct complex investigation to identify timely the culprits and make them accountable before the justice.

Survey activities ongoing at the port and as well around the city of Beirut indicates presence of asbestos and revealed that poor storage of dangerous material is a widely spread dangerous practice; industrial sites also represent a potential risk for the health and life of the population. Radioactive waste, along with the growing industry of sealed radioactive sources in medical, industrial and research fields, poses a serious problem for authorities due to the lack of an adequate national store for disused radioactive sources. Assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is ongoing and a national store for radioactive sources at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) is being established. Proper storage of imported dangerous material, its disposal and detection of illicit entry of CBRN materials is also a key priority and law enforcement agencies and Customs officials play a key role in ensuring border and supply chain security. Adapting cargo information systems is essential to strengthening monitoring and risk-based controls of international supply chains to ensure that CBRN material are not illicitly entering; additional measures to strengthen dual-use trade controls are also required. The national CBRN team has also prioritized potential actions to enhance CBRN capabilities and particularly the need to reinforce the operational capacity of the first responders in the field, specifically the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Internal Security Forces (ISF) the Civil Defense (CD) and the Beirut Firefighters. UNIFIL, international donors (EUMS and USA) and national counterparts have commended the EU for the vision in starting a much-needed strategic assistance in drafting an Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).

The modernization of the port infrastructure must be accompanied with critical improvement in its governance structures and management for economic recovery. Adequate control of people entering at the port and cargo control are lacking alongside with fully established governance structures, if Lebanon wishes to guarantee the proper management, security, and safety of the site. Staff operating at the Port must be aware of the peculiarities of the working environment and its inherent risks and be prepared to intervene in case of accident also in view of securing sensitive data to allow operational continuity. Such expertise might also apply to offshore oil and gas exploration sites, which are an important source of revenues, but also represent a risk for the safety and security of workers and proxy population. The Navy received consistent support from the UNIFIL MTF and EUMS (particularly France, Italy, and Germany), but other agencies (GS, ISF and Port Authority) with a key role in ensuring the rule of law at sea, on the coasts and at the seaports are lagging behind. This situation creates a gap in the security system, which can be easily exploited for criminal activities at sea, on the coast and within the seaports premises.

This project aims at contributing to mitigate the impacts of the current crisis; supporting a people centered recovery and improving human rights, while strengthening relevant systems and reinforcing the role and oversight of civil society in line with the priorities outlined in the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) for Lebanon.

This action has as overall objective (Impact) to contribute to a secure and safe environment in Lebanon through accountable institutions. As such, the main objective of this action is to improve the governance of the Port of Beirut, with focus on improving the CBRN risk governance and security and risk governance structure and institutional and operational capacities.  By doing so, it is envisaged that the project would also strengthen institutional systems to manage multi-dimensional risks and shocks at national and sub-national levels.

In particular, the interventions will contribute to achieve the following outcomes:

1.Reinforcing governance and effectiveness in the management of port and maritime affairs, in line with the rule of law and international conventions.

2. Strengthening effectiveness in Disaster Management.

Through the provision of expertise, supply of equipment and infrastructural support the action will assist Lebanon in promoting better governance of national administration and guarantee efficient operational capacity of military and civilian actors in charge of safety and security. The project will build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to operate in a transparent, accountable, and coordinated manner to prevent, respond to and investigate security threats by enforcing the rule of law according to international standards. Efficient control and improved risk analysis and sharing of information at national and international level will facilitate the control and safety of critical economic infrastructure and support the legal cross border trade thus contributing to improved economy and long-term development.

In view of the above, and according to the EU COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 14.12.2021 on the financing of the individual measure “EU response to the multiple crisis and support to a people-centered recovery in Lebanon” in favor of Lebanon for 2021, the UNDP is seeking the technical support of a senior expert to lead the implementation of the inception phase during which a detailed assessment will be conducted by a team of experts on Port security and risks management.

The Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) is designed to inform, support, and influence the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) to improve the effectiveness of its economic policies. It delivers policy support to the government, generates data and evidence, and supports civil society in advocating for policy reforms. The programme has two components: i. Policy and analytical support to the government, delivered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ii. Economic research and policy advocacy managed by the International Growth Centre (IGC) 2. The programme was launched following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a substantial impact on the economy. Millions of people were pushed into poverty, businesses shut down and investment decisions were postponed. The government’s policy response to support the economy was hampered by a lack of data and its effectiveness was limited by weaknesses in design and implementation. Despite this, the economy bounced back quickly but the recovery was uneven. The programme is designed to initially run for two years to gauge the extent to which the analysis, evidence and data can inform and influence the Bangladesh government’s policy processes. If it gets sufficient traction and can demonstrate influence, the development of a more comprehensive programme to support LDC graduation in partnership with the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) will be considered.

TEPP is looking to recruit a National Consultant for Senior Policy Expert (Team Lead)  who will work with a research team to be engaged for the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU) to support the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in its investment planning.

The RAU will provide research support for informed economic policymaking in the context of LDC status graduation and support the formulation of accelerated economic recovery. The demand-driven short-term studies will facilitate evidence-based decision-making for policymakers to meet the objectives of the country’s Eighth Five-Year Plan that have a critical need for early detection of emerging economic trends and policy measures. The proposed Unit will provide estimates of critical economic and social indicators based on existing statistics and trends; if required, it will provide research support by legal experts on trade-related rules and regulations for facilitating Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). The study outputs will provide an analysis of contemporary economic issues relevant to investment and business development, assess short-term changes in socio-economic activities, and undertake appropriate strategies to accelerate policymaking for inclusive economic growth.

Please note that this procurement process is being conducted through the new online tendering system of UNDP. Applicants who wish to submit a proposal must be registered in the system. Kindly register by visiting the link below and follow the instructions provided in the user guide in the document attached:

http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org/ using the profile you may have in the Quantum portal.

Only the proposal submitted in Quantum will be considered. 

In case you have never registered before, follow the Supplier Portal Registration Link to register a profile in the system. The Supplier User Guide has been uploaded to the following link. Do not create a new profile if you already have one. Use the forgotten password feature in case you do not remember the password or the username from the previous registration.

The supplier webinar is now available at the following link: https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders.

Please note that all required documents are found on the UNDP Quantum Platform under negotiation reference: UNDP-BGD-00071.

Interested experts with questions regarding the registration in Quantum should send them in writing to: e-bidbox.bd@undp.org  and copy the reference UNDP-BGD-00071 in the subject line. Please note, Proposals will not be received through email. If any applicant is registered in the system, any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry. 

 Regards

UNDP Bangladesh Country Office

The 4 August 2020 explosions dramatically showed the close interlink between security and development. The event was a tragic result of years of malpractices and corruption that have nourished a negligent attitude in properly addressing evident safety and security problems, including the risks posed by the trade of dual use goods in a port built in the proximity of a densely populated area. The sense of impunity also made the port and the sea a privileged spot for illegal trafficking and smuggling activities. The magnitude of the event exposed the vulnerability of the national system as well to prevent hazard, manage crisis and conduct complex investigation to identify timely the culprits and make them accountable before the justice.

Survey activities ongoing at the port and as well around the city of Beirut indicates presence of asbestos and revealed that poor storage of dangerous material is a widely spread dangerous practice; industrial sites also represent a potential risk for the health and life of the population. Radioactive waste, along with the growing industry of sealed radioactive sources in medical, industrial and research fields, poses a serious problem for authorities due to the lack of an adequate national store for disused radioactive sources. Assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is ongoing and a national store for radioactive sources at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) is being established. Proper storage of imported dangerous material, its disposal and detection of illicit entry of CBRN materials is also a key priority and law enforcement agencies and Customs officials play a key role in ensuring border and supply chain security. Adapting cargo information systems is essential to strengthening monitoring and risk-based controls of international supply chains to ensure that CBRN material are not illicitly entering; additional measures to strengthen dual-use trade controls are also required. The national CBRN team has also prioritized potential actions to enhance CBRN capabilities and particularly the need to reinforce the operational capacity of the first responders in the field, specifically the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Internal Security Forces (ISF) the Civil Defense (CD) and the Beirut Firefighters. UNIFIL, international donors (EUMS and USA) and national counterparts have commended the EU for the vision in starting a much-needed strategic assistance in drafting an Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).

The modernization of the port infrastructure must be accompanied with critical improvement in its governance structures and management for economic recovery. Adequate control of people entering at the port and cargo control are lacking alongside with fully established governance structures, if Lebanon wishes to guarantee the proper management, security, and safety of the site. Staff operating at the Port must be aware of the peculiarities of the working environment and its inherent risks and be prepared to intervene in case of accident also in view of securing sensitive data to allow operational continuity. Such expertise might also apply to offshore oil and gas exploration sites, which are an important source of revenues, but also represent a risk for the safety and security of workers and proxy population. The Navy received consistent support from the UNIFIL MTF and EUMS (particularly France, Italy, and Germany), but other agencies (GS, ISF and Port Authority) with a key role in ensuring the rule of law at sea, on the coasts and at the seaports are lagging. This situation creates a gap in the security system, which can be easily exploited for criminal activities at sea, on the coast and within the seaports premises.

This project aims at contributing to mitigate the impacts of the current crisis; supporting a people centered recovery and improving human rights, while strengthening relevant systems and reinforcing the role and oversight of civil society in line with the priorities outlined in the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) for Lebanon.

This action has as overall objective (Impact) to contribute to a secure and safe environment in Lebanon through accountable institutions. As such, the main objective of this action is to improve the governance of the Port of Beirut, with focus on improving the CBRN risk governance and security and risk governance structure and institutional and operational capacities.  By doing so, it is envisaged that the project would also strengthen institutional systems to manage multi-dimensional risks and shocks at national and sub-national levels.

In particular, the interventions will contribute to achieve the following outcomes:

1.Reinforcing governance and effectiveness in the management of port and maritime affairs, in line with the rule of law and international conventions.

2.Strengthening effectiveness in Disaster Management.

Through the provision of expertise, supply of equipment and infrastructural support the action will assist Lebanon in promoting better governance of national administration and guarantee efficient operational capacity of military and civilian actors in charge of safety and security. The project will build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to operate in a transparent, accountable, and coordinated manner to prevent, respond to and investigate security threats by enforcing the rule of law according to international standards. Efficient control and improved risk analysis and sharing of information at national and international level will facilitate the control and safety of critical economic infrastructure and support the legal cross border trade thus contributing to improved economy and long-term development.

In view of the above, and according to the EU COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 14.12.2021 on the financing of the individual measure “EU response to the multiple crisis and support to a people-centered recovery in Lebanon” in favor of Lebanon for 2021, the UNDP is seeking the technical support of a senior expert to assess the existing risk management plans at the Port and to review the institutional and operational capacities and identify needs that would allow multiple-agency coordination, and development of recommendations to strengthen coordination to develop and implement a comprehensive risk management plan.

2. Objectives of the assignment / Scope of services

To implement high quality portal and user-friendly e-services on eDopomoga portal with positive user feedback and good successful use statistics it is necessary to analyse data on system use, propose ways to improve the portal, monitor portal update work and propose changes based on collected data. To implement these tasks UNDP DIA Support Project is looking for consultant for a 6-month assignment.

The main objective of the assignment is analysing relevant data and developing strategy and propositions for eDopomoga portal improvement.

3. Measurable outputs of the work assignment/deliverables 

Hence, it is expected that the National consultant for eDopomoga project implementation will deliver the following services (non-exhaustive list): 

* The consultant should provide his/her proposal regarding the quantity of working days needed for each deliverable, based on the tentative deadlines indicated above, and indicate in the financial proposal amount distribution by deliverable section. 

4. Management arrangements  

The National consultant for eDopomoga project implementation will be primarily responsible for achieving the objectives of the assignment. He/ She will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with the assignment.  

5. Monitoring requirements / Terms of payment  

The National consultant for eDopomoga project implementation will work under the overall supervision of the DIA Project Manager and will work closely with DIA Support Senior IT Specialist. 

All deliverables shall be approved by UNDP in written form through e-mail after consultations with the MSP. No documents should be published or distributed to third parties without the approval of MDT/MSP and/or UNDP. 

All documents should be submitted to the UNDP in electronic form (*.docx, *.xlsx, *.pptx, and *.pdf or other formats accepted by UNDP). The language of the materials and reports is Ukrainian. The analytical paper should be submitted to UNDP for comments and approval.

2. Objectives of the assignment / Scope of services

To improve work and organize further development of the MSP UISSS system it is necessary to analyse data on system use, propose ways to improve the system, monitor the system update work and propose changes based on collected data. To implement these tasks UNDP DIA Support Project is looking for consultant for a 6-month assignment.

UNDP is looking for a qualified professional to provide consultation support for implementation of the MSP UISSS projects through the analysing UISSS system work data and developing strategy and propositions for the system improvement.

3. Measurable outputs of the work assignment/deliverables 

Hence, it is expected that the National consultant for UISSS project implementation will deliver the following services: 

* The consultant should provide his/her proposal regarding the quantity of working days needed for each deliverable, based on the tentative deadlines indicated above, and indicate in the financial proposal amount distribution by deliverable section. 

4. Management arrangements  

The National consultant for UISSS project implementation will be responsible for achieving the objectives of the assignment. He/ She will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with the assignment.  

5. Monitoring requirements / Terms of payment  

The National consultant for UISSS project implementation will work under the overall supervision of the DIA Project Manager and will work closely with DIA Support Senior IT Specialist. 

All deliverables shall be approved by UNDP in written form through e-mail after consultations with the MSP. No documents should be published or distributed to third parties without the approval of MDT/MSP and/or UNDP. 

All documents should be submitted to the UNDP in electronic form (*.docx, *.xlsx, *.pptx, and *.pdf or other formats accepted by UNDP). The language of the materials and reports is Ukrainian. The analytical paper should be submitted to UNDP for comments and approval.

2. Objectives of the assignment / Scope of services

To implement high quality portal and user-friendly social services with positive user feedback and good successful use statistics it is necessary to support implementation business analysis tasks on data exchange of Ministry of social policy of Ukraine systems. To implement these tasks UNDP DIA Support Project is looking for consultant for a 6-month assignment.

The main objective of the assignment is business analysis of social services data exchange.

3. Measurable outputs of the work assignment/deliverables 

Hence, it is expected that the National consultant to provide business analysis for social services data exchange will deliver the following services (non-exhaustive list): 

* The consultant should provide his/her proposal regarding the quantity of working days needed for each deliverable, based on the tentative deadlines indicated above, and indicate in the financial proposal amount distribution by deliverable section. 

4. Management arrangements  

The National consultant to provide business analysis for social services data exchange will be primarily responsible for achieving the objectives of the assignment. He/ She will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with the assignment.  

5. Monitoring requirements / Terms of payment  

The National consultant to provide business analysis for social services data exchange will work under the overall supervision of the DIA Project Manager and will work closely with DIA Support Senior IT Specialist and the MSP. 

All deliverables shall be approved by UNDP in written form through e-mail after consultations with the MSP. No documents should be published or distributed to third parties without the approval of MDT/MSP and/or UNDP. 

All documents should be submitted to the UNDP in electronic form (*.docx, *.xlsx, *.pptx, and *.pdf or other formats accepted by UNDP). The language of the materials and reports is Ukrainian. The analytical paper should be submitted to UNDP for comments and approval.

2. Objectives of the assignment / Scope of services

To implement high quality portal and user-friendly e-services on eDopomoga portal with positive user feedback and good successful use statistics it is necessary to support implementation of software development tasks for the portal. To implement these tasks UNDP DIA Support Project is looking for consultant for a 6-month assignment.

The main objective of the assignment is support of software development of eDopomoga portal.

3. Measurable outputs of the work assignment/deliverables 

Hence, it is expected that the National consultant to provide software development services for social e-services projects will deliver the following services (non-exhaustive list): 

* The consultant should provide his/her proposal regarding the quantity of working days needed for each deliverable, based on the tentative deadlines indicated above, and indicate in the financial proposal amount distribution by deliverable section. 

4. Management arrangements  

The National consultant to provide software development services for social e-services projects will be primarily responsible for achieving the objectives of the assignment. He/ She will be responsible for all personal administrative expenses associated with the assignment.  

5. Monitoring requirements / Terms of payment  

The National consultant to provide software development services for social e-services projects will work under the overall supervision of the DIA Project Manager and will work closely with DIA Support Senior IT Specialist and the MSP. 

All deliverables shall be approved by UNDP in written form through e-mail after consultations with the MSP. No documents should be published or distributed to third parties without the approval of MDT/MSP and/or UNDP. 

All documents should be submitted to the UNDP in electronic form (*.docx, *.xlsx, *.pptx, and *.pdf or other formats accepted by UNDP). The language of the materials and reports is Ukrainian. The analytical paper should be submitted to UNDP for comments and approval.

The 4 August 2020 explosions dramatically showed the close interlink between security and development. The event was a tragic result of years of malpractices and corruption that have nourished a negligent attitude in properly addressing evident safety and security problems, including the risks posed by the trade of dual use goods in a port built in the proximity of a densely populated area. The sense of impunity also made the port and the sea a privileged spot for illegal trafficking and smuggling activities. The magnitude of the event exposed the vulnerability of the national system as well to prevent hazard, manage crisis and conduct complex investigation to identify timely the culprits and make them accountable before the justice.

Survey activities ongoing at the port and as well around the city of Beirut indicates presence of asbestos and revealed that poor storage of dangerous material is a widely spread dangerous practice; industrial sites also represent a potential risk for the health and life of the population. Radioactive waste, along with the growing industry of sealed radioactive sources in medical, industrial and research fields, poses a serious problem for authorities due to the lack of an adequate national store for disused radioactive sources. Assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is ongoing and a national store for radioactive sources at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) is being established. Proper storage of imported dangerous material, its disposal and detection of illicit entry of CBRN materials is also a key priority and law enforcement agencies and Customs officials play a key role in ensuring border and supply chain security. Adapting cargo information systems is essential to strengthening monitoring and risk-based controls of international supply chains to ensure that CBRN material are not illicitly entering; additional measures to strengthen dual-use trade controls are also required. The national CBRN team has also prioritized potential actions to enhance CBRN capabilities and particularly the need to reinforce the operational capacity of the first responders in the field, specifically the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Internal Security Forces (ISF) the Civil Defense (CD) and the Beirut Firefighters. UNIFIL, international donors (EUMS and USA) and national counterparts have commended the EU for the vision in starting a much-needed strategic assistance in drafting an Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).

The modernization of the port infrastructure must be accompanied with critical improvement in its governance structures and management for economic recovery. Adequate control of people entering at the port and cargo control are lacking alongside with fully established governance structures, if Lebanon wishes to guarantee the proper management, security, and safety of the site. Staff operating at the Port must be aware of the peculiarities of the working environment and its inherent risks and be prepared to intervene in case of accident also in view of securing sensitive data to allow operational continuity. Such expertise might also apply to offshore oil and gas exploration sites, which are an important source of revenues, but also represent a risk for the safety and security of workers and proxy population. The Navy received consistent support from the UNIFIL MTF and EUMS (particularly France, Italy, and Germany), but other agencies (GS, ISF and Port Authority) with a key role in ensuring the rule of law at sea, on the coasts and at the seaports are lagging behind. This situation creates a gap in the security system, which can be easily exploited for criminal activities at sea, on the coast and within the seaports premises.

This project aims at contributing to mitigate the impacts of the current crisis; supporting a people centered recovery and improving human rights, while strengthening relevant systems and reinforcing the role and oversight of civil society in line with the priorities outlined in the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) for Lebanon.

This action has as overall objective (Impact) to contribute to a secure and safe environment in Lebanon through accountable institutions. As such, the main objective of this action is to improve the governance of the Port of Beirut, with focus on improving the CBRN risk governance and security and risk governance structure and institutional and operational capacities.  By doing so, it is envisaged that the project would also strengthen institutional systems to manage multi-dimensional risks and shocks at national and sub-national levels.

In particular, the interventions will contribute to achieve the following outcomes:

1.Reinforcing governance and effectiveness in the management of port and maritime affairs, in line with the rule of law and international conventions.

2.Strengthening effectiveness in Disaster Management.

Through the provision of expertise, supply of equipment and infrastructural support the action will assist Lebanon in promoting better governance of national administration and guarantee efficient operational capacity of military and civilian actors in charge of safety and security. The project will build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to operate in a transparent, accountable, and coordinated manner to prevent, respond to and investigate security threats by enforcing the rule of law according to international standards. Efficient control and improved risk analysis and sharing of information at national and international level will facilitate the control and safety of critical economic infrastructure and support the legal cross border trade thus contributing to improved economy and long-term development.

In view of the above, and according to the EU COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 14.12.2021 on the financing of the individual measure “EU response to the multiple crisis and support to a people-centered recovery in Lebanon” in favor of Lebanon for 2021, the UNDP is seeking the technical support of a senior expert to review the existing Port Security assessment and ensure that as a minimum the assessment includes: 1) Threat and security assessment matrix (TRAM); 2) scenarios of potential targets; 3) Vulnerabilities; 4) Action priority to improve Port security measures; and 5) mechanisms for updating the Port security assessment. And to review the institutional and operational capacities and identify operational, technical, and physical needs that would allow the concerned agencies to carry out the required port security measures.

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the "Apply now" button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. Please ensure that CV or P11 and the Cover letter are combined in one file.

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Project Description: 

The UNDP Blue Resilience project is a global governance project, funded by the Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative that offers capacity and technical support to national partners, within regional contexts, to strengthen cooperative institutional responses to criminality of the fisheries sector. It focuses primarily on support on progress in SDG 16 towards realization of SDG 14, harnessing digital solutions thereto.

The project supports operationalization of the International Ministerial Declaration against Transnational Organized Crime in the Global Fishing Industry, which expanded from 9 initial supporting nations in 2018 to 51.

The Blue Justice Community (BJ Community) is a secure digital platform that facilitates communication and cooperation between invited developing country government representatives (‘users’) by providing key services: knowledge, connection and support.

The BJ Community is owned by the Norwegian government (Norwegian Coastal Administration: Barents Watch) and is utilized for capacity and technical support to national partners under the BJI. The BJ Community is administered by UNDP Blue Resilience and, as such, UNDP actively encourages new users, facilitates the ability of users to access and effectively utilize the BJ Community’s services, including the technical support to use the vessel tracking service, and uploads curated relevant knowledge to the BJ Community (including e-learning) material towards strengthening inter-agency user cooperation within and between countries.

Institutional Arrangement: 

The incumbent of this post will report directly to the Blue Resilience project manager, NRO.

The 4 August 2020 explosions dramatically showed the close interlink between security and development. The event was a tragic result of years of malpractices and corruption that have nourished a negligent attitude in properly addressing evident safety and security problems, including the risks posed by the trade of dual use goods in a port built in the proximity of a densely populated area. The sense of impunity also made the port and the sea a privileged spot for illegal trafficking and smuggling activities. The magnitude of the event exposed the vulnerability of the national system as well to prevent hazard, manage crisis and conduct complex investigation to identify timely the culprits and make them accountable before the justice.

Survey activities ongoing at the port and as well around the city of Beirut indicates presence of asbestos and revealed that poor storage of dangerous material is a widely spread dangerous practice; industrial sites also represent a potential risk for the health and life of the population. Radioactive waste, along with the growing industry of sealed radioactive sources in medical, industrial and research fields, poses a serious problem for authorities due to the lack of an adequate national store for disused radioactive sources. Assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is ongoing and a national store for radioactive sources at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC) is being established. Proper storage of imported dangerous material, its disposal and detection of illicit entry of CBRN materials is also a key priority and law enforcement agencies and Customs officials play a key role in ensuring border and supply chain security. Adapting cargo information systems is essential to strengthening monitoring and risk-based controls of international supply chains to ensure that CBRN material are not illicitly entering; additional measures to strengthen dual-use trade controls are also required. The national CBRN team has also prioritized potential actions to enhance CBRN capabilities and particularly the need to reinforce the operational capacity of the first responders in the field, specifically the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Internal Security Forces (ISF) the Civil Defense (CD) and the Beirut Firefighters. UNIFIL, international donors (EUMS and USA) and national counterparts have commended the EU for the vision in starting a much-needed strategic assistance in drafting an Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).

The modernization of the port infrastructure must be accompanied with critical improvement in its governance structures and management for economic recovery. Adequate control of people entering at the port and cargo control are lacking alongside with fully established governance structures, if Lebanon wishes to guarantee the proper management, security, and safety of the site. Staff operating at the Port must be aware of the peculiarities of the working environment and its inherent risks and be prepared to intervene in case of accident also in view of securing sensitive data to allow operational continuity. Such expertise might also apply to offshore oil and gas exploration sites, which are an important source of revenues, but also represent a risk for the safety and security of workers and proxy population. The Navy received consistent support from the UNIFIL MTF and EUMS (particularly France, Italy, and Germany), but other agencies (GS, ISF and Port Authority) with a key role in ensuring the rule of law at sea, on the coasts and at the seaports are lagging behind. This situation creates a gap in the security system, which can be easily exploited for criminal activities at sea, on the coast and within the seaports premises.

This project aims at contributing to mitigate the impacts of the current crisis; supporting a people centered recovery and improving human rights, while strengthening relevant systems and reinforcing the role and oversight of civil society in line with the priorities outlined in the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) for Lebanon.

This action has as overall objective (Impact) to contribute to a secure and safe environment in Lebanon through accountable institutions. As such, the main objective of this action is to improve the governance of the Port of Beirut, with focus on improving the CBRN risk governance and security and risk governance structure and institutional and operational capacities.  By doing so, it is envisaged that the project would also strengthen institutional systems to manage multi-dimensional risks and shocks at national and sub-national levels.

In particular, the interventions will contribute to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Reinforcing governance and effectiveness in the management of port and maritime affairs, in line with the rule of law and international conventions.
2. Strengthening effectiveness in Disaster Management.

Through the provision of expertise, supply of equipment and infrastructural support the action will assist Lebanon in promoting better governance of national administration and guarantee efficient operational capacity of military and civilian actors in charge of safety and security. The project will build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to operate in a transparent, accountable, and coordinated manner to prevent, respond to and investigate security threats by enforcing the rule of law according to international standards. Efficient control and improved risk analysis and sharing of information at national and international level will facilitate the control and safety of critical economic infrastructure and support the legal cross border trade thus contributing to improved economy and long-term development.

In view of the above, and according to the EU COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 14.12.2021 on the financing of the individual measure “EU response to the multiple crisis and support to a people-centered recovery in Lebanon” in favor of Lebanon for 2021, the UNDP is seeking the technical support of a senior legal expert to review the review existing laws, legislations, regulations, conventions related to the Port and mandates of all relevant stakeholders regarding the control on the trade of dangerous goods and counter illegal activities, and to identify gaps and delineation of mandates and recommend adjustments.