UNDP Jobs - 28479- International consultant for preparation of projec

International consultant for preparation of project fiche for Environment approximation and NATURA 2000

Location :

Podgorica, Montenegro, MONTENEGRO

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

13-Mar-2012

Application Deadline :

04-Mar-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

2 weeks

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

5 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Montenegro has successfully achieved very demanding tasks related to European Integration. Montenegro submitted its application for EU membership in December 2009 and received the candidate status for EU membership in December 2010. In October 2011 the European Commission proposed to open the negotiation process with Montenegro, which the Council of the EU confirmed in December 2011. It is envisaged that the negotiation of Montenegro and its Accession Treaty with EU will start in the course of 2012.

Regarding the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Montenegro still has access to two components: IPA-I (Transition Assistance and Institution Building component) and IPA-II (Cross-Border Cooperation component). Access to funds of IPA Components III, IV and V will be operational only with accreditation of Decentralized Implementation System.

The Montenegrin authorities in cooperation with the European Commission need to prepare IPA National Programmes 2012 and 2013 for component I of IPA. These two annual IPA National Programmes are the last in the current EU Financial Prospective and further EU pre-accession assistance will be prepared under the umbrella of a new Financial Framework 2014-2020.
IPA National Programmes 2012 and 2013 are based on a strategic national approach in regard to priorities and obligations set towards the European Integration (EI) process. New characteristics of the programming process contain stronger focus on sectoral approach and stronger commitment on the identification phase. Following that, national authorities drafted three sectoral identification fiches (SIF) and four project identification fiches (PIF) which serve as a foundation for the preparation of concrete project fiches. Once all the IPA 2012 and IPA 2013 project fiches within the National Programmes are completed they will be submitted for approval to the IPA Committee.

The Montenegrin authorities have participated in the preparation of the Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2011 - 2013, which serves as the basis for the programming of the National IPA Programmes 2012 and 2013. The Ministries and other relevant institutions have actively participated in programming processes and development of sector identification and project identification fiches. But they have no sufficient experiences and knowledge for the development of project fiches and they need additional support in preparation of the concrete project fiches for the IPA 2012 and 2013 National Programme. All IPA 2012/2013 projects fiches shall be prepared by the end of March 2012 for submission to the IPA Committee in European Commission.

One of these sector identification fiches is committed to Environment and Climate Change and from this SIF national structures should develop a specific project fiche devoted to the Development of a National Environmental Approximation Strategy (NEAS) for the approximation of the EU acquis and design and establishing NATURA 2000 network in line with EU requirements and system for management of protected areas network.

The Government is aware of the need to enhance capacities for development of this concrete project fiche and therefore requested specific support from the Delegation of the European Union and Capacity Development Programme (CDP) . The Delegation of European Union to Montenegro provided a grant to the CDP to implement the project "Strengthening Capacities for IPA Programming and Implementation in Montenegro". CDP is assisting the Government of Montenegro in the on-going process of preparation for accession to membership to the EU and thus address some of the most pressing challenges regarding the capacities for adequate and timely preparations of Annual National IPA Programmes 2012 and 2013 for Component I.

The Capacity Development Programme in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration will engage four short-term international consultants to provide additional support to the Ministry of Tourism and Sustainable Development in preparation of a concrete Project Fiche for Environment Approximation and NATURA 2000. His/her task will be to provide support in transformation and improvement of the segments of already prepared Sector identification fiche Environment and Climate Change in comprehensive project fiche.

The short term expert should have experience with the EU project management cycle with specific sectoral/thematic skills and specialization in area of environmental approximation and NATURA 2000 establishing.

The international consultant will be requested to spend at least 5 days in Montenegro during the period from March 5th to March 30th 2012. During his/her stay in Montenegro, the expert should provide “on the job” trainings and coaching for staff in beneficiary institutions. In addition to that he/she will have a number of meetings with representatives of the Ministry for Tourism and Sustainable Development, in order to provide advice to staff responsible for project fiche development. He/she will also participate in meetings with other donors active in field of Environment.

In order to be better prepared for work in Montenegro, the international expert willreceive all documents relevant to their engagement and tasks in advance, such are: Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document 2011-2013 (MIPD), National Programme for Integration (NPI), previous National Annual IPA Programmes, relevant sectoral strategic documents and already prepared Sector identification fiche for Environment and Climate Change.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the Assignment:

The objective of the assignment is to assist the Ministry of Tourism and Sustainable Development in preparation of concrete project fiche for Environment Approximation and NATURA 2000 establishment, with all the annexes.

Job Content:

During this assignment engaged experts will be obligated to:

Lead the meetings with the representatives of the Ministry and other beneficiary institutions to ensure their awareness of the content of projects and to support their participation in the project fiches preparation;
Organize coaching and ‘on job training’ on specific knowledge and requirements necessary for preparation of the concrete projects for staff in the Ministry which participate in programming process for IPA funding;
Support the Ministry and relevant institutions in the drafting and preparation of project fiche (including annexes), ensuring compliance with MIPD strategic objectives and IPA requirements;
Prepare the report on completed tasks at the end of the engagement with specific focus on capacity gaps in terms of project fiche preparation skills of the relevant institutions.

The expected results:

Developed Project Fiche for Environmental Approximation and NATURA 2000 with all the annexes;
Provided on job training for beneficiaries.

Timing and reporting:

The assignment will include one visit to Podgorica, Montenegro, for a duration of 5 working days in the period from March 13 – 30, 2012.
The international consultant will be obligated to prepare a report on completed tasks at the end of his/her engagement.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates ability of analytical work and excellent report writing;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

All International short term consultants should have following qualifications and expertise:

Education:

University degree in Environmental related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required, longer professional experience is advantage;
Proven experience and expertise in field of Environment approximation and NATURA 2000 network establishment;
Expertise in EU pre-accession financial instruments with proven practical experience in developing project fiches for IPA funded projects;
Experience in linking national and EU co-funding to meet strategic development objectives;
Expertise on public procurement and practical working experience with the PRAG procurement and grant award procedures;
Good understanding of the challenges faced by transition countries in identifying and preparing quality programmes/projects for EU financing;
Excellent communication skills, facility in working with teams;
Modern approach to delivery of policy advice and coaching of civil servants, and governmental officials.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English language, both written and spoken;
Basic knowledge of the local language would be distinctive advantage.