UNDP Jobs - 39100- International Consultant on National Biodiversity

International Consultant on National Biodiversity Strategy and Actions Plan (NBSAP)

Location :

Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

29-Jul-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Part-time Assignment, 70 working days over 2.5 years

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Project Title/Department: UNDP/GEF Project: National Biodiversity Planning to Support the implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 2011-2020 Strategic Plan in Uzbekistan.

Duty station: Home-based with 3 visits (maximum 20 working days) to Uzbekistan during assignment period.

Reports to: Task Manager and Head of Environment and Energy Unit, UNDP Uzbekistan.

Since July 7th 1995, Uzbekistan is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Present project addresses the country’s need to continue to fulfil its obligations under the CBD, with particular focus on the Convention’s Article 6 and the CBD COP Decision X/2 and will contribute to the country's efforts in implementing the CBD Strategic Plan during 2011-2020 at the national level. Project was developed based on current conditions and achievements of Uzbekistan in the preparation of plans and accountability on biodiversity. This process is aimed at developing measurable goals in biodiversity conservation and it’s sustainable use, and equally it will ensure the conservation of value of products and services provided by ecosystems, and address the challenges and opportunities for adaptation and strengthening of resilience of ecosystems to climate change.

Under the direct guidance of the National Technical Specialist and overall supervision of the Task Manager, the International NBSAP Consultant will be responsible for conducting thematic studies at ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of the work. The International NBSAP Consultant will work in close collaboration with the government counterparts and project staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery and satisfactory achievement of the project outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities

In order to ensure that the new National Biodiversity Strategy and Actions Plan and National biodiversity targets are developed in accordance with CBD rules, the International Consultant with assistance of the national counterpart will be responsible for:

Taking stock of existing plans, policies and practices in Uzbekistan that result in biodiversity conservation or loss including:
Identification of the root causes of biodiversity loss in Uzbekistan by first identifying the threat and then the drivers behind the threats;
Identification of the key barriers and challenges in the policy environment to effective biodiversity conservation/sustainable use;
Identification of key gaps in the existing NBSAP and its implementation based on existing studies and analyses.
Identification of the means to overcome existing barriers and challenges;
Progress a stakeholder consultation and participation plan that will ensure that the NBSAP development process is participatory, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation of the NBSAP;
Preparation of the new version of NBSAP responding to CBD COP Decision X/2 and Aichi targets;
Participate in formulation of the National biodiversity targets;
Participate in preparation of the Local Development Plan for selected pilot area;
Provide the necessary input to reports and presentations of Task Manager and National Technical Specialist.

Contribution to the following deliverables:

Review of the Biodiversity Planning Process in Uzbekistan;
New version National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Uzbekistan;
National Biodiversity Targets;
Study on Advances in Sectoral Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in Uzbekistan;
Study on the Incorporation of Challenges and Opportunities linked to Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Resilience in Uzbekistan;
Education materials on Aichi targets, Challenges and Opportunities linked to Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Resilience;
5^th National Report to the CBD;
Renovation of the National Clearing-House Mechanism.

Undertake any other relevant tasks as requested by the Task Manager.

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultant. Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each phase can be corrected by the Task Manager based on reasonable justification by consultant. The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of reference of a consultant on a written agreement. The final schedule will be agreed upon in the beginning of consultancy assignment. All deliverables should be submitted to UNDP by the Consultant in English or Russian.

During the working period will be required to conduct 3 field missions to Uzbekistan:

In 2013 – in the third quarter Mission 1;
In 2014 – in the first quarter Mission 2, and in the fourth quarter Mission 3.

Deliverables:

Report “Review of the Past Biodiversity Planning Process in Uzbekistan” prepared and approved by supervisor. Deadline: November 20, 2013.

Revision of the 5^th National Report for compliance to the CBD requirements and national biodiversity Targets for Uzbekistan for compliance to the global Aichi targets completed. Deadline: February 15, 2014;
New version of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Uzbekistan prepared and approved by National Implementing Agency (State Committee for Nature Protection). Deadline: February 15, 2 June 25, 2014;
Report “Study on Advances in Sectoral Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in Uzbekistan” prepared and approved by supervisor. Deadline: July 15, 2014;
Guidance for the Local Development Plan prepared and approved. Recommendations on renovation of the National Clearing-House Mechanism prepared and approved by supervisor. Deadline: September 15, 2014;
Final report upon completion of the assignment submitted and approved by supervisor. Deadline: April 25, 2015.

Payment conditions:

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy, international travel costs, accommodation and meal (DSA or per diems), visa costs, and other costs required to produce the above deliverables.

Payments will be released in 3 (three) installments upon timely submissions of the deliverables and their acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP CO. Installments 1 and 2 are of equal amount 30% upon submission of respective deliverables 1, 2 &3. The 3^rd installment (40%) will be done after completion of the deliverables 4, 5 and 6 upon the acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP CO.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional competencies:

Knowledge of UN strategic directions and priorities in nature protection/biodiversity area;
Familiarity with and understanding of the relevant UN Conventions. Knowledge of the existing NBSAP and environmental issues in Uzbekistan are essential;
Excellent communications, analytical, and writing skills;
Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Familiarity with national responses to the global obligations in relation to the biodiversity conservation from the Region/globally would be an advantage;
Proficiency in MS Office.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Postgraduate or other advanced university degree in Biodiversity conservation, Natural Resources Management, Environmental management or related fields, advanced degree would be an advantage.

Work experience:

Minimum 5 years of demonstrated working experience in areas relevant to strategizing the biodiversity conservation issues, preferably at the senior level.

Knowledge of languages:

Proficiency in English and/or Russian;
Knowledge of Uzbek is an advantage.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Updated P-11 form /CV;
Shortlisted candidates only will be requested to provide financial offer.

Evaluation:

Individual consultant will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight; [70%].

Financial Criteria weight; [30%].

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.