Background

Those who previously applied need not apply again.

The Philippines is home to more than 20,000 endemic species of plants and animals, including 576+ bird species (34 % endemic), 258+ reptile species (66 % endemic), 204+ mammal species (54 % endemic) and 101+ amphibian species (78 % endemic). There are five major and at least five minor centers of endemism, ranging in size from Luzon, the largest island (103,000 km²), which, for example, has at least 31 endemic species of mammals, to tiny Camiguin Island (265 km²) which has at least two species of endemic mammals. The Philippines has among the highest rates of species discovery in the world (sixteen new species of mammals have been discovered in the last ten years alone). 

The national PA network managed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) provides protection for a portion of the country’s biodiversity resources. The existing network consists of 107 proclaimed Protected Areas covering a total of 1.85 M hectares of terrestrial area and 1.49 M hectares of marine area, however this is only 6 percent of the total land area of the Philippines (approximately 298,000 km²).

The objective therefore of the Project is to show that Local Government Units, through an integrated approach that would enhance their technical capacity; and supported by enabling national policies, can plan and manage economic activities and growth in ways that meet landscape-level biodiversity conservation and sustainable use objectives in the country’s 5 critical biogeographic regions. A key strategy would be the establishment of partnerships with key government agencies, conservation non-government organizations and the LGUs to marshal their resources and expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will focus in reviewing and assessing progress of the project in so far as its BD-mainstreaming work in the local land use and development plans of local government units and in the production landscapes (eg. agriculture, enterprises, tourism and investments) is concerned. He/she will also lead the Evaluation process and will work in tandem with the Policy and Institutional Evaluator. The Implementing Partner shall provide in advance copies of the necessary documents needed by the consultants during the evaluation period. Likewise, the DENR-BMB shall provide the list of contact persons representing the various stakeholders of the project, which will be the basis for the tentative itinerary/schedule of activities, which the expert will prepare. The DENR-FASPO will finalize the schedule of activities in consultation with the expert and UNDP CO staff. The DENR-FASPO and UNDP-Country Office, Manila will coordinate the logistical arrangements for the evaluation.

Competencies

Corporate 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 and technical competencies
  • Strong knowledge of the latest theories and concepts in urban development and sustainable cities in the Philippines and broader region;
  • Strong analytical and research skills;
  • Familiarity with current actors working on urban development challenges in the Philippines;
  • Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with different stakeholders;
  • Excellent in oral and written communication; have skills to write independent reports, documents, maintain systems and procedures in administering programs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Environment and Natural Resource Planning and Management; Environmental Economy; Environmental Science, Agrobiodiversity or related fields;

Experience

He/She must have extensive knowledge in mainstreaming environmental concerns in development and sectoral planning. He/she must have experience in developing performance indicators, project appraisal and evaluation of development projects. They would assess the project’s results, sustainability of project outcomes, project’s M&E system, processes in achieving project’s results, and identify lessons learned and recommendations. Specifically, he/she will provide analysis of the project’s overall performance vis-à-vis its replicability and sustainability in the Philippine context.

  • Demonstrated experience in conducting project evaluations; prior experience in GEF Project evaluations would be an advantage;
  • At least 5 years of proven experience in development planning with strong elements of biodiversity conservation and environmental management;
  • Demonstrated strong knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation methods for development projects; knowledge of UNDP’s results-based management orientation and practices;
  • Familiarity with biodiversity conservation issues in the Philippines;
  • A solid understanding of environmental management , with a focus on participatory processes, joint management, and gender issues.
Language:
  • Fluency in the English language and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Other:
  • Willingness to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders, especially primary stakeholders.