Background

In Kosovo, the responsible authority for environment and climate policy is the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP), while the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency (KEPA) monitors the state of the environment.

MESP has initiated consultations with the secretariats of multiple Conventions and has started to prepare documentation for the ratification of the Conventions. Moreover, Kosovo is in the process of aligning its policy framework with that of the EU and has already adopted a number of framework laws to implement the EU climate acquis, such as in the area of energy efficiency and wider utilization of renewable energy.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the greatest environmental challenges faced today. The reality of climate change and the need to take action has permeated the European political agendas in recent years, resulting in important legislative actions (for example the EU climate-energy legislation of 2009) and policy commitments. In response to this, it is recommended that the EIA/SEA assessments effectively consider climate change and biodiversity.

The institutions needed to implement EU standards are in place but their capacity to implement and enforce legislation at central and local levels must be strengthened. The budget devoted to the sector is insufficient, while at the same time environmental and climate change mitigation and adaptation concerns are not mainstreamed into other policies. The lack of human, administrative, and financial capacities to implement EU environmental and climate standards has been also reiterated in the European Commission’s Staff Working Document “Commission Communication on a Feasibility Study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo”, Brussels, 23 October, 2012.

Kosovo is strongly committed to strengthening its co-operation with the EU, combating the deterioration of the environment and effectively considering climate change and biodiversity issues. Since 2011, there has been remarkable progress made in reaching EU environmental standards, with important advances in legislation concerning Environmental Protection as a whole including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), IPPC, Waste, Water and the Nature Protection. The process of the harmonization of national laws in the area of the Environment with the relevant EU Directives has been intensified and the approval of new Laws on Waste, Water, Protection against Natural and other Disasters and on Construction as well as the further recruitment of staff at both central and local level, are seen as positive steps forward. Further harmonization in these areas can be realized by adopting secondary regulations, with particular attention being dedicated to areas where the degree of harmonization is still at a low level (e.g.: climate changes, mining wastes, air quality, water management, etc.)

The Law on “Environmental Impact Assessment” regulates the procedures for the identification, assessment and reporting of the environmental impacts of certain proposed projects, as well as the accompanying administrative procedures, during the decision-making process by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning for issuing the Environmental Consent. It ensures that all the relevant environmental information is provided and taken into account.
 
EIA shall identify, describe and assess in an appropriate manner, in the light of each individual case, the direct and indirect effects of a project on:
  • Human beings, flora and fauna;
  • Soil, water, air, climate and the landscape;
  • Material assets and cultural heritage;
  • The interaction between the above mentioned points 1, 2 and 3.
The competent authority for implementing the EIA procedures is the MESP. Therefore, enterprises or public authorities who plan to construct an industrial object for processing any major work or project which has potential to cause environmental damage must conduct and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing construction. The request for EIA approval must then be submitted to the same ministry.
 
The government of Kosovo has issued the Administrative Instructions No.09/2004 “on Evaluation of Environmental Impact No.03/2004 on licensing of persons and enterprises for drafting of report for EIA”. The Administrative Instruction determines the procedures for the identification, evaluation, reporting and management of environmental impacts of a proposed project such as the production and processing of metals; industry of minerals; extracting industry, energy production, chemical industry; infrastructure of transport, transmission lines, etc.

With the Administrative Instructions: No.07/11 on licensing compilers of Environmental Impact Assessment, No.09/11 on information, public participation and interested parties in the environmental impact assessment procedures and No.11/11 on the determination of the amount of the fee for services relating to the environmental impact assessment, the transposition of the EIA directive has been substantially completed.

In accordance with these new primary and secondary legislation, MESP should evaluate the potential impacts of new important infrastructures, plants and projects that are planned to be implemented during the 2014-2016 period. Amongst others, the EIA of project for de-commissioning of the Thermo Power Plant of Kosova A as well as some other important transport infrastructures should be analysed.
 
In 2013, UNDP Kosovo started the implementation of the three year project “Support for Low Emission Development“ (SLED), funded by Austrian Development Agency. During its first year of implementation, the project supported MESP in the development of the Climate Change Framework Strategy (CCFS) consisting of two components: Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) & National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) presented in the strategy simultaneously in two sections. The overall objective of the project is to achieve long-term, measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time ensuring sustainable development in gender-sensitive manner, in Kosovo.
 
Objectives of Assignment
 
This assignment will contribute mainly to project result: Development of the capacities to integrate climate risks and opportunities in the development policies, strategies and plans.

International consultant for EIA/ SEA will be hired to support the MESP in the establishment of an efficient structure aiming to analyse the EIA that integrates climate change and biodiversity presented by applicants in accordance with the newly adopted primary and secondary legislation and to issue the corresponding permits.

Duties and Responsibilities

The international consultant follows guidance and reports directly to the Project Manager and Portfolio Manager for Environment and Energy in UNDP Kosovo and works in coordination with MESP (Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning).
 
The international consultant will contribute to following interventions:
  • Develop institutional framework capable of applying the EIA and SEA procedures flexibly and in a result-oriented manner with related procedures and administrative processes. EIA and SEA must effectively consider climate change and biodiversity;
  • Support the MESP officials in the checking the EIAs of the most important infrastructural projects under approval and in the issuing of the corresponding permits, and if the projects consider climate change and biodiversity issues;
  • Training.
The international consultant for EIA/SEA is required to perform the following:
  • Develop institutional framework capable of applying the EIA and SEA procedures flexibly and in a result-oriented manner with related procedures and administrative processes.The objective of this task is to develop institutional framework and capacity at central and local levels in order to apply the EIA and SEA procedures. Specifically, this task is expected to result in a series of procedural documents that define what actions are to be taken by which individuals in which institutional administrative units, in order to execute the administrative and regulatory enforcement actions that are required by the legislation. 
The international consultant will support and contribute to:
Conduct an assessment of the institutional administrative units, both central and local, in order to define how their present capacities (in terms of staffing, staff capability and equipment) compare with the necessary capacities in order to fulfil the units’ mandate. For each unit the following will be produced:
  • An assessment of needs for training in relation to the procedural requirements of EIA and SEA;
  • An assessment of the needs for equipment in relation to these requirements;
  • Design a coherent set of procedures for the administration of EIA and SEA in Kosovo according to legislation by designing and proposing both interim procedures and final procedures;
  • Practical guidance and recommendations to foster greater integration of climate change and biodiversity into EIA and SEA procedures. The guidance documents should provide background information on the issues, policy drivers and the complex linkages between climate change and biodiversity. They should illustrate the importance of these issues in the assessments and provide evidence regarding the benefits.
Develop an operational system for carrying out the screening and scoping procedures while implementing the EIA and SEA directives;
Prepare a handbook for officials at central and local level on how to carry out screening and scoping;

Prepare a booklet that will provide in a clear and concise format the information related to the EIA process; the booklet will contain the following information applicable to EIA in Kosovo in conformity with European Community Law:
  • Circumstances under which an EIA is required;
  • How the scope of an EIA is to be determined;
  • The steps for conducting an EIA;
  • Responsibilities during the process; and
  • Availability of additional sources of information;
Propose methods to assess the impact on habitats/species while conducting the EIA and SEA procedure (this task will be performed in close cooperation with the MESP officials and international consultants on habitats and species).

Support the MESP officials in the checking the EIAs of the most important infrastructural projects under approval and in the issuing of the corresponding permits

In parallel to the initial assessment and to the activities aiming to develop a institutional framework capable of applying the EIA and SEA procedures, the international consultant will start his activities in supporting the MESP officials in the checking and evaluation of the following EIA phases of the most important ongoing projects:
  • Screening;
  • Scoping;
  • Review of EIA Report and
  • Integrating climate change and biodiversity aspects.
In addition, the international consultant will assist MESP in writing its opinion as to the information on environmental impacts to be presented in the EIA Report (Scoping Notification). Such assistance will include the check of:
  • The description of possible alternatives (scenarios);
  • The description of likely significant impacts on the environment;
  • The reasons for identifying these impacts;
  • A description of the protective measures foreseen to avoid, decrease and if possible offset the harmful impacts on environment;
  • Design procedures to ensure full and effective communication and co-operation between the various institutional administrative units including flow of information between them and the other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in regard to EIA;
  • MESP opinions about the EIA regarding the most important projects for which a permit is required.
Taking into consideration that the main conclusions and recommendations, contained in the EIA Report and the Decision-Proposal shall be subject to the public debate, the international consultant will also assist MESP in the organisation and implementation of such debates.
 
Training
 
In order to strengthen the general understanding of the aforementioned legislation and procedures, the international consultant will contribute to organize training sessions. The following activities are envisaged:
  • Deliver the training sessions on the implementation of the EIA/SEA, which integrates climate change and biodiversity,for the personnel in the public administration;
  • Prepare and implement a training programme for the national and local environmental officers who are to be trained in technical and administrative matters related to EIA system;
  • Prepare and implement a training programme for EIA/SEA developers (this task will be performed in close cooperation with the Director of the Environmental Protection Department of MESP).
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Assessment Report.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 2 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • (15- 30 June 2014).
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Set of procedures for the administration of EIA.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 4 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 31 August 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Operational system on screening and scoping procedures.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 4 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 31 August 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Handbook on screening and scoping.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 4 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 31 August 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Booklet on the EIA process.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 5 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 30 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Methods to assess the impact on habitats/species.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 3 months after contract signature,
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 31 July 2014.
 Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.  
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Design communication and co-operation procedures.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 6 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 15- 30 October 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.
Deliverables/ Outputs:
  • Training sessions on the implementation of the EIA/SEA.
Estimated Duration to Complete:
  • 6 months after contract signature.
Target Due Dates:
  • 01- 30 October 2014.
Review and Approvals Required:
  • Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.    
Deliverables / Final Products Expected
  • Assessment Report of the institutional administrative units, both central and local;
  • Set of procedures for the administration of EIA in Kosovo;
  • Operational system for carrying out the screening and scoping procedures while implementing the EIA directives
  • Handbook on how to carry out screening and scoping for EIA;
  • Booklet on the EIA process;
  • Methods to assess the impact on habitats/species while conducting the EIA and SEA procedure;
  • Design procedures to ensure full and effective communication and co-operation on EIA among the institutions, inter-institutional units and other stakeholders;
  • Training sessions on the implementation of the EIA/SEA for the personnel in the public administration.

Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments

Payment on is made on upon confirmation of deliverables by the Programme Analyst UNDP Kosovo.
  • 100% upon delivering the Final Climate Change Framework Strategy for Kosovo.

Recommended Presentation of Offer

The following documents may be requested:

  • Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
  • Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
  • Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The lump sum amount is all-inclusive; and the contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

  • Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.
Application Instructions:
  • Click on the "Apply now" button;
  • Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
  • Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume;
  • System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).

Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high-ranking members of international, regional and national institutions;
  • Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports;
  • Extensive knowledge of computer applications;
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a fairly big team;
  • Ability to operate under strict time limits.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Masters degree or equivalent in engineering, social, environment science or a closely related field.
Experience:
  • At least 10 years of professional experience, preferably in environmental regulation and/or other related subjects; experience on environmental assessment;
  • Professional experience in Kosovo;
  • Knowledge of EIA and SEA Directives;
  • Knowledge in environmental institution-building;
  • Knowledge of issues related to climate change
  • Experience in the policy development process associated with climate change issues;
  • Knowledge in EU enlargement processes in Central and Eastern Europe;
  • General experience in providing training sessions;
  • Familiarity with computers and word processing.
Language:
  • Fluency in the English language.