Background

The Foreign Economic Cooperation Office of the Ministry of Environmental Protection has requested GEF assistance through UNDP for the preparation a project proposal for a full sized project: “Developing and Implementing the National Framework on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge”. The project aims to develop and implement China’s national framework on access to and benefit sharing (ABS) of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in accordance with provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol (NP). The project will remove the aforementioned barriers and enable the country to ratify and implement the NP by promoting the establishment of the National Regulatory and Institutional Framework on ABS, Strengthening ABS Capacity Building and Awareness Raising, and support up to 6 such pilots focusing on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Guangxi Provinces and/or Inner Mongolia.

The Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been requested to formulate the full-sized project through appropriate situation analysis and stakeholder consultations. The preparatory phase will include the collection of information and gathering of data for the project design and improve baseline context for the project; identifying implementing partners and implementation arrangements; develop results framework that has optimal resource allocation from GEF and other stakeholders to meet the project objective; identifying and selecting pilots from potential pilots; developing more investigation on risks lists in PIF. The activities of the PPG include:  baseline and capacity needs assessment of ABS for China; conduct logical framework analysis (LFA) and define project goal, objectives, outcomes, outputs and key activities. The outcome of the PPG will be Project Document and Request for CEO Endorsement.

Please download Project Identification form (PIF) for you to better know about the project from this link: http://yun.baidu.com/share/link?shareid=2065158734&uk=2217764688.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Review existing data, reports and studies to collate a situation analysis reporton biodiversity and genetic resources in China liaising with national counterparts;
• Collect information on the government and partners’ baseline activities and planned investments, as well as complementary activities by various partner organizations;
• Conduct with other local ABS experts investigation on stakeholders related to ABS and relevant traditional knowledge.

• (i) a review and establishment of baseline information for each of the selected pilot site;
• (ii) an analysis of threats to biodiversity in the target sites;
• (iii) environmental and socioeconomic situation of the pilot sites incorporating gender assessment;
• (iv) potential impact on protected areas and mitigation measures;
• Ensure the accuracy of indicator baselines with clear methodologies for monitoring, as well as the feasibility of targets for the project;
• Assist in data collection related to project planning and monitoring with particular attention given to the description and quantification of the baseline information;
• Assist team leader and ABS specialist to organize stakeholder consultation sessions in order to solicit inputs and ensure stakeholder involvement in and buy-in to the project;
• Any other responsibilities as required by the team leader and ABS expert in order to complete the submission package to GEF;
• Defining operational strategies and resource needs, and providing administrative support for effective project design;
• Develop budget plans for the project;
• Determine key equipment or infrastructure that should be provided under GEF funding and co-financing.

Competencies

• Computer proficiency, related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office);
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team;
• Ability for managing timely and effective delivery of both quantity and quality before the deadlines;
• Demonstrated strategic technical and intellectual skills in the substantive area;
• Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coordination skills, ability to manage technical team and long term strategic partnership;
• Excellent communications (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with multi-dimension partners, people skills for conflict resolution and negotiation.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Masters degree in NRM/Biodiversity Conservation/environmental science, etc.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrable experience and knowledge in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem management in particular genetic biodiversity conservation with experience in project formulation, policy and legal analysis;
• Excellent knowledge and experiences on ABS and Nagoya Protocol related issues and experiences in China including experiences with working with the government and private stakeholders;
• Extensive experience in developing projects with focus on biodiversity related projects.
• Experience in collaborating with government agencies, institutes in China;
• Experience in project formulation that addresses technical assistance and capacity development for implementing partners;
• Working experience with international organizations is an advantage as is knowledge of GEF, UNDP policies, procedures and practices.

• Excellent Chinese and English language skills, particularly in the preparation of written documents.