UNDP Jobs - 52426- International Consultant

International Consultant– Climate Change Impacts when implementing the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directives and spatial planning policies

Location :

Prishtinë/Pristina, Kosovo, UNSCR 1244 (1999)

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

07-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15/02/2015-15/08/2015 (40 working days within this period)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

15/02/2015-15/08/2015 (40 working days within this period)

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

Title: International Consultant– Climate Change Impacts when implementing the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directives and spatial planning policies
Department/Unit: UNDP/IG/ Support for Low Emission Development (SLED) Project
Reports to: Project Manager
Duty Station: Pristina
Expected Places of Travel (if applicable): regions of Prishtinë/Pristina, Mitrovicë/a Gjilan/Gnjilane, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Peja/Pec, Prizren, and Gjakova/Dakovica
Duration of Assignment: February 15 to August 15, 2015 (40 working days within this period)

Kosovo is strongly committed to strengthen its co-operation with the EU in combating deterioration of the environment and integrating the climate change issues. Since 2011 has pursued remarkable progresses for the approximation to EU environmental standards with important advances in legislation concerning the Environmental Protection as a whole, the EIA, the SEA, IPPC, Waste, Water and Nature Protection. 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, on Water, on 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 adoption of secondary regulations and particular attention should be dedicated to areas where the harmonization degree is still at low level (e.g.: climate changes, mining wastes, air quality, water management, etc.). During the 2011-2013 periods 43 Administrative Instructions regarding environmental protection have been approved improving the level of implementation, including the public participation.

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 Strategy was endorsed by MESP end of 2014. 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. In 2014 MESP was supported by UNDP SLED project with an International Consultant to undertake the Environment Impact Assessment/Strategic Environment Assessment (EIA/SEA) that integrates climate change and biodiversity. International consultant supported the MESP in the establishment of an efficient structure aiming to analyse the EIA that integrates climate change and biodiversity in accordance with the newly adopted primary and secondary legislation and to issue the corresponding permits. As a result was developed MESP institutional framework capable of applying the EIA and SEA procedures and administrative processes. MESP officials were supported to check 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.

The need for action on climate change and biodiversity loss is recognized across Europe and around the world. To make progress towards combating and adapting to climate change, and halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems, it is vital to fully integrate these issues in the plans, programmes and projects implemented.

It is widely recognised that climate change has enormous economic consequences. The evidence gathered in The Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change (2007) shows that ‘ignoring climate change will eventually damage economic growth.’ The Review also points out that ‘the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic costs of not acting.’ The Commission’s White Paper - Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for action (2009) tackles this evidence and includes a commitment that ‘… the Commission will work with Member States and stakeholders setting guidelines and exchanging good practice, to ensure that account is taken of climate change impacts when implementing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directives and spatial planning policies.’

At present, In Kosovo, just few SEAs have been undertaken annually. At national level SEAs have been carried out for new energy capacities Kosova C and national road Route 7. Few pilot SEAs have been initiated at local level planning, like for the Municipal Development Plan of Junik and for the Municipal Development Plan of Hani i Elezit.

To improve the quality of the environment and to reduce the impacts on climate change due to the enforcement of the sectoral plans (national and municipal) in Kosovo the following main issues should be taken in consideration:

Availability of the correct scale of data and good quality information are fundamental tools to guarantee a detailed level of assessment: time-consuming nature of data collection and the lack of homogenous criteria for the scope and content of the baseline analysis, and the absence of a standard set of environment and sustainability criteria against which to assess Plans and Programs are not granting a full implementation of SEA.
Also the meaning of “reasonable alternatives” foreseen by Article 5 of the Directive and transposed with art. 7, point 2.2 should be defined with specific national guidelines in order to provide support for the identification and selection of reasonable alternatives in individual procedures.
The 'do-nothing' alternative should be included in the environmental report on a mandatory basis.
Specific guidance to define monitoring methods or draw up national guidance on how to establish monitoring indicators should be defined. The lack of appropriate national guidance may affect the effective implementation of the monitoring provision.
The issuing of national guidance on the application of the SEA legislation must be considered a necessity to guarantee the full and effective implementation of SEA Directive.
It is critical to identify the key issues from a climate change and biodiversity perspective early in the SEA process to ensure that they are assessed effectively throughout the process. In consideration should be taken not only the impacts of the Plans or Programmes (PP) on climate and climate change and biodiversity but also the impact of a changing climate and natural environment on the PP. The quality of life, often associated with the quality of the natural environment rich in biodiversity, can attract investment, workers and tourists. It can be among a region’s greatest assets and can translate into future economic success. It should therefore be recognised at the drafting stage of the PP and the associated SEA. On the other hand, a PP covering large areas at high risk natural disasters may put restrictions on future developments.

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 SEA will be hired to support the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, key Ministries and Municipalities, and organisations in strengthening their capacities to draft and finalise SEAs that include climate change and biodiversity issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

The 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.

This international consultant for SEA is required to perform the following:

Support the MESP officials, key Ministries and Municipalities and organisations in strengthening their capacities to draft and finalise SEAs that include climate change and biodiversity issues.

An initial assessment of the internal organisations (departments, sections, units) of the key Ministries and Municipalities of Kosovo will be conducted during the first month of the assignment to check the institutional framework responsible of finalising the SEAs applying the corresponding procedures foreseen by Kosovan legislation, EU Regulation and IFIs guidelines, taking also into consideration the effects that the enforcement of the sectoral plans under their responsibility will have on climate change. This assessment should integrate the Assessment Report already prepared on September 2014 within the project “Environmental Impact Assessment / Strategic Environment Assessment that Integrates Climate Change and Biodiversity, SLED Project” financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation.
In addition, the international consultant will assist the target officials in writing their opinions as to the information on environmental and climate change impacts to be presented in the SEAs to be finalised by the Key Ministries within the national sectoral plans and by the Municipalities within the Municipal Plans. Such assistance will include the check of:

The description of possible alternatives;
The description of likely significant impacts on the environment and climate change;
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;

Taking into consideration that the main conclusions and recommendations, contained in the SEA Report and the Decision-Proposal shall be subject to the public debate (see Art.20 and AI No.09/11), the international consultant will also assist MESP, Key Ministries and Municipalities in the organisation and implementation of such debates.

Training/workshops for public administration of seven regions Prishtinë/Pristina, Mitrovicë/a Gjilan/Gnjilane, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Peja/Pec, Prizren, and Gjakova/Dakovica .

In order to strengthen the general understanding of the aforementioned SEA legislation and procedures, the international consultant will contribute to the organisation of training sessions within dedicated workshops to be conducted in each of the following seven regions: Prishtinë/Pristina, Mitrovicë/a (including the municipalities of the North of Kosovo with Serbian majority), Gjilan/Gnjilane, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Peja/Pec, Prizren, Gjakova/Dakovica. The following activities are envisaged:

Prepare training course material for the training sessions on the implementation of the SEA for the personnel of the public administration (MESP, Key Ministries and Municipalities) to be conducted through dedicated workshops;
Organise and implement dedicated workshops opened also to the CSOs, Environmental NGOs, EIA licensed experts and a wider public.

Throughout the assignment the international expert will be mentored and advised by the Director of the Environmental Protection Department of MESP.

Expected Results:

Deliverables/ Outputs

Assessment of the institutional administrative units, both central and local comprising:

An assessment of the institutional framework and responsible officials within the key Ministries and Municipalities;
An assessment of needs for training in relation to the procedural requirements of SEA in the key Ministries and Municipalities.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

2 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 April - 30 April 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Deliverables/ Outputs

Set of procedures for the administration of SEA in Kosovo according to the legislation prepared (interim procedures and final procedures).

Estimated Duration to Complete:

3 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 May - 30 May 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Deliverables/ Outputs

Handbook for officials at central and local level on how to carry out the SEAs to be included in the national and municipal plans and programmes.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

3 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 May - 30 May 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Deliverables/ Outputs

Booklet on the SEA process prepared; the booklet will contain the following information:

Circumstances under which an SEA is required;
How the scope of an SEA is to be determined;
The steps for conducting an SEA;
Responsibilities during the process;
Availability of additional sources of information.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

4 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 June - 30 June 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Deliverables/ Outputs

Design procedures to ensure full and effective communication and co-operation between the various institutional administrative units including flow of information, and between them and the other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in regard to SEA.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

On 6 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 July - 15 August 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Deliverables/ Outputs

Training sessions on the implementation of the SEA for key Ministries and municipalities

Estimated Duration to Complete:

On 6 months after contract signature.

Target Due Dates:

15 July - 15 August 2015.

Review and Approvals Required

Programme Analyst/ IG Environment and Energy.

Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments

Presentation of Offer

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.
If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
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.

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;
Good analytical and drafting skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, social, environment science or a closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of professional experience, preferably in environmental regulation and/or other related subjects; experience on environmental assessment;
Knowledge 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;
Minimum 3 years of professional experience in Kosovo;
General experience in providing training sessions;
Familiarity with computers and word processing.

Language:

Fluency in English.