Background

The project is designed to support the improved, more sustainable and more resilient land use management of non-irrigated arid desert, steppe and mountain landscapes of Uzbekistan, which constitute the vast majority of its territory, and reduce competitive pressures between different land uses, particularly forestry and pasture use. It will facilitate the up scaling of existing best practices for land management within two ecologically and socio-economically representative districts (Zamin and Karakul) and provide a model for undertaking district level integrated land use planning. Based on experiences on the ground it will support the updating and refinement of relevant national policy, legislation and institutions and mechanisms for improved national coordination and planning for integrated land use management.

Detailed information about the project can be found on our web-site:

http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/projects/environment_and_energy/reducing-pressures-on-natural-resources-from-competing-land-use-.html

An important objective of the project is to develop and test mechanisms for a holistic, integrated, and participatory planning of land use in the two target districts of the project, given the fact that the mechanisms would be effective and viable within the current system of land management in Uzbekistan. This will be the first step for the implementation of such approaches to planning at the local level. Based on the experience gained in the target areas, the project will contribute to replicate activities in other areas.

The initial methodology of the implementation process of integrated planning of land use management (ILUMP) at the district level was determined in the preparation phase of the project, based on international best practice and the practical experience gained by UNDP in Uzbekistan as a result of implementation of similar activities in the field of planning at district and community levels.

Through awareness raising, skills and experience needed at the local level, as well as the formation of strategic vision and commitment at the national level, the project aims to create favorable conditions for pragmatic integrated land-use management, which will develop from the bottom up.
While this approach may be more complex, it is important from the point of view of reaching consensus among stakeholders and obtain assurance of commitment to its implementation. Finally, the project will provide strategic technical support to stakeholders at the district level to begin the practical implementation of the plans and increasing the experience needed to overcome the inevitable barrier between planning and reality.

Because this initiative will be the first systematic attempt in the field of integrating land use planning at the district level in Uzbekistan, will be very important to carefully consider a strategic performance plan for implementation of ILUMP on the project pilot sites, the lessons learned in this process.  It should be a basis to develop tools and recommendations to facilitate the dissemination of such experience of planning in other areas.

To provide international experience and technical advice, and direct support to the process of developing ILUMPs for target districts and support on mechanisms for improving national level land use coordinated planning and development, the project hires an International Consultant for ILUMP. He/she will work as part of a team of consultants covering related land use information, and will liaise as necessary with other consultants to share information and clarify conflicting data. He / she will be paid based on the outputs expected and not for additional information not covered by the TOR or requested by the Project Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

This work is carried out according to the project annual plan of action for the establishment of the international recommendations for introducing ILUMP principles on district level, as well as for the preparation of the strategic plan for the development of ILUMP, which is the key result of the project.

More specifically, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in cooperation with the CTA and NTC, the International Consultant for ILUMP will take responsibility to fulfill in a timely and efficient manner the following tasks and responsibilities.

Thematic functions:

• Study of current situation and formulation of key directions for development of ILUMP mechanism at district level;
• Identification of prerequisites for the introduction of Integrated Planning of Land use Management in Uzbekistan. Familiarization with the objectives of key ministries and agencies in land-use planning (with support from the national consultant on land use);
• Drafting demonstration materials on integrated land-use planning, the disclosure of methodological approaches and international practices, for dissemination among national and local institutions involved in land use planning;
• Planning of workshops on ILUMP introduction and definition of specific competence requirements (specialists of concrete departments, affiliates etc.) to participants from key ministries and agencies, particularly for subdivisions of Goskomzemgeodezkadatsr;
• Assisting the project team in the preparation of the concept for ILUMP strategy;
• Preparing recommendations on the mechanism for informing stakeholders within the target landscapes of the project in order to raise awareness of local and national decision makers involved in the process of preparing such plans in the application of ILUMP.
• Visit to Tashkent for direct acquaintance with the situation on land use management system in Uzbekistan;
• Assisting the project in the formulation of guidelines and practical examples that can be integrated into long-term reform of technical and vocational trainings, a key aspect of the project effort on capacity building;
• Assist the project team (national consultants) in developing an interdisciplinary mechanism for introducing experience on ILUMP, and recommendations to the project to assist this process;
• Organization of meetings with representatives of the technical working group of the project and, if necessary, with other specialists of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan, involved in land use management issues;
• Preparation of the final report on the results of services rendered;
• The final review of the work with a brief interpretation of the identified gaps and recommendations/needed steps of the project implementation within ILUMP.

Operational functions:

• Capture and Dissemination of Project Experience and Lessons Learned.
• Provide recommendations to the PM, CTA and NTC in defining a clear strategy for maximizing the impact of the useful experiences and lessons learned by the project on dissemination of the results – i.e. help to define the most effective dissemination mechanisms for the various levels of stakeholders including local, district, oblast, national and regional/international stakeholders.

Outputs:

Review and assessment of general situation related to introduction of ILUMP in Uzbekistan and development needs (home based):

• Revision of project materials including the observation data of pilot districts with description of existing preconditions for creating an ILUMP system on the ground.
• Analysis of key national documents and programmes on land use and natural resource management submitting recommendations on conditions of ILUMP implementation in non-irrigated regions of  Uzbekistan, including description of legislative and institutional changes needed for capacity development for ILUMP in Uzbekistan;
• A structural plan of workshops on ILUMP introduction for local representatives of key ministries, agencies and district administrations of the pilot sites.
• Mission to Uzbekistan (tentative mission date within September-October 2015):
• Preparation of a review on needs and plan for implementing steps of ILUMP on the ground in the project pilot sites;
• A workshop provided for project team and key national partners to raise awareness on ILUMP principles for arid non-irrigated regions;
• Brief report on providing support and advisory services in accordance to Scope of Work;
• Recommendation/lessons learned (international experience) on establishment of ILUMP system and preparing data base indicators for using as basic data for printing materials will be used for preliminary dissemination among national partners related to ILUMP implementation.

Final review and recommendations on further steps for ILUMP development needs by the project (home based):

• A plan of introducing ILUMP principles among different stakeholders related to the land use planning in non-irrigated regions of Uzbekistan;
• Preliminary assessment draft of impact of ILUMP introduction into land use environment in Uzbekistan;
• Written work will be supplemented by other requested consultation by phone, Skype, and in person. Work conducted for this output will be summarized in a written report, prepared in conjunction with Outputs above;
• Reports on missions and/or participation in Technical Working Group or other meetings. The International Consultant shall compose written reports summarizing his or her participation in any missions or meetings undertaken during this assignment. One mission to Tashkent and the project sites for a total of 8 working days is envisaged.

Deliverables:

• A review report on existing preconditions of creating an ILUMP mechanism within land use policy in Uzbekistan and especially for establishment of ILUMP structure at the level of the project pilot districts submitted including an international ILUMP experience.  (7 working days);
• A structural plan of workshops on ILUMP introduction for local representatives of key ministries, agencies and district administrations of the pilot sites prepared and agreed with PM. (3 working days);      
• Recommendations made based on local review of the project activities in accordance to improving effectiveness of ILUMP development (upon/during a mission to Uzbekistan). Brief report on participation in in ILUMP workshops and awareness level of the project team/key national partners about ILUMP principles. (8 working days);
• A plan of introducing ILUMP principles among different stakeholders related to the land use planning in non-irrigated regions of Uzbekistan, including future steps of introducing two District ILUMP structures under district administrations worked out and agreed with the PM. (8 working days).

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, focus on results;
• Ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment;
• Initiative, good analytical skills;
• Ability to work under tight schedule while respecting deadlines achievement, ethics and honesty;
• Good ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources;
• Good interpersonal, facilitation and training skills.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's or higher degree in natural sciences, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management or related fields.

Experience:

The International IC holder should have specific experience in the following key areas:

• Minimum five years of practical experience in international project development related to dryland areas planning and management / sustainable land management. Recent experience in project development in relevant fields according to UNDP and GEF policies and procedures is a great advantage;
• Familiarity with land management policies and structures in Central Asian countries and, particularly, in Uzbekistan. Relevant experience in the Central Asian region in development and implementation of GEF-funded sustainable land management related projects is a great advantage;
• Awareness of the relevant land degradation, biodiversity, climate change and other related conventions;
• Experience in approaches for applying integrated land use management planning at regional level;
• Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF and UNDP.

Language requirements:

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

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

• Proposal- provide brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (2 pages or less);
• P-11 form and Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability;
• Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and submit it to the online application;
• Above mentioned documents can be obtained at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs/

Application process:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) and Offeror’s Letter;
• Merge your P11, Offeror’s Letter and Proposal into a single file;
• Click on the Job Title;
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”;
• Upload your forms

You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a financial proposal.

Financial Proposal:

Lump sum contracts:

• This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days);
• The payment will be made in two installments to be issued upon completion and submission of Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) on the works performed as indicated in the terms of reference.

Travel:

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation:

The individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis methodology.

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

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
• Having received the highest score out of the 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 for the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.