UNDP Jobs - 60623- International Consultant for the System of Environ

International Consultant for the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Central Framework

Location :

Home-based with Travel to Minsk, Belarus

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

06-Nov-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Estimated January - June 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Approximately 25 working days

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

One of the highest environmental policy priorities of Belarus is to maintain a favorable environment and efficient use of natural resources to meet the needs of present and future generations. Belarus has an established legal basis for transition to a green economy model in terms of environmental management (developed and implemented codes on environmental protection, protected natural areas, fauna, land etc.). Certain restrictions have been introduced for the purpose of rational use of natural resources, such as land tax and forest use fees. The dominance of legal and regulatory frameworks in natural resources management and regulatory basis between the state and end users has had a positive effect on environmental management and protection, and the need for a transition to principles of sustainable development is acknowledged in the society.

Although certain ‘’green’’ principles are present in Belarus’ national economy, it is challenging to achieve effective management of natural resources without financial or environmental mechanisms in place. These principles need to be institutionalized for a more effective transition to sustainable development, and adoption of the principles of green economy needs to be developed for the survival of production processes in Belarus, which will create conditions for economic growth, enhanced welfare and health, including rational use of natural assets and preserved ecosystems.

In order to create favorable conditions for an effective transition to a green economy model, the government of Belarus shall be provided with the opportunity to consider cross sectorial budgets and expenditure processes in the context of environmental accounting systems.
In May 2015 the Sustainable Development Team of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (UNDP IRH) held a programme scoping mission to Belarus. The primary objective of the mission was to investigate and identify the interest and the potential to launch a pilot on SEEA-CF accounts in the country. As the result of a series of meetings with potential government counterparts, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (Ministry of Environment), the National Statistical Committee (NSC), the Ministry of Economy, the Economy Research Institute, NGOs and academia, the government counterparts expressed interest in undertaking the pilot intervention together with UNDP within the framework of the System of Environmental and Economic Accounts (SEEA-CF 2012). The NSC (BELSTAT) was identified as the main national counterpart for the SEEA pilot and the key body with the competencies to host the pilot and the coordinating body for the accounts.
The present TOR is designed for an International Consultant to contribute to implementing pilot intervention on SEEA-CF in Belarus in close cooperation with the National Consultant, the NSC, and other key stakeholders.

Objectives

To carry out a situation analysis through a scoping mission to the Republic of Belarus, to determine the key interventions to pilot experimental SEEA Central Framework account in the system of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, and to develop in-country capacities and enhance understanding in the area of SEEA through delivery of training seminars for policy makers and technical specialists.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of UNDP IRH, Poverty and Environment Project Manager and in collaboration with the National Consultant, the NSC, UNDP IRH and UNDP Country Office in Belarus (UNDP CO), the International Consultant will be responsible to carry out the following:

Provide technical advisory support for conducting the scoping and development of the methodology for a pilot intervention in the field of Environmental Accounts (SEEA etc.) in the system of the NSC in Belarus, focusing on data availability, capacity, policy priorities, budget tracking, planning and budgeting, etc.;
Conduct two technical missions to Belarus – orientation/induction scoping mission and final mission. Orientation/induction scoping mission will be focusing on technical aspects of developing and implementing SEEA-CF in Belarus, including identification of data availability and data needs and will be used to verify the final methodological approach to environmental accounting and selected sector/area of pilot account/module. Training needs assessments of NSC and key stakeholders will be carried out during the orientation scoping mission to inform the content of the training workshops which will be part of the final mission;
Develop and agree the methods of situation analysis with the key partner- the NSC with input from the Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders;
Conduct a situation analysis in the country and develop a scoping report with key findings and recommendations for next steps in piloting Environmental Accounting in Belarus. Recommendations are to be agreed with the NSC and other key partners including the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Environment, etc.;
Identify and apply the best international practices on Environmental Accounting, which is relevant to the context of the Republic of Belarus;
Develop a Road Map and Terms of Reference to pilot a SEEA-CF module in the Republic of Belarus that should be agreed with the NSC jointly with other national stakeholders (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, Tax Authority, etc.);
Provide necessary consultations to the NSC and other national stakeholders as appropriate on the principles and methods of SEEA-CF;
Pilot a module/account under SEEA-CF in the country. During the course of technical scoping mission to Belarus and in close cooperation with the National Consultant, the NSC and other stakeholders, develop a pilot or testing SEEA-CF based on available data and information: identify the potential as well as sector and/or geographic area for delivering a SEEA CF in Belarus; start the process of account establishment and developing technical expertise for consistent SEEA development;
Design and deliver two training seminars in Minsk: a training for the technical stakeholders and a workshop for policy makers, including donors, aimed at developing national knowledge and capacity in such areas as methodologies and environmental accounts, managing and analyzing data and statistical data infrastructure as well as related areas which are currently underdeveloped in Belarus’ institutions.

It is anticipated that the International Consultant will undertake two missions to Belarus within the contract duration, based on the inputs and needs, as required. She/He is expected to be available for on-line feedback, review and consultations throughout the whole period of the contract.

Final Products

40% of total payment upon submission of following deliverables:

The first technical mission to Belarus is organized (by February 2016);
Scoping study and situation analysis report on the country context, focusing on data availability, capacity, policies, budget tracking, planning and budgeting, gender aspects, etc. Best practices from other countries relevant to Belarus are included in the report. (by February 2016);
A roadmap and terms of reference for the piloting of an account/module under SEEA-CF is developed and agreed with the NSC and other stakeholders. (by March 2016).

60% of total payment upon submission of following deliverables:

The second mission to Belarus is organized. (by April/May 2016);
Two training seminars are designed (training materials and presentations are developed) and delivered in Minsk, Belarus (all training materials and presentations are provided in electronic forms). Coordination of UNDP pilot on SEEA with related activities by other actors is ensured. (by April/May 2016);
Pilot in cooperation with the NSC an account/module under SEEA-CF. (by April/May 2016);
Final report summarizing major activities under this TOR as well as describing the process and results of the piloting a module/account are submitted. (by June 2016).

Reporting requirements:

The Contractor will fulfil the assignment in line with deliverables (final products) under direct supervision of UNDP IRH, Poverty and Environment Project Manager;
Payment is subject to submission of deliverables duly approved by UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and UNDP CO in Belarus, which shall serve as the basis for payment.

Travel requirements:

Duty station: Home residence with travel to Minsk, Belarus. Two missions to Belarus (estimated in February and May 2016).

Approximately 25 working days: 10 working days on mission and 15 working days home-based.

All envisaged travel cost must be included in the financial proposal. In general, UNDP should 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. The assignment does not include any requirement to travel outside Minsk.
The Consultant will be requested to undertake the Basic Security in the Field (BSIF) training and Advanced Security in the Field (ASIF). These requirements apply for all Consultants, attracted individually or through the Employer.

UNDP contribution

UNDP will provide:

Organizational support to arrange local meetings;
Facilitation of communication with local partners;
Linking with other engaged partners.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Ability to work in a team and to motivate other team members and counterparts;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to plan and organise his/her work, efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Good research skills, reporting and writing abilities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters or above, in any of the following disciplines of Environmental Economics, Development Economics, Environment Management, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources Management, etc. A PhD in the above fields is an asset. (Criteria A).

Experience:

Minimum three (3) years’ work experience in related fields such as environmental/green accounting, environmental economics, policy, monitoring and evaluation and strategic planning, including considerable experience dealing with policy makers at senior level; experience in management of environment issues is an asset; experience in institutional coordination and harmonization is an asset (Criteria B);
Experience of at least one (1) year of working with ministries of statistics, planning and environment is highly desirable and experience working with UN agencies is an asset (Criteria C);
Good proven knowledge and working track record of SEEA CF or SEEA-EEA (Criteria D);
At least one similar assignment related to developing SEEA modules, preferably in developing countries; relevant experience in skills transfer and building local capacity involving a diverse range of partners and in cooperation with various stakeholders is an asset (Criteria E);
Extensive experience in developing training modules and facilitating and/or conducting training events for foreign officials and stakeholders;
Excellent computer skills, including command of MS Word and Excel.

Language:

Excellent analytical, presentation and report writing skills in English language (Criteria F);
Excellent command of spoken and written English;
Knowledge of Russian is an asset (Criteria F).

Evaluation of applicants:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

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

responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (P11 desk reviews and interviews) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job based on the P11 desk review will be invited for an interview.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

Criteria A – Education (max points: 5);
Criteria B – Work experience (max points: 10);
Criteria C – max points: 10;
Criteria D – max points: 15;
Criteria E – max points: 10;
Criteria F – Language skills (max points: 5);
Criteria G – Interview (verifying the candidate's skills and competencies) – max points: 15.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points

Application procedures:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. They should submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV;
Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application;
At least 2 recommendation letters from the previous employers, including their contact information;
Signed Confirmation of Interest and Financial Proposal*. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables. 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);
Basic Security in the Field (BSIF) training and Advanced Security in the Field (ASIF) training (tbd);
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.

Medical requirements

Statement of Medical Fitness for Work.
Individual Consultants/Contractors whose assignments require travel and who are over 62 years of age are required, at their own costs, to undergo a full medical examination including x-rays and obtaining medical clearance from UN –approved doctor, prior to taking up their assignment.
Where there is no UN office nor a UN Medical Doctor present in the location of the Individual Contractor prior to commencing the travel, either for repatriation or duty travel, the Individual Contractor may choose his/her own preferred physician to obtain the required medical clearance.

Inoculations/Vaccinations

Individual Contractors are required to have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. The cost of required vaccinations/inoculations, when foreseeable, must be included in the financial proposal. Any unforeseeable vaccination/inoculation cost will be reimbursed by UNDP.

Security clearance

The Consultant will be requested to undertake the Basic Security in the Field (BSIF) training and Advanced Security in the Field (ASIF). These requirements apply for all Consultants, attracted individually or through the Employer.