UNDP Jobs - 61254- International Consultant

International Consultant - Capacity Development and Project Design

Location :

Belgrade, SERBIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Nov-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

20 days over 9 months from 15 November 2015 – 15 July 2016 (home-based with one 5-day mission to Bel

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Purpose

To support UNDP CO in development of MSP and UNDP project document for submission to the GEF Secretariat fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards as part of the GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG) and taking into account national needs and priorities.

Objective

To prepare MSP and UNDP project document for the “Capacity Development for Improved Implementation of MEAs” project for submission to the GEF Secretariat and approval.

Background Information

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), acting as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is providing assistance to the Government of the Republic of Serbia in the preparation of the GEF Medium Size Project (MSP) “Capacity Development for Improved Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).”

In accordance with UNDP/GEF procedures, UNDP is hiring a team of consultants to develop the MSP proposal for “Capacity Development for Improved Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)” for submission to the GEF Secretariat fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards as part of the GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG). The consultants will report to the Environment Portfolio Manager at UNDP Serbia and may liaise with the office of the Principal Technical Advisor at the UNDP Regional Centre in Istanbul.

The purpose of the PPG is to fully design the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the “Capacity Development for Improved Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)” MSP and to fully develop a full set of project documentation for submission to the GEF Secretariat and approval. Normal rules for development of medium-sized GEF projects apply. Copies of the GEF templates and guidelines can be found at: http://www.thegef.org/gef/guidelines_templates

Project Description

Activities related to global environmental issues in the Republic of Serbia are primarily driven by multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Serbia has ratified all three Rio Conventions, and the country is an Article 5 Party to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Serbia is also a signatory of the Espoo Convention and the Aarhus Convention, and it has four Aarhus centres in regional centers. In 2014, Serbia became a signatory of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Activities related to country-level environmental policies and programs are primarily driven by EU accession. At the level of national environmental legislation, Serbia is currently harmonizing its legislation related to environment and climate change with the EU acquis communitaire. The acquis contains some sections that are related to global environmental issues, but it is not exhaustive in its coverage, and the capacity needed to implement the legislation that is adopted is still insufficient.

Framework environmental policies and strategies in Serbia exist, but they face barriers to implementation that are described in the previous section. These include the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (2007), the National Environmental Protection Programme (2010), and statements related to Green Economy policies and strategies. Language on environment, and particularly on climate change, has also been included in a number of sectoral strategies.

The overall objective of the proposed project is to improve the implementation of MEAs in Serbia by strengthening consultative processes and integrating MEA provisions into high-priority policies and programs at national and local levels. The project’s strategy is designed to achieve this objective through three components. First, it will utilize research and information to strengthen policy-making, supporting applied research and regular consultations with civil society organizations. Second, the project will strengthen the mechanisms for integrating MEAs into other sectors by ensuring that national and local government units include global environmental considerations in selected reports and strategies. Third, the project will provide targeted education and training to support MEA implementation by developing ground-breaking training programs for members of parliament and university-level management programs while also broadening grant-making to youth organizations so that it includes global environmental issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work

The principal responsibility of the international consultant is to contribute to the development of the MSP project document fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards as lead expert on capacity development and project design, closely collaborating with UNDP and national consultants on institutional, organizational and public awareness capacities and UNDP on setting PPG implementation strategy.

Tasks

Within the framework of this ToR, Capacity Development and Project Design Specialist is expected to perform the following tasks and duties:

Work together with the local consultants (LC), UNDP and national counterparts on setting PPG implementation strategy;
Finalize PPG work plan, TOR for LCs, and design consultation and validation workshops;
Oversee completion of background studies, ensuring they are appropriate in scope and provide required analyses;
Facilitate and guide consultations to determine project strategy, priorities, key partners, and key barriers to success;
Provide technical and professional support to the LC and national stakeholders;
Develop the project strategy; detailed budget, work plan and logical framework, develop a replication strategy;
Assume main responsibility for finalizing the project document, with significant input from all local consultants.

Another key role of the project development expert should be to look for other key partners that the project might partner with and seek co-financing from, working closely with the UNDP Country Office and the Istanbul Regional Hub.

In addition to a desk review of the relevant documents, the consultant will undertake one mission to Belgrade, in full collaboration with the UNDP Country Office and team of consultants.

The missions will include:

Consultations with key partners in National Government, responsible for environmental management as well as relevant sectoral ministries;
Facilitation of project validation workshop or smaller, structured review meetings.

The responsibility of the international Capacity Development and Project Design Specialist is to work on development and preparation of a Medium Size Project document for submission to GEF Secretariat as well as UNDP Project Document.

The key products to be delivered are as follows:

Detailed Assignment Workplan (within 1 week of the start of the assignment);
Detailed PPG work plan and design of consultation and validation workshops (within 4 weeks of the start of the assignment);
Draft UNDP Project Document, Project Results Framework, GEF Request for CEO Endorsement (15 March 2016);
Final UNDP Project Document, Project Results Framework, GEF Request for CEO Endorsement fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards (15 May 2016).

In addition, the incumbent will:

Support completion of background studies, providing guidance in regard to their scope and overall quality;
Provide required analyses;
Facilitate and guide consultations to determine project strategy, priorities, key partners, and key barriers to success.

Deliverables and Timelines

The principal responsibility for managing the consultant will lie with the Environmental Portfolio Manager at UNDP Serbia.

The timeframe and duration of activities are estimated as follows:

Deliverable 1: Preparation of the Assignment Workplan;
Deliverable 2: Preparation of the PPG work plan, design of consultation and validation workshops;
Deliverable 3: Mission to Belgrade;
Deliverable 4: Development of Project Results Framework;
Deliverable 5: Preparation of Draft Request for CEO Endorsement;
Deliverable 6: Preparation of Draft UNDP Project Document;
Deliverable 7: Preparation of GEF Tracking Tool;
Deliverable 8: Finalization of Project Document & RCE;
Deliverable 9: Revisions of Documents following GEF comments.

For more detailed information related to the duration / estimated work days and timelines please refer to the link: http://www.undp.org.rs/jobs_new.html (consultancy reference 1527).

Prior to approval of the Request for CEO Endorsement, UNDP Project Document fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards, a draft version shall be submitted for comments to UNDP by 1 May 2016. UNDP and the stakeholders will submit comments and suggestions within 10 working days after receiving the draft. The finalized documents shall be submitted by 15 May 2016 with the aim of getting the project documents all approved by the GEF Secretariat by the end of July 2016; i.e., by the end of the assignment.

If any discrepancies have emerged between impressions and findings of the consultant and the aforementioned parties, these should be explained in an annex attached to the final report.

Competencies

Strong expertise in Environmental Management;
Familiarity with the International Conventions addressing Climate Change, Desertification and Biodiversity Conservation;
Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily;
Familiarity with GEF policies, templates and requirements for MSP;
Previous experience in Serbia or Balkan countries on developing capacity building projects;
Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national institutions;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of quality analysis for the project proposal;
Excellent coordination skills and result-oriented collaboration with colleagues (e.g. national consultants);
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Good team player who has the ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University degree in the fields of environmental management, public administration or relevant related fields.

Experience:

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience;
Experience in drafting project proposals;
Experience in developing institutional arrangements for multi-national projects;
Proven experience in developing/implementing similar projects – preferably in the region;
Proven expert knowledge in the GEF CCCD Project Cycle;
Previous successful experience in development and approval of the GEF project documents would be an asset;
Previous experience with UNDP is a great advantage;
Experience of work in the region is an asset.

Languages:

Excellent English writing skills are essential.

Payment for Services

The international Capacity Development and Project Design Specialist shall receive payment in five installments from UNDP as follows:

25% upon preparation and acceptance of the assignment work plan, PPG work plan, design of consultations and other workshops;
25% upon completion of consultation and validation workshops (following the mission to Belgrade);
35% upon preparation and acceptance of the draft UNDP Project Document, Project Results Framework, GEF Request for CEO Endorsement;
10% upon clearance by Regional Technical Advisor of the project documentation fully compliant with the enforced GEF rules and standards and its submission to GEF Secretariat;
5% upon the completion of assistance to UNDP regarding responses to comments made by the GEF Secretariat.

Responsibility for Expenses and their Reimbursement

This is a lump sum assignment. The Consultant will be responsible for all personal administrative and travel expenses associated with undertaking this assignment including office accommodation, printing, stationary, telephone and electronic communications, and report copies incurred in this assignment.

Application Procedure

Qualified and interested applicants are asked to submit their applications via UNDP Web site: UNDP in Serbia under section “Jobs”, link: http://www.undp.org.rs/jobs_new.html (consultancy reference 1527) no later than 1 November 2015.

Applications should include:

P11 (PDF format) containing e-mail contacts of at least three referees (section 26 & 29). P11 may be downloaded at: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/ic/P11.doc;
Offeror’s Letter (PDF format) confirming Interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) Assignment. Can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/ic/Confirmation.docx (only PDF will be accepted). The Offeror’s Letter shall include financial proposal specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement with a breakdown of costs (number of anticipated working days – in home office and on mission, travel – international and local, per diems and any other possible costs). Instead of Table A: Breakdown of Cost by Components given in the Offeror’s letter template, candidates are requested to use the table that is provided in the Terms of Reference at the link: http://www.undp.org.rs/jobs_new.html (consultancy reference 1527).

Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated;

Applications will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

Contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
Having received the highest score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation. For more detailed information on the technical criteria please refer to the Terms of Reference and the Procurement Notice at the link http://www.undp.org.rs/jobs_new.html (consultancy reference 1527).

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals receive points in inverse proportion.

A suggested formula is as follows:

p = 30 (µ/z)

Where:

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated;
µ = price of the lowest priced proposal;
z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

Additional Information:

Individual Contract (IC) will be applicable for individual consultants applying in their own capacity. If the applicant is employed by any legal entity, IC would be issued upon submission of Consent letter from the employer acknowledging the engagement with UNDP.Template of General Conditions on IC could be found on: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/ic/Confirmation.docx;
Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) will be applicable for applicants employed by any legal entity. Template of RLA with General Terms and Conditions could be found on: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/RLA%20with%20General%20Terms%20and%20Conditions.doc. In the case of engagement of Civil servants under IC contract modality a no-objection letter should be provided by the Government entity. The ‘no-objection’ letter must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status (if applicable), and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. If the previous is not applicable ‘leave-without-pay’ confirmation should be submitted.

Engagement of Government Officials and Employees

Government Officials or Employees are civil servants of UN Member States. As such, if they will be engaged by UNDP under an IC which they will be signing in their individual capacity (i.e., engagement is not done through RLA signed by their Government employer), the following conditions must be met prior to the award of contract:

“No-objection” letter in respect of the individual is received from the Government employing him/her; and
The individual must provide an official documentation from his/her employer formally certifying his or her status as being on “official leave without pay” for the duration of the IC.

The above requirements are also applicable to Government-owned and controlled enterprises and well as other semi/partially or fully owned Government entities, whether or not the Government ownership is of majority or minority status.

UNDP recognizes the possibility that there are situations when the Government entity employing the individual that UNDP wishes to engage is one that allows its employees to receive external short-term consultancy assignments (including but not limited to research institutions, state-owned colleges/universities, etc.), whereby a status of “on-leave-without-pay” is not required. Under such circumstance, the individual entering into an IC with UNDP must still provide a “No-objection” letter from the Government employing him/her. The “no objection” letter required under above must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status, and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. The said document may be obtained by, and put on record of, UNDP, in lieu of the document listed above.