UNDP Jobs - 61715- Consultant for Assessment of Carbon-monitoring Act

Consultant for Assessment of Carbon-monitoring Activities

Location :

Home-based with 1 Possible Mission to Georgia

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Estimated 20 November 2015 to 20 April 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

approximately 30 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

The Clima East Pilots Project is part of a broader EU financing package 'Clima East: Supporting Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Neighbourhood East and Russia' which will be implemented in the years 2013-2016 in cooperation with the partner countries Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation and Ukraine. The Clima East package consists of: - The Clima East Policy project, the main aim of which is to improve the information access of partner countries to EU climate change Acquis Communautaire (legislation), policies, knowledge and experience, both on an EU and member-state level and - The Clima East Pilots project, a project (ENPI/2012/303-093) with a maximum budget of 11 MEUR, implemented by UNDP in cooperation with national and international partner organisations. The main aim of the Clima East Pilots project is to show through pilot projects the feasibility of ecosystem-based approaches to climate change, meaning that intact ecosystems such as peatlands, permafrost landscapes, boreal forests and pasture land can have a strong and cost-efficient positive effect both on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Clima East Pilots Project is financed from the Regional Action Programme 2011-2013 of the EU Eastern Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, ENPI, with contributions made from UNDP in some pilot countries. One important area of results for the Clima East Pilot Projects relates to assessments and monitoring of carbon stocks and fluxes in the peatland and pastures ecosystems targeted.

As part of the mid-term evaluation conducted on the project in April-September 2015, one of eight recommendations focused on the need to re-assess expected results and conclusions from pilot projects’ carbon-monitoring activities. The evaluators found a range of technical approaches and levels of rigor in carbon monitoring amongst the pilot projects. The Clima East pilot projects are applying a range of carbon monitoring techniques and methodologies. The evaluation concluded that the pilot projects’ carbon monitoring activities have some of the greatest potential for addressing knowledge gaps (particularly in relation to pasture ecosystems), but the timeframes required for documenting results, and the levels of technical rigor applied needs to be reviewed. Thus, it was suggested that a review be conducted and involve: written detailed technical description of the carbon monitoring activities being carried out in each pilot project including timeframes required to document results, and peer or external review of methods, specification of knowledge gaps expected to be addressed. The pilot projects must also ensure the appropriate and necessary linkages to the national GHG inventory process for the LULUCF sector, for reporting to the UNFCCC.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant for Assessment of Carbon Monitoring Activities is tasked to:

Conduct a review of the carbon monitoring activities conducted within the Clima East Pilots in all Clima East Pilot countries through a desk review, discussions with Pilot project experts.

Assess the expected results of the Pilot Project in relation to carbon monitoring and assessment. Such assessment shall: a) clearly identify the key knowledge gaps related to carbon cycles that the pilot projects are aiming to address, particularly as they relate to international norms and standards, such as the IPCC guidelines for carbon accounting in peatland and pasture ecosystems; b) review the methodologies being applied for carbon monitoring and assessment in each pilot project and assess their technical rigor and expected outputs. There should be a clear understanding about the level and type of analysis being applied in each case, and the expected results; c) include a brief literature review of direct monitoring or modeling of impact of conservation measures of initiatives on reducing carbon loss, as well as of calculation models developed for assessing the contribution of the actions of other projects on reducing carbon loss. This review should determine how the Clima East Pilots apply, build upon or adapt such already-developed methods and applications.

Upon completing the review and assessment, the Consultant shall prepare an assessment report which will be circulated for discussion among the Pilots and their respective experts on carbon monitoring.

Lead a peer review process, electronically and with a possible face-to-face meeting (to be determined) amongst all Pilots projects. As a result, an action plan on appropriate and necessary linkages to the national GHG inventory process for the LULUCF sector, for reporting to the UNFCC will be identified. The peer review process shall be open to identifying cooperative actions for preparing at least 2 publications for scientific journals on the carbon monitoring activities conducted within the Clima East Pilots.

Deliverables and timetable:

Draft assessment report:

Content:

Consultant provides review of carbon monitoring activities conducted by Pilots, key knowledge gaps project aim to address.

Timing:

No later than 6 weeks after signing the contract;
Responsibilities: Submits to Clima East Regional Coordinator and Pilots Managers, who coordinate with experts.

Final assessment report:

Content:

Initial Findings.

Timing:

2 weeks after receipt of comments from Pilot experts.

Responsibilities:

To Clima East Regional Coordinator and Pilots Managers.

Action plan:

Content: Description of actions for regional component and bi-lateral activities among Pilots on securing knowledge;
Timing: Within 3 weeks after the peer review electronic or face-to-face meeting;
Responsibilities: Submit to Clima East Regional Coordinator and peer review experts.

Payments will be made in 2 installments upon completion of tasks and its acceptance/approval by the Supervisor (RTA).

Payment Schedule:

40% - Following submission and approval of the Final Assessment Report;
60% - Following submission and approval of Action Plan.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, ability to work in a team;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters’ degree in environmental issues or management or related field.

Experience:

Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience (climate change, biodiversity, land degradation), working experience in these areas in Eastern Europe/CIS/Russia considered an asset;
Experience in UNDP projects and experience in EU –funded projects is considered to be an asset;
At least 3 years’ experience with carbon-monitoring and different methodologies, assessment of applications of such methodologies is considered an asset;
Experience in developing research articles in internationally-recognized scientific journals is considered an asset;
Publications on carbon monitoring is considered an asset;
Technical knowledge in the targeted focal area(s) of climate change and/or biodiversity. Knowledge of role of biodiversity (eco-system management) in climate change issues (including GHG mitigation benefits and peatlands function as carbon pools) is considered an asset;
At least one assignment related to UNFCCC or IPPC guidelines.

Language:

Excellent English communication and report writing skills;
Basic knowledge of Russian is an asset.

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 and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 45 points:

Criteria A – Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience - max points - 5;
Criteria B –Experience in UNDP projects or experience in EU –funded projects is considered to be an asset - max points - 5;
Criteria C – Minimum 3 years’ experience with carbon-monitoring or different methodologies, assessment of applications of such methodologies is considered an asset - max points - 5;
Criteria D – Experience in developing research articles in internationally-recognized scientific journals or publications on carbon monitoring is considered an asset - max points - 5;
Criteria E- Technical knowledge in the targeted focal area(s). And knowledge of role of biodiversity (eco-system management) in climate change issues (including GHG mitigation benefits and peatlands function as carbon pools; ) is considered an asset – max points - 5;
Criteria F- Experience in Eastern Europe/CIS/Russia considered an asset - max points - 5;
Criteria G – Masters’ degree in environmental issues or management or related field - max points - 5;
Criteria H - Excellent English communication and report writing skills - max points - 5;
Criteria I - Basic knowledge of Russian is an asset - max points - 5.

Financial Criteria – 30% of total evaluation – max. 19.30 points.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website.

The application should contain:

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;
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.
Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days and any other possible costs). For breakdown of the potential face-to-face peer review at the end of the assignment, please use Tbilisi, Georgia as the place for the event.Therefore, please include 2 days travel costs by indicating separately in your proposal.

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...).

Payments will be made upon confirmation by UNDP of satisfactory delivery of the contract obligations.

General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.