Historique

The Adaptation Fund project on “Addressing Climate Change Risks to the Farming Systems of Turkmenistan at national and local levels” is implemented in cooperation with UNDP and MNP of Turkmenistan. The project aims to overcome barriers to achieve greater efficiency and productivity of water in the conditions of aridity caused by climate change. The project will seek to strengthen water management at national and local levels, in response to the risk of water shortages for local farmers due to climate change. The project is a multi-pronged approach to achieving this goal by combining the national water policy with the activities at the community level in order to improve water services and water efficiency.

The main objective of the project is to strengthen water management practices at the local and national levels in response to climate change, water shortages caused by risks, which are increasingly affecting farming systems in Turkmenistan. The project will assess and deliver concrete measures to adapt to local water vulnerable communities in three typical agro-ecological regions, at the same time strengthening water legislation at the national level and water tariffs to ensure the availability of water for non-state sector farmers. This combination outcome will ensure that the specific actions taken by the resources AF will be sustained after the project period.

In the framework of the AWP of the Project, afforestation of the Project Region Nohur was implemented in years 2013 and 2015.  Project established a nursery for producing seedlings of the Juniper (Juniperus Turkomanica) from seeds but during past few years the Project Experts are facing a challenge in identifying an insect pest, which is destroying seed of Juniper.

Juniperus turkomanica is one of the only trees tolerant to severe hot, dry and cold growing weather conditions of the mountain regions of Turkmenistan. 

During past 10 years it was attacked by an insect pest, of unknown type to local and national experts.  As it is shown on the picture below, it damages seeds and as the result, for the past several years local people cannot find healthy seed and are not able to produce any new seedlings of this tree.  According to local people, this insect pest causing damage to other crops, like tomatoes, as well.

Devoirs et responsabilités

As shown on the photos at this link http://www.tm.undp.org/content/dam/turkmenistan/docs/TOR/Photos.docx , seeds are damaged by an insect pest.  In order to identify the pest and recommend suitable control measures the International Consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Visit the AF Project Site Nohur and identify the type of insect pest, it’s life cycle, including mating, egg laying, hatching, larval state, pupa/moth stage.Describe the appearance on each stage, provide photos, describe sizes and other specific characteristics (active at night/dark, humid or dry weather loving, etc.); Deliver samples of damaged seeds to European or other country based labs in order to determine the extent of damage caused and to identify the pest;
• Determine peaking period during the year and why, is there any specific reason;
• List the crops and plants caused damage by this pest;
• Regional locations of the damaged plants, density of population of the pest, if possibledetermine on online Internet based Maps, territories in Turkmenistan where this pest has reached and causing damage;
• Recommend traps, bio-control methods if available, pesticides and other repellents if available;
• Advise monitoring, evaluation and reporting timeframe and structure to watch closely for further emergence and destruction of the plants and vegetables by this pest.

Map of the Project Pilot Region NOHUR can be found at this link: http://www.tm.undp.org/content/dam/turkmenistan/docs/TOR/Annex1_Map_of_the_Project_Pilot_Regions.docx.

The Scientist will report to the Adaptation Fund Project Management Specialist and will be under the overall supervision of the UNDP Programme Specialist on Environment. 

The duties of the Expert Entomologist will include the following:

• Visit the AF Project Site Nohur and identify the type of insect pest, it’s life cycle, including mating, egg laying, hatching, larval state, pupa/moth stage.Describe the appearance on each stage, provide photos, describe sizes and other specific characteristics (active at night/dark, humid or dry weather loving, etc.);Deliver samples of damaged seeds to European or other country based labs in order to determine the extent of damage caused and to identify the pest;
• Determine peaking period during the year and why, is there any specific reason;
• List the crops and plants caused damage by this pest;
• Regional locations of the damaged plants, density of population of the pest, if possibledetermine on online Internet based Maps, territories in Turkmenistan where this pest has reached and causing damage;
• Recommend traps, bio-control methods if available, pesticides and other repellents if available;
• Determined type of treatment required and provided cost estimates;
• Advise monitoring, evaluation and reporting timeframe and structure to watch closely for further emergence and destruction of the plants and vegetables by this pest.

Deliverables and timeframe:

The contract is for 20 days over the period May 2016 - October 2016. The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultancy contract. The final schedule will be agreed upon in the beginning of consultancy assignment.

Deliverable 1: 50%.

Timeframe: Till 30 June 2016, 10 working days.

• Develop and submit detailed methodology for planned activities in order to reach the goal of the assignment;
• Visit the AF Project Site Nohur in June 2016 and identify the type of insect pest, it’s life cycle, including mating, egg laying, hatching, larval state, pupa/moth stage.Describe the appearance on each stage, provide photos, describe sizes and other specific characteristics (active at night/dark, humid or dry weather loving, etc.);Deliver samples of damaged seeds to European or other country based labs in order to determine the extent of damage caused and to identify the pest;
• Determine peaking period during the year and why, is there any specific reason;
• List the crops and plants caused damage by this pest;
• Regional locations of the damaged plants, density of population of the pest, if possibledetermine on online Internet based Maps, territories in Turkmenistan where this pest has reached and causing damage;
• Recommend traps, bio-control methods if available, pesticides and other repellents if available;
• Determined type of treatment required and provided cost estimates;
• Advise monitoring, evaluation and reporting timeframe and structure to watch closely for further emergence and destruction of the plants and vegetables by this pest.

Deliverable 2: 50%.

Timeframe: Till 30 October 2016, 10 working days.

• Provide continued supervision on implementation of the provided recommendations within Deliverable 1;
• Assist in developing a booklet with Juniper pest eradication instructions;
• Provide Final Report.

Payment conditions:

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and travel costs required to produce the above deliverables. At least one mission to Turkmenistan is envisaged. The mission (approximately 7 days) is tentatively planned for June 2016.

Payment will be made in two installments according to these TOR as per Deliverables outlined above to be certified by the Project Management Specialist and accepted by the UNDP Programme Specialist on Environment, as follows:

• 1st installment (50% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 1;
• 2nd installment (50% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 2.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity/adaptability;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work.

Functional Competencies:

• Good understanding of Juniper pest control integrated methods;
• Should be able to detect signs of infestation and apply appropriate treatment required along with preparing cost estimates and sourcing required pesticides;
• Should be able to demonstrate how to properly (safely) prepare and spray chemical mixtures on infested areas to kill insects;
• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• Excellent ability to communicate in English or Russian both written and spoken;
• Good writing skills and computer literacy;
• Ability to meet deadlines;
• Excellent organizational, communicative, time-management and teamwork skills.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

• Scientific degree (master's level, which is equivalent to or above) in plant science, biology, integrated pest management, agriculture, horticulture, or other related fields of study;
• Excellent knowledge of the mechanical devices, traps and techniques used in Integrated Pest Management;

Experience:

• At least 10 years of practical experience in areas related to integrated pest management; 
• Proven experience in identifying insect pests and preparing recommendations on pest control;
• Working experience in developing countries and CIS countries is an asset.

Language:

• Proficiency in English or Russian, excellent analytical and presentation skills.

Other requirements:

• Good understanding of climate change issues. Outstanding time-management, organizational and interpersonal skills.

Submission of applications:

• Methodology: All applicants shall submit a detailed methodology indicating phases, tasks, methods, techniques, time, resources, accessibility and tools to be applied for successful completion of assignment;
• Financial proposal for implementation of the assignment in a form of the Offeror’s letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability. Template of the form can be found at: http://www.tm.undp.org/content/turkmenistan/en/home/operations/jobs. All applicants shall submit a detailed, carefully considered and justified financial statement based on a lump sum, which should include: a consultancy fee, administrative expenses (if applicable), travel expenses (if applicable), and/or any other expenses the applicants deem necessary to incur during assignment;
• Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references;
• Completed P11 form, which would include a description of previous experience of the candidate in similar projects, and contact information of individuals who are ready to make appropriate recommendations (form P11 can be downloaded from the website at http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc).

Evaluation criteria:

Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on cumulative analysis methodology. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/ compliant, and
• Having received the highest score – out of 100 points.

Out of the maximum score of 100 points, the score for technical criteria equals 70% - maximum 70 points, and for financial criteria 30% - maximum 30 points. Technical evaluation (70%, or max 70 points) will take into account the following as per the scoring provided:

• Education – 10 pts;
• Relevant working experience – 25 pts;
• Methodology– 25 pts;
• Fluency in English – 5 pts;
• Knowledge of Russian – 5 pts.

Financial proposal – 30% of total evaluation - max 30 pts.

Additional requirements for recommended contractor:

Recommended contractors aged 62 and older, and if the travel is required, shall undergo a full medical examination including x-ray, and obtain medical clearance from the UN-approved doctor prior to taking up their assignment. The medical examination is to be cleared by the UN physicians, and shall be paid by the consultant.