Antecedentes

Background Information

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a middle income country which is still recovering from the 1992-1995 war which had a devastating impact on its human, social and economic resources, leading to enormous challenges of the post-war reconstruction and economic and social recovery. This challenge has been further compounded by the transition towards market economy requiring structural reforms and improved governance. The slow rate of the post-war economic recovery of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been compounded by the negative impacts of climate change on key sectors such as agriculture, energy (hydropower), the environment and, in particular, the frequency and magnitude of flood disasters, which have tripled in frequency in the last decade.  In May 2014, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced its worst flooding in 150 years which resulted in 23 deaths and $2.7 Billion USD worth of damages which is 15% of GDP, and is expected to result in a 1.1 percent contraction in the economy this year, compared to the growth of 2.2 percent that had been predicted before the flood.

BiH is significantly exposed to the threats of climate change, but has very limited capacity to address and adapt to its negative impacts, in particular the frequency and magnitude of floods from its major rivers.   The Vrbas River basin is characterized by a large rural population comprised of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in BiH, including war returnees and displaced people, with high exposure to flooding and its devastating impacts.

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this project is to transfer technologies for climate resilient flood management in Vrbas River Basin, UNDP, BiH to enable the communities of the Vrbas basin to adapt to flood risk through the transfer of adaptation technologies for climate resilient flood management,   upgrade and rehabilitation of the hydrometric monitoring network, development of a flood forecasting system and early warning system, development of emergency response plans, and provision of training in flood-specific civil protection.

In addition, the project will provide targeted training on climate-induced FRM to over 100 practitioners and decisions makers, and will develop an institutional capacity development plan for the long-term development of capability and capacity in Flood Risk Management (FRM).  The project will work closely with affected communities to introduce climate resilient community-based non-structural measures and provide training to local communities in climate resilient FRM. This will include the introduction of agro-forestry, community-based early warning systems, reforestation and introduction of financial instruments such as index-based flood insurance and credit deference schemes as a means of compensating for flood damages for agriculture.

Assignment Objective

The overall objective of this assignment is to use and develop the most appropriate modelling techniques in order to develop precipitation and temperature change map and charts for Vrbas river basin in line with existing climate scenarios.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Summary of Key Responsibilities

The expert will work in consultation with and under the guidance and supervision of the Project Manager (PM). Specifically, his\her responsibilities are but not limited to the following:

Develop precipitation and temperature change map and charts for Vrbas river basin in line with existing climate scenarios, based on the following data and analyis:

  • Change of accumulated precipitation on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change of accumulated daily precipitation higher than 20 mm (heavy rain) on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change of number of days with accumulated daily precipitation higher than 20 mm (heavy rain) on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change od days with snow;
  • Change of medium daily temperatures on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change of medium daily temperatures -days with temperatures above 30oC- on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change of number of days with medium daily temperatures above 30oC on annual, monthly and seasonal levels (seasons: DJF, MAM, JJA, SON);
  • Change of sums and frequency of days with temperatures above percentile benchmarks comparing to previous climate conditions;
  • Change of frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves.

The maps and charts are to cover the following periods: 2011-2040, 2041-2070 and 2071 – 2100 compared with 1971 – 2000 for the scenarios:

  • A1B and A2 from the IPPC 4th Assessment Report, 25 km resolution and for the scenarios RCP8.5 from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report, horizontal resolution 8km;
  • Uncertainty of the obtained results will be assessed on the basis of other regional climate models available via ENSEMBLES, EURO-CORDEX and MED-CORDEX.

Deliverables and timelines  - the consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

Deliverable Schedule:

  • Maps and charts developed and accepted by UNDP 15 Dec 2015.

Competencias

Core Values and Guiding Principles:

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Core Competencies:

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a fairly big team;

Functional/Technical Competencies:

  • Knowledge on BiH gender equality mainstreaming institutions, regulations and mechanisms;
  • Extensive knowledge of computer applications.
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Excellent analytical skills;
  • Strong oral and writing skills;
  • Ability to operate under strict time limits.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

  • Advanced degree in natural/engineering sciences;
  • PhD should be considered as an asset.

Experience:

  • Minimum 10  years of relevant experience;
  • Proven experience in climate modelling;
  • Knowledge of the environmental issues in BiH;
  • Knowledge of IPCC reports

Language:

  • Fluency in both written and spoken English is a must

Application procedures

Award Criteria: The award will be based on the candidate obtaining the highest evaluation score.

Required Documentation:

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 and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). 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 for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days, travel, per diems and any other possible costs);
  • 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 and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.

Remuneration:

  • Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.