Antecedentes

Purpose

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.   Importantly, 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.

Objective

The overall objective of this assignment is to establish fully integrated Flood forecasting and Early warning system (FFEWS) in Vrbas River Basin.

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.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Scope of work

The expert should 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:

  • Review available documents related to FFEWS;
  • Analyze the availability (and gaps), quality and characteristics of data required for FFEWS and identify any short-term or long-term data collection needs;
  • Review any existing flood forecasting programmes, or elements of FFEWS in BiH;
  • Review existing and proposed hydrometric network and equipment, and assess adequacy for implementation of a fully-integrated Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System.  Advice on any additional requirements to the hydrometric network for FFEWS;
  • Develop Terms of Reference for a full FFEWS for Vrbas River Basin;
  • Drafts key elements of FFEWS Community Communication strategy;
  • Together with institutional expert, assess current institutional arrangements and capacity for flood forecasting, flood emergency response and develop an institutional arrangement plan for FFEWS;
  • Conduct community surveys to identify optimum locations for community based schemes;
  • Design community-based schemes;
  • Detailed specification of equipment required for community based schemes;
  • Work closely with the Telecommunications expert who will undertake telecommunications studies to specify the telecommunications and telemetry system to support the Flood Forecasting and Early Warning system;
  • Identify flood forecasting model(s) to be developed (considering all appropriate industry-standard software or bespoke software) and develop the scope for and implement flood forecasting models, for a fully integrated FFEWS;
  • Design fully-integrated FFEWS and consult with stakeholders on the design;
  • Undertake and report on catchment hydrological studies for the design of the FFEWS system;
  • Undertake and report on catchment hydraulic modelling undertaken in the development of the fully-integrated FFEWS system;
  • Produce guidance for the development of a flood forecasting and early warning system.

Deliverables and timelines

The consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

  • Detailed work-plan on the basis of the overall project work plan developed - 15 Sept 2015;
  • Preliminary report on data needs and analysis of the current flood forecasting and early warning system practices - 30 Nov 2015;
  • Terms of Reference for a full FFEWS for Vrbas River Basin developed - 15 Jan 2016;
  • Institutional Arrangement plan for FFEWS developed - 31 Mar 2016;
  • Community-based schemes designed; Detailed specification of equipment required for community based scheme provided - 30 June 2016;
  • Report on the development of the hydrological and hydraulic modelling in the development of the fully-integrated FFEWS - 30 September;
  • Fully integrated FFEWS designed - 30 Nov 2016;
  • Guidance for the development of a flood forecasting and early warning system produced - 15 Dec 2016.

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

Competencias

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Knowledge on BiH gender equality mainstreaming institutions, regulations and mechanisms;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Excellent analytical skills;
  • Strong oral and writing skills;
  • Extensive knowledge of computer applications;
  • 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;
  • Ability to operate under strict time limits.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

  • Master’s degree in environmental sciences/engineering, geography, physics, hydro-meteorology, disaster risk reduction or other related fields.

Experience:

  • Minimum 10 (ten) years of professional experience in environmental sciences/engineering, geography, hydro-meteorology, disaster risk reduction or other related fields;
  • International professional experience in Flood Forecasting Early Warning Systems design and/or implementation - at least 2 (two) years or 2 similar international projects;
  • Experience in hydrometric monitoring and knowledge of telecommunications systems for early warning systems;
  • Proven experience in Flood Forecasting Early Warning Systems issues
  • Experience in Balkans region is preferable;
  • Good understanding of developments in GIS;
  • Knowledge of the environmental issues in BiH.

Language:

  • Fluency in both written and spoken English is a must.