Background

General Context:

The impact of climate change in Cambodia will be unprecedented and a threat to life, livelihoods and life-supporting systems. There is consensus on the urgent need to adopt low carbon climate resilient development agendas that support adaptation to current impacts from climate change already affecting the country, while preparing for new climate risks and developing systems for climate change mitigation.

In 2006, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) established a high-level inter-ministerial National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) to provide policy guidance and coordination. To date 20 ministries are represented in the NCCC. Acting as the secretariat of the NCCC, the Climate Change Department (CCD) of the Ministry of Environment (MoE) is responsible for the coordination of climate change activities in Cambodia, including core activities of policy and strategy development and   mainstreaming of climate change action into key sectors.

In early 2010, the NCCC launched the Cambodia Climate Change Alliance (CCCA), a multi-donor initiative with a comprehensive and innovative approach that aims at creating the enabling conditions required for Cambodia to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by Climate Change. The approach is to focus on capacity building and institutional strengthening targeting key national institutions, sub-national authorities, and civil society. The CCCA is under the auspices of NCCC, the mandated Government coordinating and policy support entity for climate change.

The CCCA organizational structure is based on strong Government ownership and alignment with the existing Government institutional arrangements. The CCCA is implemented by the MoE on behalf of the NCCC and will be integrated into the organisation and function of the CCD. The CCCA team will also include members from key lines ministries, members of the NCCC. 

The CCCA includes a horizontal multi-donor Climate Change Trust Fund, currently administered by UNDP as interim measure, which provides resources for the Programme and for mainstreaming initiatives. The Trust Fund has so far received total contributions for three years of approximately USD8.9million: from European Union (USD 3.2 million), UNDP (USD 3.0 million), SIDA (USD 2.1 million), and DANIDA (USD 0.5 million).

The overall objective of the CCCA is that ‘Climate Change activities in Cambodia are nationally owned, led and aligned with Cambodia’s development priorities, and are effectively coordinated and implemented’. CCCA has three key results as follows:

1. Improved  capacity to coordinate national policy making, capacity development, outreach / advocacy, efforts, and to monitor the implementation of national climate change strategy, policy and plans;
2. Improved access to updated climate change information, knowledge and learning  opportunities at all levels; and
3. Strengthened capacity within the NCCC to mobilise and to effectively administer climate change funds and to prepare for a nationally owned trust fund;
   

The Development of the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan (CCCSP):

The formulation of the CCCSP is in line with the country priorities as indicated in the NSDP update. It is also consistent with the Cambodia’s commitment under UNFCCC, and with the relevant COP decisions such as the Nairobi Work programme on CC adaptation and the Cancun Agreement.

Development of the CCCSP is to provide strategic guidance to support Cambodia to prepare itself not only to address climate change impacts, but also to take opportunities of global climate change funding support for initiatives contributing to Cambodia’s sustainable development and poverty reduction. Furthermore, CCCSP development will help Cambodia to actively engage with the international community in addressing climate change. The CCCSP will also provide strategic guidance on how climate change can contribute to emission reduction and resilient capacity, paving the way for sustainable development and effective poverty reduction.

Provision of support to the formulation of a CCCSP is a core task of the CCCA. This involves collaboration with line ministries and agencies throughout the Royal Government of Cambodia and with a wide range of government partners and other stakeholders. The comprehensive process of CCCSP development requires the assistance of external and internal expertise to the CCCA.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment:

The assignment will provide technical support to the CCCA programme team in achieving the target set for 2011 on the development of the CCCSP.

Scope of Work:

The advisor will work to support the main deliverable of a final draft CCCSP under Key Result 1 (KR1) of the CCCA Programme, in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), Team-leader for KR1, and Chief Technical Advisor:

i. Development of the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic  Plan (CCCSP)

• In close collaboration with the CCCA team, provide an assignment concept note and a work plan following the roadmap for CCCSP development;
• Conduct analytical literature review of relevant documents such as National Adaptation Programme of Action, draft Second National Communications report, the NSDP, sectors’ Climate Change strategies, policies and plans etc, with aim of alignment of sectors with Cambodia Climate Change priorities;
• Review of other countries’ climate change strategies to understand best practices and lessons learned in Climate Change strategy and policy development and hold briefings on this to the CCCA team, Climate Change Technical Team and NCCC as required;
• In consultation with National CC Policy development expert, provide critical analysis in support of the consultation process, leading to defined mission, vision, objectives, strategic framework, and strategic analysis of the CCCSP;
• Support the development of the sectoral and cross-sectoral CC strategies and integrate inputs from the assessment of sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies into the draft CCCSP, with aim of alignment of sectors with Cambodia CC priorities; 
• Draft an analytical report on results of sector and cross-sector CC policy and strategy assessments, with recommendations on: a) mainstreaming these to a National CC Policy and b)  sectors’ mainstreaming of CC adaptation and mitigation action within their plans and work-programmes;
• Lead the drafting and finalization of the CCCSP incorporating inputs from stakeholder consultation in collaboration with the National CC Policy development expert;   Present findings of the outlines and scope of CCCSP to NCCC and/or CCTT, CCCA partners and relevant stakeholders and incorporate feedback;
• Finalize the draft CCCSP document;
• Provide technical advice and inputs to the CCCA programme team in policy related matters when needed;
  

This consultancy is to be fully based in Cambodia over a total of 75 working days from 1 September to 31 December 2011. All relevant background documentation will be made available in advance in hard and soft copies to minimize the time of research required by the specialist.

Final Products or Deliverables/Outputs:

1. Consultancy inception report to define strategies how development of the CCCSP should be carried out following the outlines of the CCCSP and by building on the road map with detailed workplan and implementation activities;
2. Draft a paper on policy response to climate change according to  Cambodia position and priorities on CC, and aligning with regional and International frameworks on CC;
3. Draft justifications and key guiding principles for the development of CCCSP; 
4. Draft statements defining vision, missions, objectives, and strategic focus and strategic analysis by incorporating inputs / comments from stakeholders;
5. An analytical report on results of sector and cross-sector CC policy and strategy assessments, with recommendations on mainstreaming in a national and sectoral context, and, on achieving cohesiveness of sectors’ inputs to CCCSP development; 
6. Consolidate draft sections into a draft report with proposed activities, coordination and monitoring framework in a cohesive manner for consultations;
7. Final draft of CCCSP, based on the proposed outlines; and
8. Consultancy report, with key suggestions to follow up ;
   

Institutional Arrangement:

The Climate Change Policy Specialist will work closely with the Climate Change Department of Ministry of Environment. In addition, the Specialist will interact with officials and representatives from line ministries and civil society organisations who will be involved in the consultation process of the development of the CCCSP. In particular, the Specialist will need to engage with the Climate Change Technical Team (CCTT) which comprises of technical representatives from the line ministries who are the member of the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC). The specialist will also hold a briefing to the NCCC and/or CCTT on the progress of the development of CCCSP. The Specialist is expected to collaborate closely, as required, with the above mentioned entities during the assignment to ensure his or her deliverables take into account the national perspective, and are acceptable to all stakeholders.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The Climate Change Policy  Specialist will be fully based at the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment and will report concurrently to the Director of CCD (NPC/CCCA) and UNDP’s Assistant Country Director and Environment and Energy Team Leader. He/she will work closely with the National Project Coordinator and Team Leaders of the CCCA Programme.

Payment Milestones:

First payment: 20% of the total amount will be made after submission and acceptance of the consultancy inception report which includes work plan that indicates key milestones and approach of conducting the assignment consistently with the Term of Reference and deliverables.
 
Second payment: 30% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days after submission and acceptance of the following outputs:

1. Draft a paper on policy response to climate change according to  Cambodia position and priorities on CC, and aligning with regional and International frameworks on CC;
2. Define justifications and key guiding principles for the development of CCCSP;
3. Draft statements defining vision, missions, objectives, and strategic focus and strategic analysis by incorporating inputs/comments from stakeholder;
4. A report defining sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies  incorporating inputs from relevant sectors;
   

Third  payment: 20% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days after submission and acceptance of the following outputs:

1. First draft of CCCSP following the agreed outlines;
2. Second draft CCCSP document reflecting stakeholder inputs  
   

Final payment: 30 % of the total amount will be paid within 15 days after submission and acceptance of:

1. Final draft CCCSP document; and
2. End of consultancy report  with good handover notes for the CCCA programme team
   

Every payment is subject to receipt of certification for payment, and performance evaluation for the last payment duly completed by the NPC and Team Leader of the Environment and Energy Unit.

Competencies

• Excellent writing, and communications skills – verbal and written and  facilitation skills
• Proficient computer and internet skills  including Microsoft Office tools
• Proven ability to work flexibly and independently with limited supervision in a multicultural team environment and deliver quality results against tight deadlines; 
• Plans and prioritizes work activities to meet assignment goals and deliverables
• Strong communication, conceptual and analytical skills. Up-to-date knowledge of environment and climate change topics and issues is an advantage. 
• Willingness to travel if required

Required Skills and Experience

Education:     

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in environmental / earth sciences, natural resource management / economics or related social sciences, or other closely related discipline.

Experience:

• At least 7 years experience of working in the fields of climate change adaptation / mitigation, climate risk / vulnerability, natural resources management and planning, rural livelihoods improvement, land use/environmental planning in developing countries. Experience in Cambodia is a strong advantage;
• Proven experience in institutional planning, strengthening and management of development initiatives in developing countries;
• Understanding of the decisions of the Conference of the Parties  (CoP)  and the processes of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Protocol related to Cambodia;
• Experience in  analyzing and translating baseline information/research into strategic and programmatic recommendations
• Sound practical skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary consultation processes
• Experience coaching and mentoring technical teams
• Experience in working with government institutions
• Proven experience in  multi-donor environment / natural resource management programmes is an advantage
• Experience in integrated land and water resources management is an advantage
  

Language Requirements:   

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Khmer will be a strong advantage

Application Submission Process:

Interested candidates must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Proposal

(i) Explaining why the candidate the most suitable for the work

(ii) Technical Approach and Methodology: Provide a brief methodology on how the candidate will approach and conduct this assigngment

2. UNDP Personal History Form and Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references

Interested individual consultants must submit their applications online through UNDP Online Recruitment System. Correspondence (either in hard or soft format) will not be considered until the advance stage of the selection process. Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and submit it together with Curriculum Vitae on the online application. The P11 Form can be obtained at http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc

3. How to Submit Application

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11).
• Merge your P11, Personal CV, Proposals and other relevant documents into a single file.
• Click on the Job Title.
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”.
• Upload your application.
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Application Evaluation Process:

The candidates will be evaluated based on the Cumulative Analysis methodology [weighted scoring method], where the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) Responsive/acceptable application, and

b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Technical Criteria weight; [70%]
• Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

The following criteria and allocated points will be used in Technical Evaluation.

• Experience of working in the fields of climate change adaptation / mitigation, climate risk / vulnerability, natural resources management and planning, rural livelihoods improvement, land use/environmental planning in developing countries - (10 points)
• Experience in Cambodia development context - (10 points)
  Proven experience in institutional planning, strengthening and management of development initiatives in developing countries - (10 points)
• Understanding of the decisions of the Conference of the Parties  (CoP)  and the processes of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Protocol related to Cambodia - (10 points)
• Experience in  analyzing and translating baseline information/research into strategic and programmatic recommendations - (10 points)
• Sound practical skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary consultation processes - (10 points)
• Experience coaching and mentoring technical teams - (10 points)
• Proven experience in  multi-donor environment / natural resource management programmes - (10 points)
• Technical Proposal responding well to the proposed TORs - (20 points)
  

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% of the obtainable points of 100 points in technical evaluation will be invited to submit the financial proposal and considered for the Financial Evaluation. The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100. The maximum number of points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

UNDP is applying fair and transparent selection process that would take into account both the technical qualification of candidates as well as their price proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores.

UNDP retains the right to contact references directly.

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.

Other Information:

This is a non-staff contract under the Individual Contract (IC) modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under an IC serve in their individual capacity and not as representative of a government institutions, corporate body or other authority external to UNDP. The incumbent shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN common system or the government and are therefore not entitled to any diplomatic privileges or any other special status or conditions. The General Conditions of Contracts for IC is available on UNDP website at http://www.undp.org/procurement/documents/UNDP_GCC_IC_Final_English.pdf