UN Environment is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UN Environment Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

The consultant will work for the Ecosystem Services Economics Unit in the Ecosystems Division to execute various work packages of The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity (TEEB) project, “Promoting biodiversity and sustainability in the agriculture and food sector through economic valuation” funded by the European Commission (henceforth ‘TEEBAgriFood project’).

The consultant will report to the TEEB coordinator and Head of Ecosystem Services Economics Unit in the Ecosystems Division.

Duties and responsibilities of the consultant will entail coordination support for policy implementation and stakeholder engagement of the TEEBAgriFood project in India.

1. Facilitate the collaboration between partners and stakeholders in India including: the TEEBAgriFood political focal point in India; TEEBAgriFood research institutes; the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, other members of the TEEB India Steering Committees; and other stakeholders as necessary.
2. Produce draft background documents for project workshops and revise based on feedback/review.
3. Lead the organization of a project workshops and steering committee meetings for the project in India, in collaboration with project partners India. Be responsible for successful organization of the workshops and steering committee meetings, including: a) preparation of the above-mentioned background documents, and agenda and a list of invitees; b) overseeing the arrangement of adequate logistical arrangements for the workshop; c) writing a review of workshop outcomes; and d) drafting summaries for the Steering Committee. Participation will include broad representation of change agents, such as government (national and regional, the latter determined by the geographical scope of the intervention), line ministries, key research partner, agri-business, farmers’ groups, and civil society groups.
4. Under the guidance of the TEEB Coordinator, develop via a participatory and consultative process a roadmap for policy implementation vis-à-vis the scenarios being evaluated by the research institutes through the application of the TEEBAgriFood Evaluation Framework. This will include:
    

a)   consulting with stakeholders/change agents and documenting potential opportunities and threats to policy uptake;

b)   explaining the nature of the analysis being conducted by the research institutes to these stakeholders/change agents;

c)   determining options for dissemination after results from the scenario analysis are available; and

d)   developing and providing options that would promote the shift assessed by the scenario analysis beyond dissemination.

5.   Work with the TEEB communications officer, and the TEEB country focal point to develop and disseminate outreach materials.

6.   Act as national project focal point to coordinate interactions between project stakeholders. Report quarterly to TEEB office on progress of policy scenario analysis work undertaken.

Expected Deliverable/ Outcome

Deliverable 1

• Background documents for TEEBAgriFood India Project Steering Committee.

Deliverable 2

• Report on outcomes of TEEBAgriFood India Project Steering Committee.

Deliverable 3

• A communications strategy for TEEBAgriFood India.

Deliverable 4

• Review of draft integrated scenario modelling and valuation results of the TEEBAgriFood analysis in Uttarakhand.

Deliverable 5

• Review of draft of draft results from demonstration plots in Uttarakhand.

Deliverable 6

• Review of draft integrated scenario modelling and valuation results TEEBAgriFood analysis in Uttar Pradesh.

Deliverable 7

• Report on stakeholder consultation workshop, including implications of comments received for policy roadmaps and revision to draft reports in deliverables 4,5 and 6.

Deliverable 8

• Communication and outreach material to promote TEEBAgriFood Initiative in India (infographic, audio-visual, articles) developed in collaboration with national research entities.

Deliverable 9

• Review of draft final synthesis report, including a roadmap of concrete steps to implement policy change for Uttarakhand

Deliverable 10

• Review of draft final synthesis report, including a roadmap of concrete steps to implement policy change for Uttar Pradesh

Deliverable 11

• Background documents for TEEBAgriFood India Project Steering Committee.

Deliverable 12

Report on outcomes of TEEBAgriFood India Project Steering Committee.

Payment Scheduled: Payments will be deliverable linked per the following schedule of payments:

• Analytical skills: Able to synthesize large sets of inputs and data to form coherent outputs
• Ability to effectively and efficiently interact with senior members and stakeholders
• Must be detail-oriented
• Communication skills: Able to communicate clear ideas across a variety of mediums
• Writing and presentation skills: Able to produce high quality reports and presentations
• Team skills: Able to work independently as well as in teams
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Academic Qualification:  

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably with a specialization in environmental management, environment and development, sustainable development, agricultural economics, environmental economics or related fields is required. A first level degree in combination with 5 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:  

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government, non-governmental organization, or policy-mainstreaming/research-focused organization with a focus on environment and/or development. Experience working on agri-food issues in the context of India is desirable.

Language Requirement: 

• For this post, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Fluency in spoken Hindi is desirable. 

Evaluation Criteria

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as Responsive to the requirement. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation;

•           Technical Criteria weight - 70%;

•           Financial Criteria weight – 30 %

Technical Criteria (70% of the total evaluation)

Criteria 1: Prior Experience (30%)

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in government, non-governmental organization, or policy-mainstreaming/research-focused organization with a focus on environment and/or development.  (30%)

Criteria 2: Academic Qualifications (30%)

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably with a specialization in environmental management, environment and development, sustainable development, agricultural economics, environmental economics or related fields. (30%)

Criteria 3: Multi-stakeholder coordination (10%)

Consultant should have demonstrated experience (at least 2 projects) in coordinating and working with multi-stakeholder groups– 10% 

Financial Proposal:

Technically qualified consultants will be requested to submit their lump sum rate i.e. consultants who score more than or equal to 70% i.e. 49 marks with respect to the above-mentioned evaluation criteria. Consultant should not specify their consultancy fee on their CV or with the submission. The CV will not be evaluated further in case the consultant submits the same.

Documents to be submitted:

Updated CV with cover letter

Notes: 

• Miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone, relocation charges, local travel etc. would not be reimbursed separately.
• Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual;

The application receiving the Highest Combined Score will be awarded the contract.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. All selections are on merit.