Background

UNDP is currently working on various aspects of sustainable development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. The Climate Change, Resilience and Energy (CCRE) portfolio of UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and efficient energy. 

UNDP has been supporting the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in meeting India’s commitments as a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) particularly on reporting requirements.

Under the Paris Agreement, Parties must submit to the UNFCCC Secretariat and periodically update an adaptation communication. The communication includes information on a Party’s priorities, implementation and support needs, plans, and actions. The communication may be submitted along with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).  The NAP aims at building adaptive capacity and resilience by identifying medium – and long – term adaptation needs and developing and implementing strategies and programmes to address those needs.

UNDP is also supporting MoEF&CC for the implementation of a GCF funded project namely “Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities” to  enhance the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change in three target states – Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The project will work at national, state and community levels to enhance capacities for ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and will enable climate policy and finance shifts to catalyse climate action in all of India’s coastal states and union territories.

UNDP seeks to engage a technical consultant to develop the adaptation communication in close co-ordination with MoEF&CC and support in the implementation of the activities of the GCF project. 

Duties and Responsibilities

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The role of the consultant is to understand the requirements for the preparation of the adaptation communication and national adaptation plan (NAP) in the context of national and global priorities under the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC and help in their preparation of the document in coordination with MoEF&CC. The consultant will also support in the implementation of the GCF project.

TASKS

• Coordinate with all stakeholder groups including, line ministries, state governments, research institutes, development agencies, NGOs, and subject experts to obtain inputs for the development of the adaptation communication for MoEF&CC.
• Conduct desk-based research of relevant documents but not limited to the analysis of adaptation communications of other countries, guidance and other related documents of the UNFCCC, India’s Biennial Update Reports (BURs), National Communications (NATCOMs), and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document.
• Provide technical support in creating the framework, governance mechanism, and initial internal structure for the adaptation communication based on the available guidance globally.
• Coordinate with the expert consultants, review the outputs, provide comments on the documents/chapters of the adaptation communication.
• Provide regular update on the progress of the adaptation communication to relevant offices in and outside the Ministry, prepare briefing notes, questionnaires, collate inputs.
• Co-ordinate research studies, state level assessments, and training workshops being done under the GCF project in close coordination with UNDP and National and State Project Management Units.
• Review vulnerability studies and project progress reports submitted by the national project management unit (NPMU) and ensure the quality and consistency of reports and deliverables by partner/institutions/responsible parties including financial reports from all project partners.
• Any other responsibility related to the GCF project assigned by the Head, Climate Change Resilience and Energy Unit, UNDP.

DELIVERABLES, TIMELINES AND PAYMENT TERMS

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of climate change adaptation planning at the national level;
• Proven record on similar documentation/reporting writing work at the national level;
• Excellent drafting, documentation and communication skills in English;

Corporate Competencies:

• Promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity;
• Support creativity and innovation;
• Help create an enabling environment for open communication;
• Share knowledge and support a culture of learning;
• Demonstrate fairness and transparency.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Post-graduate degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Development Studies, Environmental Economics, Environmental Law & Policy, or a closely related field.

  Experience:

• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience working on issues pertaining to climate change particularly on vulnerability assessments, climate adaptation and State Action Plans on Climate Change
• At least 2 years of experience in research/policy analysis and writing reports on various aspects of climate change

Language:

Excellent command in written and spoken English.

Evaluatoin Criteria:

Technical Evaluation:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies i.e. cumulative analysis. 

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;
• 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%.

Short-listing would be done based on the following criteria:

• Relevant Experience:50 Mark Qualification:20 Marks
• Financial: 30 Marks

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

Financial Proposal:

Technically qualified consultants will be requested to submit their lump sum rate i.e. consultants who score more than 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:

• Detailed CV with contact details of three references;
• Publications related to climate change, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, etc.

Note: 

1. Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. Internet, phone, relocation charge etc. would not be reimbursed.

2. Individuals working with Institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of Institution for the specific services of the Individual.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of Gender, Nationality and Culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination.

All selection is on merit.