Background

In the aftermath of COVID-19, Kosovo is experiencing one of the most challenging health, societal, and economic crisis it has ever faced. The green recovery path will allow Kosovo to create new jobs and rebuild its economy, while pursuing a climate resilient future which will enhance its competitiveness. This project aims to provide an urgent, integrated solution to recover from the COVID-19 crisis by fostering an enabling environment and a people-centred approach, thus focusing on the most vulnerable groups as Kosovo moves towards climate resilient and just transition. The project will directly support data systems and policymaking on green recovery, promote environmental justice and community engagement, and support green recovery in the private sector.

One of the main objectives of the project is also to strengthen access to information and the support for informed decision making in policy processes. While Kosovo is not part of UNDP’s global Human Development Report (HDR) – given the lack of required data - Kosovo recognizes the importance of maintaining a leave no one behind approach in human prosperity and development, as seen through the policies adopted to manage the COVID-19 pandemic with human development lens. The Policy briefs that will be developed under output one, aim to understand not only the effect that COVID-19 has had on the development of the society, but also how Kosovo’s development can thrive within its environmental boundaries and natural resources, while following closely the long-term Kosovo development strategy.

Sustainable agricultural practices enable more efficient use of natural resources, mitigate the impact of agriculture on the environment, and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change and climate variability. However, because those practices usually require larger effort and resource allocation at the short term, farmers need incentives or support to successfully enter the market. Despite growing interest, there has been little systematic evaluation of the incentives–adoption–outcome chain—that is, which incentives best promote adoption, and which lead to desired sustainability outcomes.

Therefore, the project will build upon the work being done by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development and the Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Objectives of Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to develop a policy brief on " Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Kosovo”. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The brief will address the results of a literature review that examined (1) uptake agricultural practices under three kinds of incentives, market and nonmarket, regulations, and cross-compliance, (2) the impact on productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability (3) Analyse the gender component in sustainable agricultural practices, (4) Role of the institutions, employment, and short and mid-term priorities (5) EU best practices and how can they support sustainable agriculture in Kosovo.

Finally, the consultant will present the results through a roundtable with representatives from Kosovo's institutions, civil society groups, and international and donor organizations. As a result of these sessions, the consultant will assist public institutions and non-profit organizations in better understanding the sustainable agriculture concept. The goal of the activity is to enable policymakers and civil society organizations to track the progress of green policies that prioritize a just and equitable transition that leaves no one behind Under the direct guidance of the Climate Promise Project Analyst and Inclusive Growth and Climate Resilience programme team at UNDP Kosovo, the Local Consultant will carry two identified activities:

In Context of Kosovo, the consultant will develop a policy brief on “Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Kosovo”:

 The Policy Brief should include data/literature on the identified themes:

• Mapping of Incentives for Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Kosovo
• Best European Practices and how can they help the uptake of Sustainable Agriculture
• Analysis on Agriculture Market- Gender Sensitive Data
• Employment Opportunities
• Kosovo Institutions’ Role on the Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

• Literature/data on the skills and training needs associated with the transition to a sustainable Agriculture.
• Literature/data on (existing or potential) policy responses and their impacts, e.g. training initiatives, measures for mainstreaming the sustainable Agriculture and education policies?

The consultant will execute the activity using a mixed methodological approach (qualitative and quantitative). As a result, the consultant will gather information through interviews, focus groups with practitioners of agricultural sector and a review of current literature or policy papers, as well as analyzing quantitative data available in Kosovo. In the event that data is unavailable, the consultant will draw comparisons with regionally comparable situations.

Lastly the consultant will disseminate the findings of the research through a workshop. The workshop will be organized with the support of the project analyst and the Inclusive Growth and Climate Resilience programme team at UNDP Kosovo.

Remuneration - Lump Sum Amount

The Contract is based on lump sum remuneration and shall be processed subject to completion and validation of deliverables as per the schedule listed below: 

• 20% upon completion and validation of deliverable 1
• 30% upon completion and validation of deliverable 2 and 3
• 50% upon completion and validation of deliverable 4 and 5

Required Presentation of Offer: 

The following documents are requested:

• Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Offeror and at least three (3) professional references. 
• Technical proposal, a max. 2-page document briefly outlining the methodology envisaged for the assignment for delivering the expected results within the indicated timeframe.
• Financial Proposal that indicates lump sum payment based on completion of deliverables.  
• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

 
Criteria for selection of the Best Offer

Offers will be evaluated utilizing a combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and technical proposal will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30.

Competencies

Corporate:

• Integrity and fairness to embody UN values and promote the well-being of all individuals regardless of gender, religion, race, nationality, or age.

Technical/Functional:

• Ability to work as a team
• Ability to lead strategic planning, result-based management and reporting

Managerial:

• Ability to build strong relationships with external actors - cultivate productive relationships with donors, partners and other important institutions and individuals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to anticipate and understand client needs, formulate clear strategic plans, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources according to priorities.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions – encourage and contribute creative solutions to address challenging situations

• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment.

Behavior:

Cultural sensitivity and adaptability: communicate effectively with and relate to people of different cultures, demonstrating an ability to see issues from others’ perspectives.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:   

• Advanced university degree in Environmental studies, Agriculture Studies, Sustainable Development or Economics.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in the agricultural, environmental or economics sectors; prior experience in research and policy development.
• A track record in previous/similar projects
• Broader understanding of the development of institutions in Kosovo and in the region.

Languages:

• Fluency in English with excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Knowledge in Albanian language is mandatory.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in standard computer software.

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume.
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).
• Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.