Background

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations system, with offices in 180 countries. Globally, the organization employs 17,000 people and manages a budget of USD 5 billion each year. The UNDP office in Skopje employs a team of 65 and currently manages a portfolio of projects in environmental protection, good governance and social inclusion worth USD 15 million per year.

The interest of the “Waste into Food” project is an organic waste management in Gradsko micro-region that is a part of Vardar Region, and it is consisted of 3 rural and less developed municipalities, Gradsko, Rosoman and Lozovo, where the basis of economic activity is agriculture. The benefits of the project are also focused on sustainability and circular economy if more private companies are involved in the support, education and collaboration provided by Municipalities in organic waste management. The study of the Vardar Region published in November 2017[1] , presented data on “Waste content and future generation forecast”. More than 50% of the region’s waste is organic, to be precise: garden waste 13,75% and other biodegradable waste 36,81%.

Main problem in the whole wider Region is that none of the waste is recycled and the waste management ends up with landfill burial. In the “Feasibility study & CBA -Vardar Region” the effects of this practice were analyzed and the solutions were presented - building of “Green waste composting plants” in the same areas where the Central Waste Management Facilities (CWMF) were projected, in Negotino, Kavadarci and Veles, as the biggest Municipalities in the region.

It has to be outlined that for the smaller municipalities of Gradsko, Lozovo and Rosoman, direct waste transport was suggested to the Veles CWMF. The distance between Gradsko and Veles is 29km and Rosoman to Veles 32km. Composting is a great idea, but in this case transporting the waste indicates great costs and environmental pollution.

Now, five years later, not a single CWMF was built in Vardar region, so the smallest municipalities were left trying to find a solution for their micro-region, that is going to be significant but not cost effective for the municipality’s’ budget. The idea for implementing green economy and supporting public-private partnerships, where the private companies are going to use the waste in their production cycles and then return value to the community is welcomed.

Currently, UNDP is implementing a project “Waste into Food (Organic waste in green economy)” which is funded by the Resource Mobilization Facility. The overall objective of the project is to support the municipalities from the Gradsko micro-region, by placing emphasis on municipalities, as a whole,  being a competitive partner of private companies in their endeavours for a more sustainable and green local economic development.

In Gradsko area (Municipality of Lozovo) a new biogas plant with big capacity is build and is ready to start producing energy in summer 2022.  The problem remains with wooden parts from vineyards and orchards that not of interest for biogas and usually are left and burned on the sites, that are treat for fires and accidents. The interest of the municipalities to participate in projects as a public-private partnerships for exploitation of organic waste was evident and cost effective, according to the findings of the experts.

In the frame of the first project phase, in the period October 2021-April 2022, Waste Into Food project developed 2 documents from the engaged experts that present current situation with organic waste in Gradsko micro-region by quantity, by quality and by season, as well as MODELS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT. Both reports will be submitted to the expert working in phase II, for consultation.

The benefits of the project are also focused on sustainability and circular economy if more private companies are involved in the support, education and collaboration provided by Municipalities. Following the example of local company Greenagro, if the company signs Public-Private Partnership agreement with the Municipality for using organic waste in their larvae feed, they are ready to pay back with fertilizer for agriculture, that is a “waste of insect/larvae growth”.

The possibilities for Public-Private partnerships, as well as Business to Business partnerships for organic waste reduction and recycling, are numerous.

The project “Waste Into Food” strongly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially 12 (responsible consumption) and 13 (climate action) and addresses global challenges, locally. In addition, benefits of this project are in line with the UNDP-s efforts to pilot and replicate alternative service delivery mechanism (in this case potential public private partnerships) for the municipalities with the limited financial resources and lack of human capacities.

In order to achieve these specific objectives, UNDP is seeking to contract an International Consultant for Waste Management and Transformation.

[1] Preparation of necessary documents for establishing of an Integrated and Financially Self-sustainable Waste Management System in Pelagonija, Southwest, Vardar and Skopje Regions (EuropeAid/136347/IH/SER/MK) – Feasibility study & CBA -Vardar Region (10/11/2017 https://www.moepp.gov.mk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/FSCBA_SouthwestR_112017.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to design and implement sustainable action plan for Gradsko micro-region, based on the findings and conclusions of the reports prepared in the frame of the first project phase as well based on national legal requirements and best national and international practices in this area, converted and adopted according to the local potential. The necessary operations, troubleshooting options, and other aspects of the used technology is expected to be addressed in the action plan. 

In addition, in the frame of this assignment a supporting program should be designed and conducted for the representatives (max. 10 participants) of the public enterprises from the three partner municipalities. The purpose of the program is to develop systematic approach in the municipalities to educate and support private companies to be involved in Public-Private partnerships, as well as Business to Business partnerships for organic waste reduction, transformation process and recycling.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, and in close cooperation with the public waste management enterprises and the staff of the Municipalities of Gradsko, Lozovo and Rosoman, the Expert will be responsible for the following main tasks:

• Desk review of the findings and conclusions of the reports prepared in the frame of the first project phase and legal framework regarding the organic waste disposal in the Gradsko micro-region and in the country
• Field visit to Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) for interviews with relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries and visit to the proposed locations for landfills and transfer stations for organic waste in 3 municipalities, Gradsko, Lozovo and Rosoman
• Revision and follow-up of the economic expert’s report from first project phase.  This work should help establish and upgrade the financing models based on real findings from the operation. To propose, if relevant, alternative financial mechanisms to ensure the long-term operation and sustainability of the system (e.g. local taxes and corrections of local bills for waste management.
• Preparation of the first draft of the report on “Sustainable action plan for Gradsko micro-region”. The necessary operations and construction works, proposed technology, transport and transfer, as well as troubleshooting options, is expected to be addressed in the action plan. 
• Design of the one-day supporting program training, that will be conducted for participants of the municipalities. The purpose of the program is to develop systematic approach in the municipalities to educate and support private companies to be involved in Public-Private partnerships, as well as Business to Business partnerships for organic waste reduction, transformation process and recycling. The necessary operations, troubleshooting options, and other aspects of the management is expected to be addressed in the supporting program. 
• Field visit to RNM for presentation of the draft report on “Sustainable action plan for Gradsko micro-region” and delivery of the one-day supporting program training on transformation process, the necessary operations, troubleshooting options, and other aspects of the technology
• Finalization of the Report on “Sustainable action plan for Gradsko micro-region”

The contracted international expert will need to write a final report, that at a minimum should include the following segments:

• Background
• Best international practices on organic waste exploitation, landfill and transfer station construction (minimum 2 case studies)
• Brief current situation and stakeholder analysis in Gradsko micro-region
• Recommendations on how best to design and organize the organic landfills and transfer stations, logistics and the process (e.g. by suggesting landfill design and structure, necessary equipment, and engaged personnel).
• Analysis and presentation of optimal collection and optimal transport routes from the sources of waste to the places of disposal and/or the places of processing for the formation of new products that would be developed for future sale.
• Business plan for the waste management system for packaging (if applicable).
• General findings on the case of the Gradsko micro-region Public-Private partnerships
• Recommendations on development of sustainable action plan for Gradsko micro-region” 

Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

Institutional Arrangement
The expert will work under direct supervision by the Project Manager. He/she will be in regular
communication with the Project Manager and the project team through e-mail and over the phone and will provide regular feedback. All communication and reports will need to be prepared in English language.

The incumbent will ensure that the assigned project activities are efficiently supported to fulfil their outcomes and objectives as set out in the relevant project documents, and in accordance with the UNDP standards and best practices.

Please note that if the deliverables are not produced and submitted by the consultant to the satisfaction of UNDP as approved by the responsible Portfolio Manager, no payment will be made even the consultant has invested man/days to produce and deliver such deliverables.

All primary data, reports and other documentation produced during the assignment shall be made available to UNDP in electronic format. All data acquired and products developed in the course of the assignment will be in the ownership of UNDP.

The payment of the Expert on this project will be executed in one instalment after the completion of the tasks described above.

Duration of The Work

Tentatively, the assignment should be completed in the period from 1st September to 31st October 2022. The exact start of the assignment will be agreed with the selected contractor upon finalization of the procurement process. The overall duration of the tasks covered by this ToR has been estimated to 20 working days.

Duty Station and Travel

The assignment will be home-based with two missions to Skopje and Gradsko micro-region, North Macedonia, one 4-day and one 3-day mission. Reimbursement of travel costs (tickets, fuel and tolls) need to be pre-approved and will be additionally reimbursed per UNDP standard fees. The Expert is required to submit a list of locations visited and adjacent travel documentation. The overnight stay will be reimbursed upon after submission of invoice and previous approval from UNDP Project Manager at UNDP standard fee.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Easily navigate complexity, encourage/enable radical innovation, has foresight
• Adapt with Agility:   Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Construct strategic multi-partner alliances in high stake situations, foster co-creation
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Excellent English communications and facilitation skills
• Excellent writing skills
• In depth knowledge of organic waste resources and waste management
• In depth understanding on how transformational process of organic waste can lead to new products development
• The expert shall have extensive experience of developing and implementing waste management and complex environmental projects. Experience of a minimum of four projects of a similar nature and degree of complexity is required. Preparation of complex waste management studies, design and implementation of waste management projects, as well as complex projects involving waste management plants, will be considered relevant for the application.
• Expert’s experience in biodegradable waste management projects is also required.
• The expert must possess excellent relevant technical and communication skills in order to successfully complete the assignment.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum qualifications of the successful candidate shall be able to respond to the requirements of the following mandatory areas of expertise:

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF BEST OFFER

Evaluation of Offers

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the combined scoring methodology. When using this method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated against below criteria and deemed the most favourable:

* Technical criteria weight 70%

* Financial criteria weight: 30%

Only companies obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) in the technical evaluation shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

For the considered offers in the financial evaluation only, the lowest price offer will receive 30 points. The other offers will receive points in relation to the lowest offer, based on the following formula:  Lowest Bid

               ------------------- x 30

                Proposed Bid

Technical Criteria (70% of total evaluation – maximum 70 points):

Waste Management Expert

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) in the technical evaluation shall be considered for the financial evaluation.

Financial Evaluation (30% of total evaluation – maximum 30 points):

The offer with the lowest price will receive the maximum of 30 points. Other offers with higher prices will receive their respective scores according to the following formula:

                 Lowest Bid

               ------------------- x 30

                Proposed Bid

The contract will be awarded to the candidate that will obtain the highest aggregate score based on the technical and financial evaluation.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED

Interested individual consultant must submit the documents/information listed below to demonstrate their qualifications and willingness to engage within the scope of the activity.

1. Offeror’s letter with your name, as per the following form:

Offerors Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

1. Most updated CV with focus on required qualification as well as the contact details of at least three (3) professional references;
2. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
3. Financial Proposal The financial proposal must be expressed in the form of a lumpsum all-inclusive cost*, supported by breakdown of costs as per template provided in USD for this consultancy. The financial proposal must take into account various expenses that will be incurred during the contract, including: the daily professional fee; cost of travel out of duty station (if required); communications, any other expenses related to this assignment.

*The term “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables, insurance, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant are already factored in the financial proposal. Eventual in-country travel costs will be reimbursed separately, as outlined above.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Step 1

1. Click on the "Apply now" button

2. Input your information in the appropriate sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume, and motivation (cover letter). You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.

3. 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 other required documents listed in the step 2.

Step 2

Interested individual consultants must submit the documents/information listed in the “Documents to submit section” above.

The system will allow only one attachment. Therefore, please upload all required documents as one file.

Failing to submit any of these documents may result in disqualification of the application.

Please note that shortlisted candidates might be interviewed.

If the deliverables are not produced and delivered by the consultant to the satisfaction of UNDP as approved by the responsible Portfolio Manager, no payment will be made even if the consultant has invested man/days to produce and deliver such deliverables.