Background

The Government of Albania launched its national adaptation plan (NAP) process in February 2015, with the support of GIZ and UNDP, through consultations with national stakeholders and a stocktaking exercise. The NAP process is framed within the National Adaptation Framework Document and a multi-sectorial coordinating mechanism (the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Climate Change, or IMWGCC) headed by high-level authorities.

The analytical exercises carried out so far highlighted the existing weaknesses and demonstrated the prevailing barriers to climate change adaptation (CCA) planning in Albania. The results confirmed that to adequately address climate change vulnerabilities, Albania must overcome information gaps, vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation planning capacity weaknesses, and a lack of awareness of CCA – both at the national and subnational levels. In addition, climate change is not integrated into existing environmental and development policies, or their associated budget priorities, and financing appropriations for funding CCA are absent.

This project is designed to help the Government of Albania to build and strengthen capacities for mainstreaming CCA, produce actionable climate risks and vulnerability assessments, and implement effective methods, tools, and information systems to better inform decision-making on climate risks and catalyse and direct climate investments. It will also support the formulation of financing strategies and mechanisms for scaling up adaptation in the mid- to long-term.

This project will build efforts underway to digitize and improve collection and sharing of climate risk data. This work is coordinated both by the National Environmental Agency (NEA), under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and the Albania Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment (IGEWE). Also under this project, training to enhance the technical capacity and knowledge base for climate risk management and long-term adaptation planning within the national institutions responsible for hydrometeorological data and planning will be completed.

The overall goal will be to reduce climate change related risks throughout Albania, through the strengthened institutional and technical capacities that will support integrated CCA planning in the long-term. Activities will be achieved through 3 outcomes and related sub-outcomes, as follows:

• The strengthening of a national mandate, strategy and steering mechanism that focuses on assessing and addressing capacity gaps (particularly in the priority sectors of tourism, urban development, agriculture, transport, and energy) – Outcome 1.
• The development of a NAP Strategy action plan document and its implementation plan – Outcome 2.
• The development of financing, monitoring and evaluation strategies to ensure that capacities and funding options are institutionalized for the long-term sustainability of adaptation planning beyond the life of the project – Outcome 3.

Reducing Albania’s vulnerabilities to climate change requires greater investments in data management and capacity building, and greater integration of CCA and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into on-going development programs, and therefore this project will result in a variety of deliverables including an improved hydrometeorological database, a NAP Strategy document, and curricula and tools to improve capacity for climate adaptation planning, budgeting, and gender mainstreaming within the CCA.

The project will also help local municipalities work towards incorporating CCA into up to 8 municipal development plans, including through taking steps to enable the development of evidence-based local level risk and vulnerability assessments. The project will also help local municipalities work towards incorporating DRR and long term CCA into up to 8 municipal development plans, including through taking steps to enable the development of evidence-based local level risk and vulnerability assessments that will inform the DRR strategy, civil emergency plan at local level. The number of ‘up to 8 municipalities’ has been chosen to maximize impact and firmly establish capacity building and communication lines on CCA between subnational and national entities, while maintaining a manageable cost and capacity requirement for this first round of the NAP process (with the intent to scale to other areas in the future). The ‘up to 8 municipalities’ will be selected during the project inception phase utilizing a multi criteria analysis approach and the consideration of all priority sectors, consultations with experts, and review of the vulnerability assessments already completed as part of 3rd National Communication.

To address these issues, the Government of Albania took strides to start to coordinate climate adaptation efforts at the national level by establishing in 2014 an Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Climate Change with the mandate to draft policies related to climate change, promote institutional coordination across ministries, and contribute to UNFCCC processes on behalf of Albania.

The IMWGCC, which is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment and includes representations from 12 ministries, needs to be restructured to fit within the structure of the new government under territorial reform.

UNDP is seeking for a Climate Scientist to provide technical assistance and guidance in analysing the available climate information (via additional review of stocktaking information and drafting of revised stocktaking report), improve climate scenarios and to perform assessment and train volunteers and IGEWE on data digitization planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will work in close cooperation with the UNDP International Climate Policy Expert. The consultant will have regular contact with national counterparts. This will be undertaken in full compliance with UNDP’s Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures under the direct supervision of NAP Project Coordinator and in close coordination with UNDP Programme Officer for Environment and Climate Change.

The consultant will be primarily responsible for providing high quality scientific technical support, as well as knowledge and capacity development services to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and priority sector ministries (Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Agency of Civil Protection). Specifically the Consultant will be expected to deliver results in the areas described below.

General duties of the Consultant

• Based on the previous V&A assessment, downscale the vulnerability and adaptation assessment to 8 selected municipalities and modify as appropriate with due consideration of changed context.
• Prepare a vulnerability matrix for the diagnostic of climate change impacts for each of the 8 selected municipalities and adjust it according to the specific local conditions
• Support the strengthening of CCA-related capacity by addressing gaps at 8 selected municipalities in the priority sectors.

More specifically the Consultant will:

1. Synthesize insights from available scenario-based literature, including climate change drivers, risks, response options in support of climate change adaptation as well as an inventory of adaptation interventions.
2. Collect and review existing scientific literature, hazard and exposure data, vulnerability and risk data, climate and disaster impact data, statistical data, displacement data, climate data and projections, or any other already available material or records (from government, NGOs/civil society organisations, multilateral organisations, and other research) that can shed light on the climate risks faced by the population in the local area.
3. Peer review, comment on, and seek to improve the available climate adaptation information within relevant ministries dealing with the priority sectors of agriculture, transport, energy, tourism, and urban development issues to 8 selected municipalities.
4. Assist local municipalities to enable the development of evidence-based local level risk and vulnerability assessments, with the identification of medium and long-term climate risks and vulnerabilities.
5. Combine community knowledge at 8 selected municipalities and scientific data to gain understanding about risks of current climate variability (gender consideration and sex disaggregated data), the trends in climate change, and to set development priorities, the multiple risks these groups are facing and their priority needs, and the barriers and opportunities for developing solutions targeted at the most vulnerable.

1. Support analysis of climate information:

• Support the information assessment reporting process by detailing available data and data gaps and identifying areas for deeper study as needed, according to the priority sectors of the NAP process (agriculture, energy, transport, tourism and urban development) by building on existing rapid stocktaking processes such as the SNAP process and Stocktaking Report.
• Contribute on assessing gaps with regards to information availability and existing processes to improve the ability to integrate climate and socio-economic modelling and more clearly identify the socio-economic risks of climate change.
• Stimulate the expanding of existing stocktaking efforts by identifying areas of climate risk in the priority sectors, up taking of best practices and knowledge, including the development of resource kits and other knowledge materials.
• Contribute to development of the local action plan on climate change adaptation for each of the eight selected municipalities.

1. Compile and analyse climate information to support improved climate scenarios.
   1. Downscale the climate change scenarios and projections of relevance at 8 municipalities.
   2. Based on review of the climate change scenarios and projections, analyse present and future climate risk adaptation options in these 8 locals area.
2. Development of the local action plan on climate change adaptation for each of the eight selected municipalities.
3. Prepare and delivery of training on integration of adaptation indicators and activities into development plans in up to 8 municipalities.

Other tasks will include:

• Get familiar with the project document including objectives, outcomes, outputs and activities including project work plan and monitoring and evaluation plan;
• Peer review, comment on, and seek to improve, the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications, and the like.
• Respond to queries on: (a) opportunities for scaling up private sector engagement on adaptation and (b) mainstreaming climate change into planning and budgeting, climate impacts and lessons.

3 - Deliverables

Although almost all below listed deliverables are part of teamwork, the Climate Scientist should directly contribute and be a key instrument in ensuring the following deliverables are completed.

Deliverable 1 (D1)

• An Inception Report which includes a summary of the context, the scope of the analyses and detailed methodology to be used as agreed by the initial scoping with key sector stakeholders and based on initial review of data.

• A NAP Process related Revised Stocktaking Report.

• PPT presentations to communicate the review of available climate data, an understanding of the baseline situation, as well as the evidence for future projections and justification for climate change adaptation interventions.

Deliverable 2 (D2)

• An Activity Report containing an assessment of all pertinent issues to meet main and specific objectives of the assignment with recommendations.
• Outline of approach, methodology and the Climate Scenarios Report.
• PPT presentations to communicate Improved Climate Scenarios.

Deliverable 3 (D3)

• A Final Report  containing a description of achievements including problems encountered and recommendations

• Local action plan on climate change adaptation for each of the eight selected municipalities.
• Training Report

Payment Schedule

First payment - 30%. That is upon completion of deliverables D1 indicatively by February 2023.

Second payment - 40%. Upon completion of deliverables D2 indicatively by June 2023.

Third payment - 30%. Upon completion of deliverables D3 indicatively by November 2023.

Competencies

Corporate competencies and values:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, both oral and written;
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Skills in facilitation and coordination, entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work commitment to working across disciplines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Climate change and development, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Environment resources management, Environmental Law, Planning or a closely-related field.
• Comprehensiveness knowledge of climate change.

Experience

• At least 8 years of relevant experience preferably in the area of climate resilient integrated natural resources planning at national and sub-national levels;
• Experience working with private sector/public-private partnerships especially on financing and operations for small, medium and multinational enterprises;
• Experience in the policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues in the context of climate change risk and marine and freshwater resources management;
• Proven expert working experience with the UNFCCC, and Paris Agreement.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Evaluation of Applicants

Applicants will be assessed on relevant expertise and competencies, as reflected in the CVs, and explored during an interview.

Applicants will be evaluated based on a Combined Scoring system taking into consideration different criteria, which will total to 70 points. Applicants scoring 49 points or more of the technical points will be considered for financial evaluation.  

Applications will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of their qualifications and financial proposal. A two-stage procedure is utilized in evaluating the applications, with evaluation of the CVs being completed prior to any financial proposal being compared. The award is made to the individuals whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable
• Having received the highest score out of the pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specified to the vacancy announcement

Technical Evaluation Criteria

• Relevant experience in participating to projects, programmes, policies, or strategies development (to ensure these CCA aspects) (15 points).
• Sound experience the area of climate resilient integrated natural resources planning at national and sub-national level (25 points);
• Previous experience in policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues in the context of climate change risk and  environment resources management (10 points).
• Previous experience with the required analytical work experience in developing stocktaking report (10 points).
• Experience with project development, implementation and management. Familiarity with UNDP projects is an advantage (5 points);
• Experience working with private sector/public-private partnerships especially on financing and operations for small, medium and multinational enterprises (5 points).

Financial/Price Proposal evaluation:

Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation will be further considered and evaluated.

The total number of points allocated for the financial/price component is 30.

Application Procedure 

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. 

The application should contain: 

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability & Detailed Financial Proposal - please fill in the attached form. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
• Example: (kindly refer to the example below when filling out the Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

[INCORRECT] An all-inclusive daily fee of [state amount in words and in numbers indicating currency]

[CORRECT] (Select Here and elaborate) [X] A total lump sum of [state amount in words and in numbers, indicating exact currency], payable in the manner described in the Terms of Reference.

• Filled P11 form or CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)

• Financial Proposal in USD*- Specify a Total Lump Sum in United States Dollar for the tasks specified in this announcement. The attached template may be used - Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser) Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services). 

• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport. 

• Beneficiary contact details (next of kin)
  • Beneficiary's Contact Person's Name:
  • Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms):
  • Address:
  • Telephone:
  • Email:

*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application. 

How to Submit the Application: 

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

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs). 
• In the P11 Form make sure to include Email Addresses of the Persons who are willing to provide References on your experience in working with them.
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded. 
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement). 
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;” 
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above). 

• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system. 

Due to large number of applications, we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process. 

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.