Due to the diverse and complex terrain of the Caucasus mountains and the influence of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea on the climate and weather of the region, Georgia is exposed to various climate-induced hazards including (flash) floods, climate-induced geological hazards (including landslides, mudflow, debris flows), droughts, soil erosion, severe winds, hailstorms and avalanches. Furthermore, the frequency, intensity and geographical spread of extreme hydro meteorological hazards will increase under climate change and may result in significant impacts on key sectors including agriculture, critical infrastructure (transportation networks, buildings, roads, water supply, energy installations), natural resources and eco-systems, glaciers and forests.

To help adapt to these existing expected future challenges, UNDP Georgia is implementing a program aimed at both reducing the exposure and increasing the preparedness of Georgia’s communities, livelihoods and infrastructure to climate-induced natural hazards, through a well-functioning nation-wide multi-hazard early warning system and risk-informed local action. It will provide critical climate risk information that will enable the Government of Georgia to implement a number of nation-wide transformative policies and actions for reducing exposure and vulnerability of the population to climate-induced hazards, helping to catalyse a paradigm shift in approaches to national climate risk management, climate-proofed disaster risk reduction and early warning.

The program encompasses three interrelated projects funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA). The GCF funded project interventions target expanding the hydro-meteorological and agrometeorological observation network, introducing methods and tools for gender sensitive vulnerability assessment, supporting establishment of a centralized multi-hazard disaster risk information and knowledge system, enhancing multi-hazard forecasting and modelling capacities and improving community resilience through implementation of early warning systems (EWS) & risk reduction measures. Activities funded by SDC aim complements this work through the development of multi-hazard risk information and by introducing standardized and harmonized national multi-hazard mapping and risk assessment methodologies, effective national regulations, coordination mechanism and institutional capacities. SIDA funded activities further reduce exposure of Georgia’s communities, livelihoods and infrastructure to climate-induced natural hazards through supporting implementation of structural measures in affected areas. Geographical coverage of the program is nation-wide, covering all 11 major river basins in Georgia: Enguri, Rioni, Chorokhi-Adjaristskali, Supsa, Natanebi, Khobi, Kintrishi, Khrami-Ktsia, Alazani, Iori and Mtkvari/Kura, focusing on the following hazards: floods, landslides, mudflows, avalanches, hailstorms, windstorms and droughts.

At present several consultants (consultants in hydrological forecasting, hydraulic forecasting, landslide/mudflow forecasting, avalanche forecasting; flood modellers and etc.) are working to establish MHEWS for the 7 natural hazards in 11 river basins. Within this context it is critical to set up standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols which guide relevant institutions in the roles they are expected to undertake, which will allow them to make immediate decisions and undertake appropriate measures within the overall functioning of the MHEWS. This will ensure uninterrupted and quick reactions to impending hazards, with clearly defined responsibilities for each activity and the flow of information/data needed to decide on appropriate actions.

COPE OF WORK, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL WORK

The overall responsibility of the international expert is to lead the establishment of MHEWS protocol at national level (from central/governmental to municipality and community level) via providing technical advice and oversight to the protocol related activities of involved parties such as the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), the Ministry of Regional Development  and Infrastructure (MRDI), the National Environmental Agency (NEA), Emergency Management Service (EMS), municipalities and etc. The international expert is expected to support NEA in identification and introduction of institutional arrangements that will ensure effective operation of the MHEWS in Georgia. The expert will work under direct supervision of Project Coordinator and respective Team leader and overall guidance of Project Chief Technical Advisor and in cooperation with International Expert on Forecasting Systems.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

For the entire period of the assignment the international expert will be responsible for:

• Reviewing and preparing documentation on international good practices for operation of MHEWS (including last mile communication) and recommendations on approaches for institutional integration for MHEWS which are applicable to Georgia;
• Guiding discussions between institutions (and divisions thereof) on appropriate roles and responsibilities in order for the MHEWS to function as efficiently as possible, allowing for timely preparation and/or responses to hazards;
• Assessment of current responsibilities and practice of early warning system operation in Georgia to identify gaps and any barriers/impediments to addressing those gaps. Develop a number of scenarios of potential institutional modalities which can be considered as part of the MHEWS protocol.
• Develop a list of activities which should be undertaken by NEA and other institutions required to have a functioning MHEWS protocol for Georgia;
• Participate in drafting of the MHEWS protocol by providing technical guidance and recommendations to NEA  and by participating in relevant workshops and discussions;
• Provide quality assurance and clearance of the final MHEWS protocol;
• Assist NEA in planning of consultation workshops and support in incorporation of the stakeholder needs and advice in drafting of MHEWS protocol

Deliverables and payment modality:

30 % of the consultancy fee - 30 January 2023     

Deliverable 1 - Report on international good practices on institutional arrangements for operation of MHEWS, with a focus on and highlighting good practices which can be considered within Georgia. Provide an assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, as well as any relevant external dependencies (e.g. for data/information);

20%  of the consultancy fee - End of May 2023

Deliverable 2 - Report current distribution of responsibilities and practice of operation of MHEWS in Georgia with a clear assessment of current gaps/deficiencies and barriers to addressing those gaps/deficiencies. A clearly set out set of recommendations for how the current MHEWS protocol should function, as well as future activities needed to address any existing gaps. A costing of activities and timelines should be provided for both the current functioning MHEWS (clearly articulated SOPs, responsible parties, timing of activities and their associated operating costs), as well as future work to improve the current MHEWS.      

10% of the consultancy fee - End of June 2023

Deliverable 3 - An evaluation of stakeholder consultations undertaken through the work, their requirements for information/warnings and how the MHEWS protocol can ensure the timely production of needed data/information. 

10% of the consultancy fee - End of August 2023

Deliverable 4 - Mid term progress report.

15% of the consultancy fee - End of November 2023

Deliverable 5 – For each hazard an agreed set of activities, their timing and responsible parties (validated by all stakeholders and institutions) to be implemented by NEA and other institutions as required.

15 % of the consultancy fee - End of February 2024          

Deliverable 6 - Final report on provided advice and support and attached with the final MHEWS protocol.

Competencies:

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Understanding of the mandate and the role of UNDP would be an asset;

• 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 favouritism

Functional competencies:

• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated skills in drafting reports;
• Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines;
• Actively generates creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations;
• Excellent writing, presentation/public speaking skills;
• A pro-active approach to problem-solving;
• Computer literacy;

Leadership and Self-Management skills:

• Builds strong relationships with the working group and with the project partners; focuses on impact and results for the project partners and responds positively to feedback;
• Cooperates with working group effectively and demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, positivity and a constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong influencing and facilitation skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change, new ideas and ability to manage ambiguity;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to transfer knowledge and competencies;
• Ability to work independently and hurdle competing priorities.

Education:

• Master’s degree in meteorology, natural sciences and policy, environmental management, environmental policy, natural disaster management, hydrology or any related field (minimum requirement) – 12 points; PhD in meteorology, natural sciences and policy, environmental management, environmental policy, natural disaster management, hydrology or any related field – additional 3 points.

Experience:

• Experience in implementation of projects related to Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems (minimum requirement) 5 years to 8 years  – 13 Points, More than 8 years – additional 2 points;

• Previous experience on institutional and legal analysis on EWSs (minimum requirement) at least 2-4 assignments – 10 Points. More than 4 assignments – additional 2 point.

• Experience working on MHEWS Last Mile communication systems - 2 points.

• Experience working with State/National institutions related to introduction of Multi Hazard Early Warning Systems  - 3 points.

• Familiarity and/or experience with Multi -hazard forecasting systems - 2 points. 

Evaluation :

Offerors will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis method, against combination of technical and financial criteria. Maximum total obtainable score is 100, out of which the total score for technical criteria (desk review and interview) equals to 70 and for financial criteria – to 30. Offerors that do not meet any of the Minimum Requirements will be automatically rejected, while the rest will form the long list. Technical evaluation will comprise of desk review and interview stages. Offerors who pass the 70% threshold, is obtain minimum 35 points as a result of the desk review will be invited to the interview. Offerors passing 70% threshold as a result of the interview (i.e. obtain minimum of 14 points) will be recommended for financial evaluation. 

Financial proposal:

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in instalments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the ToR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount. Maximum 30 points will be assigned to the lowest price offer. All other price offers will be scored using the formula (inverse proportion):  Financial score X = 30* the lowest price offer/suggested price offer. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal as well.