Background
Although the Federal government has a range of biodiversity related activities, at present there are little or no dedicated resources or focused activities at national level specifically to address the problems of conservation of riverine biodiversity. Activities are fragmented between different agencies, un-coordinated and generally with small level of resource allocation. There are however significant resources allocated for other aspects of river management or pollution control which may contribute to the conservation of riverine biodiversity. The proposed project will build on these baseline actions and will leverage increased funding directed to riverine biodiversity management. The Government of Malaysia (GOM) has clearly identified the critical nature of riverine biodiversity management in its efforts to conserve the amazing array of biodiversity in the country. In the baseline situation, the Government’s principal focus of river management remains flood control and water supply with little consideration for riverine biodiversity and habitat management. Uncoordinated management of riverine areas will continue to put pressure on biodiversity from habitat conversion, degradation and pollution. A lack of inter-agency coordination, strategy, capacity and resources will mean that threats to riverine biodiversity will continue to grow, and will likely lead to further habitat fragmentation and destruction.The proposed UNDP/GEF and GOM project will enable a set of institutional barriers to integrated and coordinated riverine landscape management will be addressed at the national and state levels, backed by development and adoption of the inter-agency strategy to mainstream biodiversity into river management, which provides the foundation for coordinated planning, management including enforcement and compliance monitoring mechanisms. Capacity of institutions responsible for different aspects of river management will be strengthened. Integrated riverine biodiversity management will be demonstrated in three critical habitats in Peninsular and Sabah. The GEF financing will also help catalyze support from both private and public sectors as well as the community towards conservation objectives in the project areas, and provide a mechanism to use such support to generate sustained long-term improvements in riverine biodiversity.
Proposed GEF5 MSP project:
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has requested GEF assistance through UNDP for the preparation a project proposal for a medium sized project: “Mainstreaming of Biodiversity Conservation into River Management in Malaysia”. The project aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into riverine landscapes through improved river planning and management practices in Malaysia.
The PIF document, and Review Sheet document can be downloaded from the following web link: http://www.thegef.org/gef/project_detail?projID=5692.
Information on the UNDP and GEF Monitoring and Evaluation process and experience from other countries can be referred to the Evaluation Resource Centre at the following web link http://erc.undp.org.
Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of work:The purpose of this TOR and hence the consultancy is to design, formulate and complete the UNDP Project Document and the GEF CEO Endorsement Document for the proposed project. The consultant will work with a national Riverine Biodiversity Expert consultant, MNRE, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and UNDP to complete the document leading to the submission of the document to GEF.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Supporting the UNDP and MNRE in providing technical advice, guidance on GEF requirements and inputs to the formulation process for the “Mainstreaming of Biodiversity Conservation into River Management In Malaysia”;
- Provide strategic guidance to UNDP and MNRE to ensure that all the necessary elements are covered in sufficient details to meet GEF approval of the CEO Endorsement;
- Working together with Riverine Biodiversity Expert to complete the UNDP Project Document and CEO;
- Endorsement, drafting sections, providing review comments/inputs and finalising the documents;
- Review the official comments from the UNDP, STAP, GEF and others, and assist in preparation of responses;
- Conduct feasibility analysis of different options for the implementation of project activities and project governance;
- Ensure action points from the UNDP environmental and social screening process (ESSP) for the PIF stage are fully implemented during the PPG;
- Conduct the full UNDP ESSP and compile a summary report indicating results of the PPG investigation and future actions;
- Define and validate the project outcomes, outputs, and activities based on a logical framework analysis and baseline gathered by the Riverine Biodiversity expert;
- Assess existing monitoring and evaluation systems of the government institution for biodiversity and provide guidance and orientation to define indicators and quantify targets to track project progress and effectiveness;
- Develop the results framework of the project with SMART indicators, baseline and targets, including biodiversity indicators;
- Compile the final baseline/situational analysis for the project based on the inputs from local experts and in close cooperation with the key national stakeholders. This will include a precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals, and co-financing links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output including full description of pilots; and development of incremental cost matrices, describing and evaluating (costing) any alternative means of achieving the goals of the project;
- Define overall Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Project;
- Assess the sustainability of suggested project outcomes and outputs;
- Assess global environmental benefits sought from the project;
- Develop budget plans for the project;
- Ensure linkages with other government, donor and GEF financed projects in Malaysia;
- Drafting ToRs for the key consultants/contracts to be employed by the project;
- Define recommended project monitoring and evaluation indicators;
- Perform final reviews of the required project documentation;
- Compile response to GEF Secretariat’s review comments and make necessary revisions to the documents;
The methodology includes desk research, site visit, meetings and workshops with stakeholders and discussion with NRE, DID and UNDP.
Duration:
The consultancy will be carried out for 8 weeks between 1 July to 30 September 2014.
Deliverables & Timeline:
- A draft UNDP Project Document by 10 August 2014;
- Final technically cleared Project Document and CEO Endorsement Document by 15 September 2014.
- A by-weekly discussion/report with UNDP and MNRE/UNDP as per Annex II;
- As requested, the consultant would need to attend and present at the Project Steering Committee meeting on the deliverables.
The fee is payable upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the deliverables as in Annex I.
Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:
Interested individuals must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
- Proposal on how your qualifications and experience can lead towards the successful deliverable of this assignment within the required timeframe, and provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the assignment;
- Financial Proposal as provided in Annex II. Please download Annex I, II and III at http://www.my.undp.org/content/dam/malaysia/docs/Procurement/MyIC_2014_025%20Financial%20Proposal%20Template.docx;
- Personal CV including areas of expertise and past experience in similar projects and at least three (3) references in the format of UN Personal History Form (P11 form). The UN Personal History Form (P11) is available at http://www.undp.org.my/uploads/p11%20personal%20history%20form.doc.
- Please save and upload all documents (proposals, P11 Form and Financial Proposal) into one PDF file;
- The evaluation criteria and matrix can be found in Annex III;
- Interview via phone/Skype will be organized if necessary;
- Any request for clarification must be sent in writing to procurement.my@undp.org. Please write the Project reference MyIC/2014/025" in your e-mail heading;
- The deadline for submitting requests for clarification/questions is 25 June 2014.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Excellent knowledge of infrastructure planning and financing at the city level;
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills;
- Development and Operational Effectiveness;
- Ability to apply peer reviewer guideline production procedures;
- Ability to analyze technical requirements in energy efficiency and energy management applications;
- Strong analytical skills.
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Supports teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
- Consistently approaches work with energy, a positive and constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- An Advanced Degree in Forestry/Biodiversity or any other environment relevant. Bachelor degree with extensive experience can be considered as well.
- 10 years of demonstrable experience and skills in designing and formulating GEF project, and compiling project documents that meet required standards;
- Experience and skills in strategic planning, needs assessment and gap analysis, research and consultancy institution with expertise in biodiversity policy and regulations;
- Should have good knowledge and proven track record in international environmental agreements including the Convention on biological Diversity (CBD);
- Good understanding of national policy and laws related to biodiversity in Malaysia;
- Good knowledge of key stakeholders at State and federal in Malaysia;
- Knowledge about project management is essential.
- Excellent English (speak, write and read).