UNDP Jobs - 50437- International Consultant for the Development of a

International Consultant for the Development of a Conceptual Framework for a Measuring / Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System for Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in the Context of the Low Emission Development Strategy

Location :

Home-based and Moldova CO

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

03-Nov-2014

Application Deadline :

21-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

25 working days, including 2 missions to Moldova

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

November-December 2014

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP Moldova together with the Climate Change Office of the Ministry of Environment (MoEN) of the Republic of Moldova is implementing the Low Emission Capacity Building (LECB) Project – Republic of Moldova. The main scope of the LECB project is to increase institutional capacities to provide appropriate mechanisms of support and coordination when addressing climate risks, to strengthen the technical knowledge in order to better understand and make use of climate information, and increasing relevant data and access to data for planning and decision-making.

The main project objective is to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of the Republic of Moldova to develop a National Inventory System to support the development of national GHG inventory on a regular basis; to identify and formulate Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in the context of the national Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS); and to measure/monitor, verify and report (MRV) progress on NAMAs and LEDS implementation.

In this context, the LECB Project shall support the establishment of a domestic MRV system for the National Appropriate Mitigation Actions (both policies and measures) in accordance to the guidelines developed under the Convention.

The MRV system shall be built upon the analyses conducted within the National Inventory Report for 1990-2010 period (http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/mdanir.pdf, submitted to UNFCCC on 21st of November 2013), on the Third National Communication of the Republic of Moldova under the UNFCCC (http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/mdanc3.pdf, submitted to UNFCCC on 20th of January 2014), on the Technology Needs Assessment Report of the Republic of Moldova (http://tech-action.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=search&layout=searchcategory&Itemid=162), as well as on the draft Low Emission Development Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until 2020 (http://particip.gov.md/proiectview.php?l=ro&idd=929).

To be able to effectively develop a country specific MRV system in this particularly complex climate change related project, UNDP is seeking to engage a qualified international consultant that will propose the most appropriate domestic MRV system approach and will point out the key steps, activities and players needed to successfully implement this system in the country.

The consultant will work under direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager and of the Project Manager and leader of the MRV Working Group, in cooperation with two national MRV consultants. The International MRV consultant shall also communicate with the other two project working groups (GHG inventories and NAMAs).

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work:

The focus of this assignment is to propose the most appropriate country specific Conceptual Framework for Measuring/Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in the context of Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) implementation. The Conceptual Framework shall take into consideration relevant domestic legal and institutional systems and capacities, and will promote a cost-effective approach.

Main tasks:

Under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager and Project Manager, and in close cooperation with two National MRV Consultants, the International MRV Consultant will undertake the following specific tasks:

Desk review of the National Inventory Report (NIR), Third National Communication (TNC) of the Republic of Moldova under the UNFCCC, Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) Report, as well as draft Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) and other key relevant strategic document focused on mitigation of GHG emissions;
Assess the current national policy and regulatory frameworks with an aim to identify gaps as well as entry points for embedding domestic MRV system in accordance with the UNFCCC guidelines;
Explore potential requirements for establishment of MRV in the context of the EU accession perspective of the country.

Propose the most appropriate Conceptual Framework for Monitoring/Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in the context of Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) of the Republic of Moldova until 2020 implementation.

The conceptual framework will include, among others:

Collection of all relevant data, sources, and methodologies, including any models used for projections or extrapolation to the extent possible;
Data processing and quality control model(s) i.e. roles and responsibilities of entities in charge for implementing, monitoring/measuring, reporting and verifying mitigation actions in respective sectors;
Performance indicators to measure progress in implementation of mitigation actions;
Procedures for reporting and collecting performance indicator data.

Further, the consultant will:

Propose a governance structure for the suggested MRV framework;
Propose a pathway describing all steps for implementation of the Conceptual Framework, including responsible entities, a timeframe, and related costs to the extent possible;
Identify and present several best practices in monitoring/measurement, reporting and verification of NAMAs in the context of LEDS implementation;
Present the findings and recommendation from the proposed Conceptual Framework for Monitoring/Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of NAMAs in the context of LEDS implementation during a one day training workshop.

Expected Deliverables:

Undertaking a desk review of the National Inventory Report: 1990-2010, of the Third National Communication of the Republic of Moldova under the UNFCCC, of the Mitigation Technology Needs Assessment, as well as of the draft Low Emission Development Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until 2020 (by 7th of November);
Delivery of an introductory note on MRV of NAMAs in the context of LEDS in the Republic of Moldova during a one day training workshop organized in the frame of the first fact-finding mission (by 14th of November);
Producing a draft Conceptual Framework for MRV of NAMAs in the context of LEDS development (responding to the specific tasks outlined above) (by 28th of November 2014);
Presenting a pathway describing all steps for implementation of the Conceptual Framework, including responsible entities and a timeframe, and related costs to the extent possible (by 5th of December 2014);
Delivering presentations on the findings and recommendations for the proposed final version of the Conceptual Framework of the national MRV system for NAMAs in the context of LEDS during a two days training workshop organized in the frame of the second mission (by 19th of December 2014).

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Good familiarity with UNFCCC documents and guidelines relevant for MRV, as well as other relevant MRV guidelines applicable for non-Annex I countries (as for instance, with the GIZ MRV Tool Version 4.1 and with RICARDO-AEA “Training on Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and GIZ’s MRV tool;
A capacity building tool for stakeholders in developing countries”, etc.);
Feasible and clearly described methodology for the assignment and which is conducive to achievement of deliverables and project outputs;
Excellent analytical skills and ability to prepare accurate, clear and concise reports;
Good organizational, time management and facilitation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum B.Sc. (or equivalent) in relevant area (natural, technical, environmental sciences, law);
Higher degree shall be considered an asset.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience related to climate change mitigation or development of related climate change policies and actions;
Record of participation in at least 2 similar assignment of similar size and degree of complexity (consultancy services for development of MRV systems/policies in the area of climate change mitigation).

Language:

English language proficiency;
Knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian language will be an advantage.

Important notice

The applicant who has the statute of Government Official / Public Servant, prior to appointment will be asked to submit the following documentation:

A no-objection letter in respect of the applicant received from the government; and
The applicant is certified in writing by the government to be on official leave without pay for the duration of the Individual Contract.

A retired government official is not considered in this case a government official, and as such, may be contracted.

The detailed Terms of Reference and procurement Notice can be found at http://www.undp.md/jobs/current_jobs.