Background

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan.  BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder for including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.

As the UN system's development program and a GEF Implementing Agency since 1991, UNDP also supports countries in addressing development, climate, and ecosystem sustainability in an integrated manner. UNDP-GEF offers countries highly specialized technical services for eligibility assessment, program/project formulation, due diligence, mobilization of required co-financing, project implementation oversight, results management and evaluation, performance-based payments and knowledge management.

With financing from the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund, Adaptation Fund, Government of Germany, Japan and other donors, UNDP, together with a number of partners is providing assistance to countries to integrate climate change into their national and sectoral planning and budgeting processes. In this context, UNDP and the Government of Germany are specifically supporting Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Thailand, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Uruguay, and two additional countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region (to be determined) to integrate the agricultural sectors into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) process. The UNDP-led initiative, which will also involve FAO will provide technical assistance to the targeted countries to integrate climate change aspects for the agriculture sectors based livelihoods within their existing national planning and budgeting processes. The programme will enhance understanding of the targeted countries on what it takes to address climate change impacts and integrate agriculture sectors' concerns into their national planning and budgeting process and in line with existing UNFCCC endorsed framework for NAPs. This programme responds to FCCC/SBI/2013/L.10/Add.1 and FCCC/SBI/2014/L.19 inviting UN Agencies to enhance and continue its work supporting developing countries with their NAP process. It is also consistent with SBSTA/2014/L.14.  The support provided to countries will harvest lessons from UNDP’s and FAO's work on adaptation practices, analytical work on assessing economic benefits of adaptation options and monitoring and reporting on evidence based results. Ultimately, the project will contribute to (i) the national adaptation agenda setting in particular regarding the agriculture sectors and other sectors; and (ii) enhance regional and global dialogue and cooperation on scaling up adaptation action while integrating it into national budget and accessing international climate finance.

Within this overall background, UNDP is seeking an economist to provide the targeted countries as well as any others that are added to this programme with one-on-one technical assistance to identify capacity gaps and deliver training in comprehensive integrated climate-environment-socio-economic vulnerability assessments  as well as economic based appraisal techniques for sector-based and distinct adaptation investments. The training will be targeted to both general decision makers and more specialized departments in government and national institutions involved in adaptation planning and budgeting, building on key elements identified in the UNFCCC LEG guidelines for the NAPs process. The provision of this technical assistance is intended to support LDCs and developing countries to inform and guide a medium to long term approach to addressing climate change risks within existing planning and budgeting processes.

This tailored support will complement other NAP-GSPs activities that are focused on region-based technical training and awareness raising, and knowledge sharing and exchange in the context of strengthening capacities of client countries to mainstream climate change into planning and budgeting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective:

The consultant is expected to support the achievement of the following objectives

  • Assist countries to plan for skills building programmes in vulnerability assessments and adaptation appraisal techniques to advance the NAPs process;
  • Sensitize senior decision makers on economic appraisal techniques to evaluate adaptation options and how such tools/approaches can assist in the process of prioritization in ministries and government departments;
  • Train technical personnel in ministries involved with sector planning and project formulation in applying economic appraisal techniques for sector-based and distinct investment options. This is more specialized training designed to assist personnel with applying economic assessment techniques to understand the impact of climate change on key sectors (agriculture, water, energy, etc.) at both the micro and macro level. Evaluation techniques for adaptation options will also be covered through this training;
  • Support UNDP’s work on catalyzing private sector finance for adaptation. In the context of support rolled out to countries to advance their National adaptation Plans, the consultant will work with UNDP staff to assist countries to identify barrier to private sector investment in the context of climate change risk management in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and energy.

Scope of Work:

Working in coordination with other project staff at the national and regional level based in UNDP and its collaborating partner, FAO, the consultant will be responsible for:

  • Assisting the targeted countries of this UNDP-BMUB project with one on one support to plan for skills enhancement for improved vulnerability assessments and adaptation appraisal techniques for the NAPs process;
  • Provide half a day direct training in the targeted countries on adaptation appraisal techniques for senior decision makers;
  • Provide a more in-depth training programme (3-4 days) on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments for the targeted countries, when required, at least once over the duration of the contract;
  • Provide remote technical advisory support to countries supported by the GSP-NAP on the economics of adaptation including on applying adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • Support UNDP staff involved in NAP related assistance to countries as well as programming support with technical assistance related to the economics of adaptation including preparation of training materials on cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of projects and programmes supported by UNDP;
  • Assist countries to develop a preliminary economic assessment of climate risks and risk management profile with respect to key sectors, which are vulnerable to climate change and likely to contribute to low emission growth;
  • Assist countries to develop sector specific economic assessments of risk management measures that international funds could be used, together with domestic public and private funds to address those sector specific risks;
  • Support public agencies in client countries to identify policy and regulation risks that may not be conducive to incentivizing private investment. Assist client countries to develop potential solutions to reduce policy and regulation risks that are acting as barriers to private investment;
  • Support countries to draft investment proposals to access international finance;
  • Collaborate with UNDP staff to prepare drafts of at least 2 journal quality articles for publication based on country level economic assessments.

The tasks associated with this Terms of Reference are expected to be completed through a combination of (a) home-based preparatory work; (b) leading or participating in country level consultations (together with UNDP staff) in selected countries and; (c) post-mission drafting of next steps, based on the outcomes of the in-country training) to guide the NAP process in visited country.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Pre-Mission Deliverables (Products/Services)

  • Plan for mission;
  • Liaise with country team on priority areas and capacity building needs to guide in country training material preparation on the economics of adaptation;
  • Preparation of training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • Prepare templates to guide and plan for skills building in V&A and Adaptation Appraisal;
  • All PPTs to be used in the course of the training on the economics of adaptation and investment appraisal.

In country Deliverables (Products/Services)

  • Interview key government departments and identify gaps and needs for skills building in vulnerability assessment and adaptation appraisal in coordination with national training institutes
  • Provide direct training to senior decision makers with presentations tailored to a general audience
  • Provide a more in-depth training programme (3-4 days) on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments.

Post- mission Deliverables (Products/Services)

  • Post mission assessment of areas of support needed given additional information gathered following the in country workshop and project site visits;
  • A draft skills building plan for 2 or 3 government departments on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments;
  • Training materials on cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of projects and programmes supported by UNDP and on sector specific economic assessments of risk management measures;
  • Drafts of 2 journal quality articles, prepared in collaboration with UNDP staff, on the economics of adaptation pertaining the agriculture sector in the countries targeted by the UNDP-BMUB programme.

Target due date: May,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • Draft of Workplan;
  • Consultations with 2xcountry teams;
  • 1 training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • 2 templates to guide and plan for skills building in V&A and Adaptation Appraisal.

Target due date: June,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • Consultations with 2xcountry teams;
  • 1 training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • 2 templates to guide and plan for skills building in V&A and Adaptation Appraisal.

Target due date: July,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 1 training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • 2 templates to guide and plan for skills building in V&A and Adaptation Appraisal;
  • 2 PPTs for the training on the economics of adaptation and investment appraisal.

Target due date: August,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 2 training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques;
  • 1 interview key government departments;
  • 2 direct training to senior decision makers.

Target due date: September,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 1 more in-depth training programme (3-4 days) on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments;
  • 1 interview key government departments;
  • 2 training material – both theoretical and with examples on adaptation appraisal techniques.

Target due date: October,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 2 PPTs for the training on the economics of adaptation and investment appraisal;
  • Consultations with 2xcountry teams;
  • 1 Post mission assessment of areas of support needed.

Target due date: November,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 2 interviews key government departments;
  • Consultations with 2xcountry teams;
  • 1 draft skills building plan for one government department on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments.

Target due date: December,2015  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 2 interviews key government departments;
  • 1 draft skills building plan for one government department on adaptation appraisal and vulnerability assessments.

Target due date: January,2016  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 15 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 1 direct training to senior decision makers;
  • 2 PPTs for the training on the economics of adaptation and investment appraisal;
  • 2 training materials on cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis.

Target due date: February,2016  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • 2 direct training to senior decision makers;
  • 2 interviews key government departments;
  • 2 training materials on cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis.

Target due date: March,2016  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • Prepare 10 tweets on the results (1 per week);
  • 1 direct training to senior decision makers;
  • 1 journal quality article.

Target due date: April,2016  , Estimated Duration to Complete : 10 days

Deliverables/Outputs:

  • Prepare 5 tweets on the results (1 per week);
  • 1 journal quality article;
  • 1 final report on results;

All deliverables will be reviewed by Lead Technical Specialist- NAPs and approval must be obtained.

Institutional Arrangement

The consultant will be supervised by the Head of Climate Change Adaptation (Global), UNDP-GEF and/or his designate throughout the consultancy.

Review time required

The review and approval of payments will be made by the assigned supervisor(s) within 14 days.

Contract Duration:

25 May 2015 – 15 April 2016 (up to 150 working days).

Duty Station:

Home based with possible travel to the countries targeted by the UNDP-BMUB programme.

Expected places of travel 

Travel likely to Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Uruguay and other locations. Destination shall be assigned and approved prior to travel.

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;
  • Comprehensiveness knowledge of climate change.
  • Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
  • Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
  • Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
  • Positive, constructive attitude to work.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

  • Master degree or above in economics, environmental economics or a closely related field.

Professional Experience:

  • A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience. Relevant experience can include areas such as economics of adaptation, teaching in applied research departments, institutional capacity-building for public administrators on economics and finance development planning and budgeting, development management, public administration and related initiatives;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of climate change adaptation and development;
  • Experience working with and delivering support to Governments;
  • Sound understanding of climate change, sustainable human development, environmental management issues adaptation, vulnerability and impact, and other related sustainable human development issues;
  • Experience working in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean;
  • Experience working in capacity building for climate change adaptation.

Language requirements:

  • Fluency in English is essential.

Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

The contract will be based on daily fee

Consultant shall quote an all-inclusive Daily Fee for the contract period. The term “all-inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables, etc.) that could be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment are already factored into the daily fee submitted in the proposal. If applicable, travel or daily allowance cost (if any work is to be done outside the IC’s duty station) should be identified separately. Payments shall be done on a monthly basis based on actual days worked, upon verification of completion of deliverables and approval by the IC’s supervisor of a Time Sheet indicating the days worked in the period.

In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
  • Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (70%) and financial criteria (30%) specific to the solicitation.

Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 500 points)

  • Criteria 1 : Education - max 75 points;
  • Criteria 2 : Professional Experience - max 125 points;
  • Criteria 3 : Experience working with and delivering support to Governments - max 50 points;
  • Criteria 4 : Experience in the area of climate change, sustainable human development, environmental management issues adaptation, vulnerability and impact, and other related sustainable human development issues.- max 100 points;
  • Criteria 5 : Experience working in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean - max 50 points;
  • Criteria 6 : Experience working in capacity building for climate change adaptation.- max 75 points;
  • Criteria 7 : Fluency in English communication - max 25 points.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 350 technical points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview which will be used to confirm and/or adjust the technical scores awarded based on documentation submitted.

Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview which will be used to confirm and/or adjust the technical scores awarded based on documentation submitted.

Documentation required:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:

  • Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex 2;
  • Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
  • Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex 2;
  • Technical proposal, including a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.

Incomplete proposals may not be considered.

Annexes :

For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to brh.gef.procurement@undp.org.