Background

The project supports the improved, more sustainable and more resilient land use management of non-irrigated arid desert, steppe and mountain landscapes of Uzbekistan, which constitute the vast majority of its territory, and reduce competitive pressures between different land uses, particularly forestry, rain fed and pasture use. It is facilitating the up scaling of existing best practices for land management within two ecologically and socio-economically representative districts (Zaamin and Karakul) and provide a model for undertaking district level integrated land use planning. Based on experiences on the ground it supports the updating and refinement of relevant national policy, legislation and institutions and mechanisms for improved national coordination and planning for integrated land use management.

Detailed information about the project can be found on our web-site:

http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/projects/environment_and_energy/reducing-pressures-on-natural-resources-from-competing-land-use-.html

An important objective of the project is to develop and test mechanisms for a holistic, integrated, and participatory planning of land use in two target districts of the project, given the fact that the mechanisms would be effective and viable within the current system of land management in Uzbekistan. This will be the first step for the implementation of such approaches to planning at the local level. Based on the experience gained in the target areas, the project will contribute to replicate activities in other areas.

The initial methodology of the implementation process of integrated planning of land use management (ILUMP) at the district level was determined in the beginning of the project, based on international best practice and the practical experience gained by UNDP in Uzbekistan as a result of implementation of similar activities in the field of planning at district and community levels. A strategic performance plan was drafted for implementation of ILUMP on the project pilot sites describing lessons learned in this process. It could serve as a basis to develop tools and recommendations to facilitate the dissemination of such experience of planning on the ground with actual implementation of a real plan of land use with elements of ILUMP within district administration level.

Through awareness raising, skills and experience needed at the local level, as well as the formation of strategic vision and commitment at the national level, the project aims to create favourable conditions for pragmatic integrated land-use management, which will develop from the bottom up.

As this is the first time such district level land use planning has been systematically attempted, it will be important to carefully assess the lessons learned during the process and, on that basis, develop tools and guidelines for facilitating the replication of such planning in other districts.

The development and initial implementation of 2 district level integrated land use management plans has to involve, in brief:

• identification of the best integrated land use options based on multiple criteria (economic, social and environmental) and the wider Oblast/national planning context;
• identification of the districts long term planning goal and mid-term objectives; and
• development of practical plan of actions (including responsibilities, timing, indicators of progress, financing).

These plans should incorporate the best practices being replicated in the districts as part of efforts to improve the overall productivity and sustainability of land use. In order to ensure that the integrated land use planning is a locally driven process, and that these plans have full ownership by all the district level stakeholders, the project will first undertake a process of building understanding about the benefits such planning can bring and the best means and approaches for carrying it out. In particular, this will involve the introduction of participatory approaches new to local district authorities that will better ensure full participation of key stakeholders and public. These include bottom-up land use planning processes that directly involve actual land users in the process of defining, within the realistic context of the district and the national planning environment, mid to long term land use options and objectives and ensure that their inputs, agreement and role in implementation is clearly defined and transparent.

The project is going to provide a mainly facilitator role in the process of the actual plan development in order to ensure it has the required ownership (i.e. that actual land users, local authorities, and local representatives of ministries are the primary drivers of its contents and that all have been fully consulted and have given consensual support). Though this may be a more difficult approach than the project leading the process or undertaking it directly, it is important in terms of building stakeholders’ consensus and commitment to practical implementation. Finally, the project will provide strategic technical support to the district stakeholders to initiate practical implementation of the plans and to build the experience necessary to bridge the inevitable gaps between planning and reality.

Finally, it should be noted that the 2 districts where ILUMPs are to be developed offer the scope for demonstrating ILUM planning in an area with a transition of irrigated, pastoral, forestry/conservation area. Demonstrating this in transition areas while being an ideal approach from a “lessons learned” perspective, is also more complex. In the Karakul district, land use is comparatively simple with desert pasture (and some desert saxaul (haloxylon) forestry areas), plus small area of irrigated/household plot territory. However, in Zaamin there is a much more complex land use situation with transition from irrigated to pasture, from pasture to rain fed arable, pasture to forestry, and forestry/pasture to conservation area/recreational areas. There is therefore scope within the two selected district for different complexities of land use planning from which useful practical lessons can be derived.

While this approach may be more complex, it is important from the point of view of reaching consensus among stakeholders and obtain assurance of commitment to its implementation. Finally, the project will provide strategic technical support to stakeholders at the district level to begin the practical implementation of the plans and increasing the experience needed to overcome the inevitable barrier between planning and reality.

To provide best appropriate international experience, technical advice, and direct coordination of the ILUMP implementation process in target districts for improvement of national level coordinated land use planning and development, the project is hiring an International Consultant on ILUMP. He/she will work as part of a team of consultants dealing with relevant land use information, and will liaise as necessary with other consultants to exchange information. He/she will be paid based on the outputs expected and not for additional information not covered by the TOR or requested by the Project Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

This work is carried out according to the project annual plan of action for the development and implementation of ILUMP principles to test a realistic plan at district level, which will contribute to the achievement of key project results.

More specifically, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in coordination with the project NTC, the International Consultant on ILUMP will fulfil in a timely and efficient manner the following tasks and responsibilities.

Thematic functions

Study of current materials and formulation of key directions for development of ILUMP mechanism for non-irrigated arid territories at district level.

• Identification of key steps for Integrated Land Use Management Planning at district level.
• Drafting the concept (e.g. structure, outline, content) and plan of ILUMP, the provision of methodological approaches on involving national and local institutions in land use planning.
• Planning of workshops on ILUMP introduction and implementation process with specific competence requirements (specialists of concrete departments, affiliates etc.) to participants from district level representatives of key ministries and agencies, particularly for subdivisions of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on land resources, geodesy, cartography and state cadastre (Goskomzemgeodezkadastr).

Assisting the project team in the implementation of a plan of ILUMP in non-irrigated arid territories at district level.

• Preparation of awareness raising templates for stakeholders within the target landscapes of the project in order to raise awareness of local and national decision makers involved in the process of preparing plans for ILUMP implementation.
• Description of the situation on land use management system within the project sites during ILUMP implementation.
• Assisting the project in the formulation and development of a final draft of ILUMP plan involving local stakeholders and agencies responsible for land use planning at district level.
• Preparation of guidelines with practical examples that can be integrated into long-term technical and vocational trainings, which is a key aspect of the project effort on capacity building in land use management.
• Assisting the project team (national consultants) in developing an interdisciplinary mechanism for introducing ILUMP, and make recommendations to the project to assist with implementation process.
• Organization of meetings with representatives of the technical working group of the project and, if necessary, with other specialists of ministries and departments of Uzbekistan, involved in land use management issues on ILUMP planning and implementation.

Preparation of the final report on the results of services rendered.

• Final report on accomplished tasks, including the recommendations on overcoming the barriers and bridging the gaps with next steps towards implementation of ILUMP.

Operational functions

Capture and Dissemination of Project Experience and Lessons Learned.

• Provide recommendations to the PM, CTA and NTC in defining a clear strategy for maximizing the impact of the useful experiences and lessons learned by the project on dissemination of the results – i.e. help to define the most effective dissemination mechanisms to the various levels of stakeholders including local, district, oblast, national and regional/international.

Outputs

Preparation to the introduction of ILUMP for non-irrigated arid territories at district level and development of basic requirements to its implementation (home based):

• Review of project materials including the observation data of pilot districts with description of existing preconditions for creating an ILUMP system on the ground. It includes analysis (based on preliminary recommendations within reports of the previous project consultants on ILUMP) of key national documents and programmes on land use and natural resource management with recommendations on ILUMP implementation in non-irrigated regions of Uzbekistan, including description of legislative and institutional changes needed for capacity development on ILUMP in Uzbekistan.
• A structural plan of round tables on ILUMP plan development for local representatives of key ministries, agencies and district administrations of the pilot sites.

Mission to Uzbekistan (tentative mission date have to be identified after the consultant is hired):

• Draft templates developed for introducing an ILUMP plan on the ground, including detailed description of steps of preparing such plans with participation of representatives of all related agencies and ministries at district level. These templates should reflect land use description, which constitutes the major part of ILUMP plan.
• Organisation of round tables at district for preparation and implementation of the joint plan of ILUMP (together with the project team and national consultants).  
• A workshop conducted for project team and key national partners to raise awareness on ILUMP principles for arid non-irrigated regions.
• Brief report on providing support and advisory services in accordance with the Scope of Work.
• Recommendation/lessons learned (international experience) on establishment of ILUMP system and preparation of baseline indicators and visibility materials for publication and upscaling amongst national partners related to ILUMP implementation.  

• A completed land use plan based on ILUMP methodology (developed and tested on the ground) for demonstration and dissemination among different stakeholders related to the land use planning in non-irrigated regions of Uzbekistan.
• Preliminary assessment draft of impact of ILUMP introduction into land use environment in Uzbekistan.

Written work will be supplemented by other requested consultation by phone, Skype, and in person. Work conducted for this output will be summarized in a written report, prepared in conjunction with Outputs above.

The International Consultant shall compose written reports summarizing his or her participation in any missions or meetings undertaken during this assignment. One/two missions to Tashkent and the project sites approximately for 28 working days is envisaged.

Deliverables/Timeframe

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultant. The Consultant should submit all deliverables to UNDP in English or Russian.

• A final report on the analysis of existing preconditions for creating an ILUMP mechanism for non-irrigated and arid territories, especially with inclusion of international experience accepted by Project Manager.
• A detailed action plan (including the plan of staying in Uzbekistan), goals and objectives, as well as the structure of the tentative participants in the creation and testing of ILUMP on the ground accepted by the project Manager. 
• A structural plan of workshops on ILUMP introduction and implementation for local representatives of key ministries, agencies and district administrations of the pilot sites (including draft plan template, performance procedure, methodical materials, evaluation criteria etc.) prepared and agreed with the Project Manager. 

Deadline June 30, 2017, 30%

Missions to Uzbekistan:

• at least two workshops/trainings held on developing and testing ILUMP plan at the district level, including the description of methodology used, the assessment of the perception of the materials by stakeholders and feedback from national partners on the ground.
• the final version of ILUMP plan developed and approved within the trainings in a format, which can be presented for further use in land-use planning at the district level.
• a set of recommendations made based on local review of the project activities for improving effectiveness of ILUMP development.
• a plan of introducing ILUMP principles of land use planning in non-irrigated regions of Uzbekistan, including future steps of introducing two District ILUMP structures under district administrations worked out and agreed with the Project Manager.

Deadline October 20, 2017, 70%

Payment Conditions:

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and other costs (travel costs for international and national trips, accommodation and visa support, printing etc.) required producing the above deliverables. Payment will be released in 2 (two) instalments upon timely submissions of the above mentioned respective deliverables and their acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP CO.

Competencies

• Familiarity with land management policies and structures in Central Asian countries and, particularly, in Uzbekistan. Relevant experience in the Central Asian region in development and implementation of GEF-funded sustainable land management related projects is a great advantage;
• Awareness of the relevant land degradation, biodiversity, climate change and other related conventions;
• Experience in approaches for applying integrated land use management planning at regional level

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's or higher degree in natural sciences, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, natural resources management or related fields.

Experience:

The International IC holder should have specific experience in the following key areas:

• Minimum five years of practical experience in international project development related to dryland areas planning and management / sustainable land management. Recent experience in project development in relevant fields according to UNDP and GEF policies and procedures is a great advantage;
• Familiarity with land management policies and structures in Central Asian countries and, particularly, in Uzbekistan. Relevant experience in the Central Asian region in development and implementation of GEF-funded sustainable land management related projects is a great advantage;
• Awareness of the relevant land degradation, biodiversity, climate change and other related conventions;
• Experience in approaches for applying integrated land use management planning at regional level.

Language requirements:

• Proficiency in English, knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek is an advantage

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

• Proposal- provide brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (2 pages or less);
• Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work (2 pages or less)
• P-11 form and Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability;

Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Offeror’s Letter and apply through UNDP job online system. You will be asked to upload your P11 Form and Offeror’s letter on the second page of the online application form. Please note that the system will not accept the uploading of more than one document so please merge or scan all your documents into one prior to uploading (proposal, Brief note, P11 form and Offeror's letter).

• Above mentioned documents can be obtained at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs/

Application process:

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

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) and Offeror’s Letter;
• Merge your P11, Offeror’s Letter, Proposal, and Brief note into a single file;
• Click on the Job Title;
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”;
• Upload your forms

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

Note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a financial proposal.

Financial Proposal

Lump sum contracts:

• This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. 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 (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days);
• The payment will be made in two installments to be issued upon completion and submission of Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) on the works performed as indicated in the terms of reference.

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does 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 case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation

The individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis methodology.

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

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
• Having received the highest score out of the set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;
• Technical Criteria weight – 70%;
• Financial Criteria weight – 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.