Background

Introduction:

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS), an agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity, was adopted on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya (Japan) and entered into force on 12 October 2014, it provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of the 3rd objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Protocol applies to genetic resources that are covered by the CBD and to the benefits arising from their utilization, it also covers traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources held by indigenous and local communities. Contracting parties to the Nagoya Protocol need to fulfil core obligations to take measures in relation to access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and compliance, among others.

The UNDP-GEF Project “Strengthening human resources, legal frameworks, and institutional capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol” (Global ABS Project) is a 3-year project that specifically aims at assisting 24 countries in the development and strengthening of their national ABS frameworks, human resources, and administrative capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol. The project seeks to achieve this through its 4 components namely:

  • Component 1: Strengthening the legal, policy and institutional capacity to develop national ABS frameworks;
  • Component 2: Building trust between users and providers of genetic resources to facilitate the identification of bio-discovery efforts;
  • Component 3: Strengthening the capacity of indigenous and local communities to contribute to the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol; and
  • Component 4: Implementing a Community of Practice and South-South Cooperation Framework on ABS.

In accordance with the core obligations of the Nagoya Protocol, the implementation of the key elements of a functional ABS system in Albania should unleash a wide range of monetary and non-monetary benefits for providers and users of genetic resources. Most of these benefits should be reinvested in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the above country. This would also contribute to fulfilling the three objectives of the CBD.

In accordance with its Annual Work Plans for the year 2017, Albania will recruit of an international consultant to strengthen their national ABS legal frameworks. The international consultant will work closely with national consultants and key national stakeholders to identify, draft and support the validation of appropriate national legal instruments on ABS in Albania. These national instruments should be clear, legally certain, efficient, adapted to national and local circumstances and coherent with other national, regional and global ABS instruments, such as the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

Context:

Albania is a Party to the Nagoya Protocol since its entry into force (accession) on October 12, 2014. The Biodiversity Protection Act of 2006 has some provisions related to access to genetic resources in Albania, but those provisions should be further developed in a bylaw to be fully effective. Albania has not yet established the necessary measures in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol related to the monitoring of genetic resources and related user-compliance measures. Albania has approved its reviewed NBSAP 2012-2020. The updated NBSAP reflects the relevance of ABS for the country with explicit references to the Nagoya Protocol under Target 8 (“Foster and Contribute to an Equitable Access and Sharing of Benefits (ABS) arising from the Use of Genetic Resources).

In that regard, public awareness and the development of the national legislation on ABS in line with the Nagoya Protocol are referred to as priorities for the country, as well as the establishment of an information system to promote access to Albanian genetic resources.

The NBSAP also refers to the preservation and sharing of TK (Traditional Knowledge) and the integration of those elements into the development or scientific cooperation projects that target local communities as primary stakeholders.

The country has also developed several national reports related to genetic resources used for food and agriculture. The main national document in that regard is the “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Agricultural Genetic Resources in Albania.” The “Inter-sectoral strategy for agriculture and rural development in Albania,” adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water Management in May 2014, also refers to the relevance of “the promotion of conservation and use of plant and genetic resources for food and agriculture” not only in agro-environmental terms but also in terms of economic opportunity for promoting “traditional products.”

Support for long-term on-farm conservation of diversity of genetic resources of wild (medicinal and aromatic plants) and cultivated plants, the promotion of on-farm local livestock breed production, and the management and improvement of genetic resources for food and agriculture should be considered. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is the designated institution where the Nagoya Protocol on ABS focal point is hosted.

Duties and Responsibilities

These Terms of Reference define the responsibilities, tasks and qualifications required for an expert to conduct a review and map existing genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, including by reviewing the available literature and reports in relevant areas.

Task 1: Develop a methodology and summarize all the relevant reports from academia, state and non-state stakeholders that will be considered throughout the desk review and have generated information on genetic resources in the field of forestry and biodiversity including the flora and fauna from Albania.

Task 2: Develop a database of the information generated.

Task 3: Generate a final report covering at least the following main topics:

  • Relevant studies on access and benefit sharing and genetic resources
  • Forestry genetic resources
  • Biodiversity genetic resources
  • Recommendations on Traditional Knowledge protocols to be developed by prioritizing the species of benefit for TK.

The consultant shall perform any other related tasks, which are instrumental for the implementation of the above activities and deliverables, as it may be required.

Useful links:

Expected Deliverables and Payment Schedules:

50 % - December 10th 2017 - Develop a methodology and summarize all the relevant reports as per Task 1.

50 % - April 15th 2018 - Develop a database of the information generated and generate a final report as per Task 3.

Competencies

Core competences:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • 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 favoritism.

Core competences:

  • Communication - Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.
  • Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly.
  • Organizational Awareness - Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
  • Teamwork - Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.

Functional competences:

  • Thorough understanding of disability issues, human rights, social inclusion and social services
  • Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
  • Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;
  • Strong expertise with ABS related issues.
  • Proven expertise with the assessment of studies and database development is an advantage.
  • Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily;

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Advanced University Degree in natural sciences, environmental sciences or relevant fields;
  • Proven expert knowledge in assessment of studies with strong expertise with ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) related issues.

Work Experience

  • At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Access and Benefit Sharing or a closely related field;
  • Proven experience in implementing similar tasks;
  • Good knowledges on policies, rules, regulations undertaken from the EU and the CBD, NP, FAO-ITPGRFA to address the access and benefit sharing.

Language

  • Excellent knowledge of both written and spoken English

 

Evaluation of Applicants

  • Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated;
  • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on Combined Scoring method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal;
  • Combined weighted scoring: Technical (70%); Financial (30%).

30 % or 30 points: - Advanced University Degree in natural sciences, environmental sciences or relevant fields;

20% or 20 points: - Proven expert knowledge in assessment of studies with strong environmental expertise with ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing) related issues.

20% or 20 points: - At least 5 years of relevant professional experience with excellent knowledge of both written and spoken English.

 

Application procedure

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form...http://www.un.org.al/doc/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Letter%20to%20UNDP.docx
  • Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Download here.
  • Financial Proposal in ALL* - specifying a total lump sum in Albanian Lek  for the tasks specified in this announcement.  The attached template may be used - http://www.un.org.al/doc/Financial%20Offer%20template.doc Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services).
  • Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application.

How to Submit the Application:

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

  • Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs);

  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal, Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability  and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;

  • Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement); 

  • Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”

  • Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);

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

  • Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women and individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.