UNDP Jobs - 87007- Ref.2019-026_International expert on the analysis

Ref.2019-026_International expert on the analysis of successful practices for the development of ecotourism in Kazakhstan

Location :

Home based with 2 missions to Kazakhstan

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

29-Aug-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

40 days within 12 months after IC singing

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

Important notice to the Applicants - Please do not submit your offer through undp jobs!

Only those applications would be considered that have been submitted to the following e-mail address: procurement.kz@undp.org with the indication of IC-Ref.2019-026 in the subject line. The deadline is 17.00 (Nur-sultan time) August 29, 2019.

For detailed information on the position, required documents to be sent and evaluation procedure please refer to the Terms of Reference. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the following e-mail: ainur.amirkhanova@undp.org copying meruyert.bolyssayeva@undp.org

Project description:

The 2nd phase of “Biodiversity Finance Initiative - BIOFIN” Project (the BIOFIN) is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme with financial support from the Government of Germany and the Government of Switzerland. The BIOFIN supports countries with a methodology that provides innovative steps to measure current biodiversity expenditures, assess financial needs, identify the most suitable finance solutions and provides guidance on how to implement these solutions to achieve their national biodiversity target. The 2nd phase of the BIOFIN in Kazakhstan will be built on the lessons learned from the 1st phase and will aim to test six finance solutions: (1) subsidizing game breeding, (2) creating tax incentives for the development of ecotourism, (3) capacity building of protected areas to improve financing, (4) biodiversity offsets, (5) carbon offsetting through an internal emission trading system (ETS) and (6) attracting foreign investment to implement projects to absorb greenhouse gases by forest ecosystems.

Implementation of new finance solutions will be based on changing existing and preparing new legal standards, testing, studying the experience of other countries, approaches, building capacity of industry experts, providing extensive information on the problems and possibilities of biodiversity financing. The BIOFIN also aims to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women as a result of introducing new finance solutions, as far as it is relevant and possible within the framework of the project.

To develop and further promote ecotourism in Kazakhstan, within the BIOFIN in 2017, several proposals were prepared on tax incentives for the development of ecotourism. The purpose of the mechanism is the provision of tax benefits (reduction of the tax base) to individual entrepreneurs and legal entities engaged in the development of ecological tourism, whose expenses on the development of ecotourism (according to separate accounting) being 70% and more of total costs will be subject to preferential taxation, depending on the form of the enterprise. This mechanism is conceptually supported by stakeholders and requires further detailed justification to be submitted to the Committee of the Tourism Industry of the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

For more details, please see the Terms of References.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective:

To analyze successful international practices of development of ecotourism and ecotourism certification systems, as well as select the best applicable of them in the realities of Kazakhstan.

SCOPE OF WORKS:

• Studying the market and the situation of ecotourism in Kazakhstan, assessing the status of the development of ecotourism in the country;

• Holding inception meetings with the expert group and stakeholders;

• Studying the development and promotion of ecotourism in other countries, identifying successful practices. Developing recommendations and justified proposals for the development and improvement of ecotourism in Kazakhstan;

• Preparing an analysis of the best international practices of ecotourism certification, a detailed examination of the ways of their implementation, the consistency with the country's policies/legislation, compliance principles and criteria for obtaining the certificate, and other important implementation aspects;

• Selecting the most appropriate ecotourism certification system for Kazakhstan, considering the development specifics of this sphere and the legislative framework, for subsequent implementation in the country. Developing recommendations for its implementation in the country;

• Developing guidelines for a certification system in the field of ecotourism in Kazakhstan;

• Providing support to the expert team on the development of ecotourism and the certification system on an ongoing basis;

• Presenting work results to a wide range of stakeholders. Preparing presentation materials.

Competencies

Team-worker,
Excellent communication skills,
Fluent English. Knowledge of Russian will be an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in economics and\or environmental and\or social field

Experience:

International experience in environmental tourism development, as a minimum 5 years
Work experience in the projects implemented in Central Asian countries will be an asset

Skills:

Knowledge of ecotourism certification systems;
Expertise with preparation of analytical reports.

RECOMMENDED PRESENTATION OF PROPOSAL:

The following documents to be attached to the Offer and e-mailed not later 5PM (Nur-Sultan time) of 29 August 2019 to procurement.kz@undp.org with indication of Ref.2019-026 in the e-mail subject:

Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP; Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided;
Detailed personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate;
Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
Other documents certifying the work experience, expertise and skills (qualification improvement certificates\diplomas, awards, etc. with total size no more than 5 Mb).

ONLY fully submitted applications with all required above documents would be considered by UNDP!!!