UNDP Jobs - 89658- International Consultant for Project Preparation G

International Consultant for Project Preparation Grant (PPG) for UNDP-GEF Full-sized Project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits”

Location :

Home-based with 2 missions to ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

07-Feb-2020

Application Deadline :

30-Jan-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

February 2020 – October 2020

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

70 consultancy days

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 Country Office in Turkmenistan has received GEF clearance to develop a full project document for the Project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Nature Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits” with supporting documentation for submission to the GEF for CEO endorsement.

The project idea has been shaped within the available GEF and co-financing framework to tackle the drivers of land and water degradation in Turkmenistan’s Amu Darya landscape, which are directly linked to the soil degradation and salinization, habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, diminishment and loss of water bodies (lakes, wetlands) and corresponding riparian biodiversity in this landscape.

Component 1 of the proposed project focuses on the promotion of land degradation neutrality (LDN) principles, restoration and sustainable management of land and water resources to improve soil productivity while at the same time securing critical ecosystem services. Work under this component include setting up LDN targets, action plan and monitoring system for the landscape; strengthening the institutional capacity to address sustainable land and water resource management in the Amu Darya basin, including land degradation mapping through use of geo-spatial data on the location, extent and type of land degradation in the Amu Darya basin; implementation of on-the-ground measures to restore degraded landscapes and improve the efficiency of water resource management restoration of high priority mosaic areas of agricultural lands and critical ecosystems; assessment of water use patterns, establishment of rationale use regimes and rehabilitation of water management infrastructure will complement the suite of diverse measures to be implemented under this component.

Component 2 aims to address the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) within the Amu Darya landscape, and the effective management of the PAs intended to conserve them. Turkmenistan’s PA system, although not yet extensive, will benefit from the strategic approach of this project- which is not to widely expand the national PA system, but rather to ensure that PAs currently existing within the Amu Darya landscape are secured, and well-integrated within the wider landscape and have the capacity to implement the conservation actions necessary to protect their biodiversity. However, PAs cover less than 50% of the KBA territory targeted within this project, and therefore the project’s work will deploy a suite of activities to ensure the sustainable use of resources within the buffer zones and corridors surrounding PAs. Project activities under this component will engage PA administrations and local resource users to increase the environmental protection of ecosystems, flora and fauna over 1,200,000 ha of KBAs.

Component 3 is promoting synergies and cooperation similar ongoing national and regional initiatives. Although the project will operate fully within Turkmenistan’s national boundaries, it will not be operating in isolation from the regional Amu Darya landscape and wider Aral Sea basin. For much of its course the Amu Darya river forms the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. As a downstream country on the Amu Darya, which has its headwaters in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan, Turkmenistan’s strong engaged with regional efforts relating to the restoration of the Aral Sea basin, including the efficient use and management of the waters from the Amu Darya river is critical and will be actively supported by the project. Further work under this component encompasses the necessary knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation activities of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

The objective of the PPG is to develop a full-sized project that aims to provide the long-term solution for sustainable development and conservation of high value ecosystems in Turkmenistan’s Amu Darya landscape has multiple key goals, but revolves around the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).

The end result of assignment will be completed Request for CEO Endorsement and Project Document for the UNDP-GEF FSP “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits”.

The task of the International Consultant will be to ensure that essential steps in the process of scoping the UNDP-GEF FSP “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits” and development of the relevant Project Document to be submitted for CEO Endorsement are undertaken in line with respective GEF guidance.

To this end, the International Consultant will be responsible for mobilizing and leading the team of experts for planning and effectively undertaking the required surveys and preparatory field work, establishing dialogue and a working relationship with stakeholders (funding partners, national counterparts and local communities), and the timely delivery of the agreed documents.

Under the overall guidance of UNDP Programme Specialist on Resilience, Climate and Energy, UNDP CO and in coordination with the experts team and as informed by guidance from the UNDP/GEF Regional Technical Advisor, the International Consultant (acting in his/her individual capacity) will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

Activity 1 - Management of the GEF PPG Team:

Define and submit a detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with the other consultants with clear delegation of responsibilities for the International Consultant (IC) and National Consultants (NCs);
Ensure that project development is participatory, gender-responsive and based on extensive stakeholder engagements; and
Verify and ensure that all project components are technically sound and cost effective.

Activity 2 - Preparatory Technical Studies and Reviews (Component A): With inputs from the national consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs:

Compile baseline/situational analysis for the full-size project (FSP). This will include a precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals and co-financial links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output; and presentation of results of the incremental cost-analysis in matrices as appropriate;
Oversee the stakeholder analysis and consultations and ensure that they are complete and comprehensive;
Ensure the gender findings are meaningfully integrated into the project’s strategy, theory of change and results framework;
Ensure action points, including risk assessments, from the UNDP Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) at the PIF stage (“pre-screening”) are fully implemented during the PPG, and update that screening in an iterative process throughout the PPG, and as appropriate;
Oversee the identification of the project sites, with documentation of selection criteria, as applicable;
Collect baseline describing Turkmenistan’s cooperation in the international environmental programming for the Aral Sea basin, to ensure the design of appropriate project knowledge management activities, with linkages to existing mechanisms and knowledge sharing in project landscape and in the region;
Oversee the preparation of partner capacity assessments and discussions on management arrangements early in the PPG process;
Oversee the consultations with partners regarding financial planning; and
Ensure completion of any additional studies that are determined to be needed for the preparation of the ProDoc and all other final outputs.

Activity 3 - Formulation of the ProDoc, CEO Endorsement Request and Mandatory and Project Specific Annexes (Component B): With inputs from the national consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs, and based on international best practice:

Develop, present and articulate the project’s theory of change;
Develop the Results Framework in line with UNDP-GEF policy;
Develop a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget;
Oversee the preparation of a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan;
Oversee the preparation of a Gender Action Plan and Budget;
Oversee the updating of the SESP based on assessments undertaken during Component A, the national expert input, and ensure the development of required environmental and/or social management plan(s) for all risks identified as Moderate or High in the SESP, as required;
Oversee the preparation of the required GEF tracking tools (METT);
Confirm the initial assessment of the GHG emissions avoided as a direct result of the project activities, using FAO Exact tool;
Revise the GEF Core Indicators Worksheet to reflect the agreed results framework and ensure these are supported by robust and validated data;
Secure and present agreements on project execution and management arrangements and ensure that the project aligns to UNDP-GEF guidance on UNDP execution support;
Synthesize all analyses, studies, etc. that are prepared under Components A and B to produce the draft UNDP-GEF ProDoc, GEF CEO Endorsement, and all mandatory and project specific Annexes, using the templates (Please verify with the UNDP-GEF team that the correct templates are being used).

Activity 4 - Validation Workshop (Component C):

Lead the validation workshop to present, discuss and validate the final draft ProDoc and mandatory and project specific annexes, with a special focus on the SESP and any management plans;
Oversee all necessary revisions that arise during the workshop; and
Ensure completion of Validation Workshop Report.

Activity 5 - Final Deliverables:

Consolidation of all technical and consultation inputs and comments including from national stakeholders, UNDP, GEF Secretariat, STAP and GEF Council, into a well written and concise UNDP ProDoc with all required sections and Annexes, in line with the standard UNDP-GEF ProDoc template and annotated guidance;
Completion of the GEF CEO Endorsement Request;
Finalized SESP (and stand-alone management plans as required);
All documentation from GEF PPG (including technical reports, meeting minutes, etc.); and
Validation Workshop Report.

Reporting:

The International Consultant must ensure timely preparation and submission of the Request for CEO Endorsement/Approval and comprehensive Project Document for UNDP-GEF FSP “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Land Resources and High Value Ecosystems in the Aral Sea Basin for Multiple Benefits”. All reports must be submitted in English to the UNDP CO in Turkmenistan and made in accordance with GEF-UNDP’s templates and requirements to reporting (available at www.thegef.org).

Travel:

In the course of the assignment, the consultant will be expected to undertake 2 missions to Turkmenistan (including in-country travel), with one in February – March 2020 and the second one tentatively in May – June 2020. Cumulatively missions will tentatively last for 15 days (each mission-one week). The dates for this mission will be agreed upon between the consultant and UNDP-Turkmenistan. For travel information, the proposed project areas are located in the northern and eastern parts of the country and are 1 hour away by plane from Ashgabat.

Deliverables and timeframe:

Deliverable 1 prepared through action 1 above:

Detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with the other consultants with clear delegation of responsibilities for the International Consultant (IC) and National Consultants (NCs).
Completion of first mission to Turkmenistan, including meetings with project team, stakeholders. and collaborators.

Location: Home based with 7-day mission to Turkmenistan. Number of days: 10 consultancy days (February – March 2020).

Deliverable 2 prepared through action 2, 3 above:

Analysis of baseline conditions and barriers, elaboration of proposed project activities, and draft Project Results Framework.

Location: Home based. Number of days: 10 consultancy days (April 2020).

Deliverable 3 prepared through action 4, 5 above:

Draft UNDP/GEF FSP Project Document;
Completion of second mission to Ashgabat, including presentation of the draft Project Document.

Location: Home based and 7-day mission to Turkmenistan. Number of days: 30 consultancy days (May – June 2020)

Deliverable 4 prepared through action 6:

Final Request for CEO Endorsement and UNDP/GEF FSP Project Document

Location: Home based. Number of days: 20 consultancy days (August 2020).

Detailed list of deliverables and milestones will be agreed upon in consultation with UNDP.

Payment conditions:

This is an installment-based contract that should cover the costs of consultancy required to produce the above deliverables. The final schedule of payments will be agreed upon in the beginning of consultancy. Payment will be released in four installments: 1st installment - 15% of the contract cost (for deliverable 1), 2nd installment -15% of the contract cost (for deliverable 2), 3rd installment - 40% of the contract cost (for deliverable 3), 4th instalment - 30% of the contract cost (for deliverable 4) – upon timely submission of respective deliverables and their acceptance by UNDP Turkmenistan.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of and extensive experience working with UN human rights mechanisms;
Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills;
Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines;
Good understanding and practice of capacity development;
Cultural sensitivity;
Diplomatic skills.
Good ability in partnering and networking
Excellent analytical and drafting skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as environmental management, economics, public administration, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Development Studies or another closely related field.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of sustainable land management/BD conservation and in preparing and overseeing the preparation of high-quality project documents, particularly for UNDP and GEF projects;
Demonstrated understanding of the GEF rationale and procedures, and demonstrated experience with formulation of GEF-funded project proposals, using the logical framework and the results-based management approaches;
Excellent coordination and leadership skills, as well as relationship management skills;
Prior experience in estimating GHG emission reduction using FAO Exact Tool;
Experience working in the region on related initiatives highly desired;

Language requirements:

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; Basic understanding of Russian will be an asset.

Submission of applications:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Brief (1-2 pages) description of the methodology for the assignment;
Financial Proposal with the references to (1) the daily rate for the assignment and within the timing scale indicated in the present TOR, and (2) any other expenses (including transportation costs, accommodation costs, the possibility of vaccination and etc.). Template of the form named "Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability" can be found at: http://www.tm.undp.org/content/turkmenistan/en/home/procurement.html. The UNDP will enter into an Individual Contract based on a lump sum amounts. The financial proposal shall represent a detailed, justified and “all inclusive” amount. In order to assist UNDP in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount, including: a daily fee for the tasks and an estimated duration as specified in this announcement, travel (to and from the missions), per diems (currently DSA for Ashgabat stands at 249 USD per day), round-trip tickets and concomitant terminal expenses, any other possible costs (including vaccinations, dwelling, communication etc.);
Cover letter explaining why they are the most suitable candidate for the assignment;
Resume /CV.

Evaluation of proposals:

Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on the combined scoring methodology. When using this method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/?ompliant and
Having received the highest score – out of 100

Out of the maximum score, the score for technical criteria equals 70% - maximum 70 points, and for financial criteria 30%.

The technical evaluation will take into account the following as per the scoring provided:

Appropriate education – 20 pts;
Relevant experience, including GEF – 30 pts;
Methodology – 20 pts;
Additional skills (language, etc.) – 10 pts;
Assessment by Interview (optional)– 20 pts.

Financial proposal – 30% of total evaluation.

Additional requirements for recommended contractor:

Recommended contractors aged 65 and older, and if the travel is required, shall undergo a full medical examination including x-ray, and obtain medical clearance from the UN-approved doctor prior to taking up their assignment. The medical examination is to be cleared by the UN physicians, and shall be paid by the consultant.