Background

Please provide Offeror’s Letter and proposal (download the format in the link provided) together with your CV while submitting application.  And 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.

Offeror's letter download link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GYP7hMPX3qJAbiy7KZppiWqR4JdKFYv4/view?usp=sharing

As an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP oversees a portfolio of GEF projects in the Chemicals and Waste Focal Area, which are implemented through UNDP’s network of Country Offices located in developing countries, as well as numerous UN and other agency partners. In China, the ongoing projects in Chemicals and Waste portfolio mainly consists of projects related to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) for implementing Stockholm Convention on POPs. To respect national ownership, those POPs projects are jointly designed and implemented by UNDP and Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of Ministry of Ecology and Environment (FECO-MEE).

There are three POPs projects currently under implementation, where the phase–out of endosulfan in China will be operationally completed in the mid of 2021. This USD 1.98 million project was officially launched in 2017 with the partnership modality that UNDP is international implementation agency and FECO-MEE as national implementation partner.  The objective of the endosulfan project is to help China to fulfill the requirement of the Stockholm Convention and eliminate the usages of endosulfan in cotton cultivation in China. The project as outlined is structured with four components: Component 1 will strengthen institutional and management capacities to ensure efficient and effective project management; Component 2 will develop and demonstrate integrated technical models of biological control and alternative technologies; Component 3 covers the preparation of a national replication programme and work plan, when implemented, will achieve complete phase out of endosulfan in China; Component 4 supports the monitoring and evaluation of the project and dissemination of experience and lessons learned, something that is seen as useful for other developing countries dealing with the issue globally. In addition, project management capacity at national and the demonstration locations will be strengthened to achieve implementation effectiveness and efficiency. The project will address endosulfan phase out by biological control and alternative technologies in cotton pest management in China. In addition to endosulfan project, UNDP China and FECO-MEE are also implementing two other GEF projects related to secondary copper and e-waste to implement Stockholm Convention.

In order to learn from the relevant management experience of developed countries and increase the international influence of the achievements of endosulfan project, it is necessary to recruit a international consultant.

Duties and Responsibilities

Before endosulfan was banned, it was widely used in cotton pest control. Australia has rich experience in cotton planting management, and also has a history of endosulfan usage. The purpose of this consultation is to study Australia's policies for the phase-out (management) of highly toxic pesticides such as endosulfan, so as to provide experience and reference for China and other developing countries to phase-out and manage highly toxic pesticides.

The International Consultant shall provide quality research, analysis and advisory expertise on phasing-out of endosulfan and highly-hazardous pesticide in Australia. The Consultant’s approach shall be consistent with UNDP policies, rules and procedures and that of the Chinese government. The consultant shall work in close collaboration with the project manager at FECO/MEE, as well as with UNDP China, ensuring successful completion of the assignment.

Responsibilities:

• Timely communication with project implementing agent and UNDP China;
• Conduct technical research and summarize international best practices in phasing-out endosulfan areas where could be used in the development work;
• Provide technical advice during the project management cycle where is needed;
• Participating in discussions through workshops, e-mail exchanges, teleconference etc;

Expected Outputs/deliverables:

              Below is the study outline:

• Endosulfan phase-out and Its Implementation, the Australian case

1) The historical use of endosulfan and its related products in Australia, such as the main product types, uses, and usage. 2) Review and evaluation of endosulfan by relevant Australian authorities. It mainly includes background, evaluation review and evaluation results, and regulatory decisions. Third is the implementation of relevant regulatory measure.

• Australian Pesticide Management

1) Relevant Legislative Framework, especially the Pesticide POPs which controlled by Stockholm Convention; 2) Actors in the Policy Network; 3) Regulatory measure; 4) Penalties for illegal use of pesticides; 5) Disposal measures for highly hazardous and obsolete pesticides.

• Suggestions

Policy recommendations should be proposed for the control of pesticides which controlled by Stockholm Convention and highly hazardous pesticides in China and other developing countries.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrates strong analytical skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Excellent teamwork skills;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Can work independently.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to apply technical guideline production procedures;
• Ability to analyze technical requirements in the relevant area;
• Ability to apply organizational policies and procedures.

Innovation

• Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Doctoral degree in agriculture, chemistry or other related majors or senior professional titles in relevant countries;

Experience:

• Minimum 20 years of study and work experience in the field of pesticides or integrated pest management in relevant countries;

• Familiar with pesticide application and management in relevant countries;
• Familiarity with the Government of China, and with international development agencies.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in spoken and written English

Documents to be included when submitting application

Please provide Offeror’s Letter and proposal (download the format in the link provided) together with your CV while submitting application.  And 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.

Offeror's letter download link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GYP7hMPX3qJAbiy7KZppiWqR4JdKFYv4/view?usp=sharing

In the Offeror’s Letter and proposal, you will be asked to confirm your interest and availability for the assignment, and provide technical and financial proposal.

Technical proposal

• Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work with example/former experience demonstrating your competencies;
• Provide a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.

Financial Proposal

Please quote the daily rate for professional fee and others related.

Evaluation Criteria

The award of the contract will be made to the Individual Consultant who has obtained the highest Combined Score and has accepted UNDP’s General Terms and Conditions.  Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated. The offers will be evaluated using the “Combined Scoring method” where:

• Technical evaluation - 70%;
• Financial Evaluation - 30%.

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will take into account the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply.