UNDP is implementing an Adaptation Fund-funded project “Integrated climate-resilient transboundary flood risk management in the Drin River basin in the Western Balkans (Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia)” (hereinafter Drin FRM Project). The project aims to assist the riparian countries in the implementation of an integrated climate-resilient river basin flood risk management approach in order to improve their existing capacity to manage flood risk at regional, national and local levels and to enhance resilience of vulnerable communities in the Drin River Basin (DRB) to climate-induced floods. The following results shall be achieved: (i) Improved climate and risk informed decision-making, availability and use of climate risk information;(ii) Improved institutional arrangements, legislative and policy framework for climate-resilient flood risk management (FRM), and development of climate change adaptation (CCA) and FRM strategy and plans at the basin, sub-basin, national and sub-national levels; (iii) Strengthened community resilience through improved flood management, through implementation of structural and non-structural measures and enhanced local capacity for CCA and FRM.

Outcome 1 of the project is aimed at achieving an improved climate and risk informed decision-making, availability and use of climate risk information. Key to the strategic management of climate-induced flood risk is to have appropriate density and frequency of monitoring of important hydrometeorological variables. Given the importance of accurate historical hydrometeorological records in the assessment of flood risk, it would be important to ensure that the hydrometric network is spatially optimized and centrally managed, and that data is made available to all flood management practitioners.

Outcome 2 is aiming at improved institutional arrangements, legislative and policy framework for FRM, and development of climate change adaptation and flood risk management strategy and plans at the basin, sub-basin, national and sub-national levels. The Adaptation Fund (AF) project will consolidate and extend current flood risk management efforts by DRB countries through the establishment of a dedicated coordination mechanism on flood risk management with the necessary political support and resourcing from the riparian countries to comprehensively address missing formalized and effective cooperation on FRM.

Outcome 3 of the project will secure strengthened resilience of local communities through improved flood forecasting and early warning, implementation of structural and non-structural measures and the strengthened capacity for CCA and FRM at the local level.

The International Lead Hydraulic Modeller is recruited to support riparian countries with hydraulic modeling studies for the catchments and sub-catchments of the DRB. The International Lead Hydraulic Modeler (the Consultant) will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Project Manager and with the guidance from the International Chief Technical Advisor.

Under close supervision of Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and Project Manager (PM), the Lead Hydraulic Modeler will lead all hydraulic modeling studies for the catchments and sub-catchments of the DRB under Output 1.2 and 2.3 and 3.1 and will oversee the work of practitioners in the riparian countries. The expert will undertake hydraulic modeling of the whole DRB and detailed hydraulic modeling in Macedonia based on detailed surveys of the physical characteristics of the river basin and produce high resolution EU flood hazard inundation maps (for Macedonia). Expected outputs are flood hazard maps and detailed hydrodynamic simulation results for strategic areas (mainly vulnerable zones) explaining inundation mechanisms, water depths, velocities and flood durations.

The lead hydraulic modeler will work in close cooperation with the lead hydrologist expert to identify necessary outputs from hydrological models in line with hydraulic models. Hydraulic models, both for flood hazard mapping and deign of structural measures, will necessary be elaborated using free software such as HEC-RAS (2D and/or 1D). Existing hydraulic models as developed by GIZ were already elaborated as HEC-RAS models.

Key tasks will include:

• Establishment of numerical hydraulic models of the DRB with detailed modeling to be done for DRB (Crn Drin) in North Macedonia, and GIZ models incorporated where available. Actually, one global simplified model is expected for the whole valleys to simulate flood routing as well as local detailed models over vulnerable areas at flood risk, yet accounting for already modeled areas (Struga in North Macedonia);
• Production of high-resolution flood hazard inundation maps in line with the EU Flood Directive 2007/60/EC (EUFD). Maps are to be produced for a number of different return periods and for a range of climate change scenarios;
• Production of maps, animation videos and technical notes to detail flooding mechanisms and hydraulic parameters, thus guiding in selecting best fitted structural and non-structural measures to alleviate flood risk;
• Work closely with the lead hydrologist for the hydrodynamic model calibration and sensitivity analysis, as well with the Chief Technical Advisor regarding flooding mechanisms and FRM options to be tested;
• Undertake hydraulic modeling to support the development of long-listing and shortlisting of structural and non-structural measures, options modeling and appraisal; the identification of the preferred options; and the outline, feasibility and detailed design of preferred options in the development of the basin FRM strategy (Output 2.3). Hydraulic modeling will focus on selected vulnerable areas at flood risk, accounting for already modeled areas;
• Undertake hydraulic modeling to support the detailed engineering design of structural measures – Feasibility, outline and detailed design studies for each preferred option/flood alleviation scheme to be implemented under Output 3.1;
• Review, update and complete the existing flood risk modeling and mapping technical guidance document (covering ‘hydraulic and modeling mapping of flood risk’ topics of the guidance) as already prepared and implemented in riparian countries (also with some training to riparian country staff) accounting namely for climate risk management planning and flood prevention measures  (covering hydraulic modeling) in vulnerable areas;
• Identification of long-term training needs in hydraulic modeling for FRM, contribute to overall capacity development and training plan, and
• Provide additional training in hydraulic modeling to practitioners in riparian countries.

Timing and travel: The Consultant will be engaged under the Individual Contract. The engagement will be up to 150 working days.

At least six missions are envisaged under this assignment (up to 25 days), including two missions to each of the beneficiary countries of Albania (Tirana), Montenegro (Podgorica), North Macedonia (Skopje). As necessary, any local travel to project sites outside of the capitals will be arranged by the hosting country offices and covered separately.

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 International Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. In general, UNDP should 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. Approval of the IRH CDT Team Leader is required prior to planning of the trips and relevant logistics.

Reporting and delivery of outputs

The International Hydraulic Modeler should provide the following reports according to the UNDP format:

1. Completed time sheets and his/her mission reports;
2. Methodology for the assignment, including the scope of work, workplan and a timeframe;
3. Progress reports after every mission;
4. Report on the establishment of numerical hydraulic models of the DRB;
5. High resolution flood hazard inundation maps in line with the EUFD;
6. Report on hydraulic modelling to support the development of long-list of structural and non-structural measures, options modelling and appraisal and the outline and detailed design of preferred options in the development of the basin FRM strategy (Output 2.3);
7. Report on hydraulic modelling to support the detailed engineering design of structural measures under Output 3.1;
8. Flood risk modeling and mapping guidance document (covering ‘hydraulic and modeling mapping of flood risk’ topics of the guidance);
9. Assessment of long-term training needs in hydraulic modeling for FRM and training plan;
10. Report on training delivered to practitioners in riparian countries;
11. Final compiled report, consolidating all technical outputs, which incorporates the comments.

Reporting language:

Deliverables will be delivered in English. 

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;
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and in teams;
• Ability to provide quality assurance and attention to detail;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds.

Qualifications and experience:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Hydrology, Hydraulics Water Resources Management, Flood Risk Management, Civil Hydrotechnical or Water Resources engineering; PhD in same fields will be considered as advantage;

Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant work experience, with proven record of the works in hydraulic modeling, climate resilient flood management or water management projects, detailing types, purposes and context of designed hydraulic models as well as used hydraulic model software and involvement in FRM projects;
• Experience in similar projects addressing climate resilient flood risk management or water management in last 7 years is an advantage;
• Former work with UN/UNDP will be considered as advantage.

Language skills:

• fluent English writing and speaking skills.

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.

Applicants obtaining 49 points or more of the total technical points will be considered for financial evaluation.

Combined weighted scoring:  Technical (70%); Financial (30%).

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

• Criteria A – Advanced university degree in the fields related to Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Flood Risk Management, or Water Resources engineering – up to 10 points;

• Criteria B – Experience, with proven record of the works in hydraulic modeling, climate resilient flood management or water management projects – up to 30 points;
• Criteria C – Experience with supporting water management, flood risk management or climate change adaptation projects in ECIS countries and/or EU – up to 25 points;

• Criteria D – Fluency in English: up to 5 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points

Application procedure:

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.
• Latest personal Curriculum Vitae (CV) including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, including past experience from similar projects or completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SC) and Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form...  www.un.org.al/sites/default/files/IC_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx
• Financial Proposal in USD - specifying a total lump sum in USD
  http://www.un.org.al/doc/Financial%20Offer%20template.doc (The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable -qualitative and quantitative- deliverables . 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).Please note that with regard to travel component you may provide an average estimated travel cost for one circuit with and without accommodation.
• 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 both be part of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

How to Submit the Application:

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

• Merge your CV or P11, 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.

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.

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