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, as well as further statistical data treatment, necessary documented lessons from flood events, and also considering that relevant data are required for flood forecasting over the Drin River Basin (DRB), 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.

The International Hydrometric Network Expert is recruited to support riparian countries in developing the optimised basin hydrometric network for the DRB under Output 1.1. The International Hydrometric Network Expert (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 International Hydrometric Network Expert will develop the optimised basin hydrometric network for the DRB under Output 1.1 and will oversee the procurement, installation, and capacity development of practitioners in the riparian countries. Actually “hydrometric network” refers not only to water depth and/or flow discharge in rivers, but also to water levels in lakes, sea water levels, snow depth and even rain gauge systems, i.e. all necessary measurement equipment for flow monitoring and flood forecasting over DRB.

Key tasks will include:

• Review the existing coverage, physical condition and data collection procedures of the basin hydrometric network, working across all Riparian countries, follow up on previously undertaken projects, such as the Drin-Buna/Bojana Basin Flow and Flood Forecasting System by Deutsche Gesellschaft fu¨r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and develop the optimised basin hydrometric network plan.
• Work with the Telecommunications expert to undertake an assessment of the telecommunications network to support telemetered and automated stations.
• Assess the institutional arrangements and capacity for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the hydrometric network and develop Institutional capacity development plan (short, medium and long-term) for hydrometric network O&M detailing human power and financial requirements, and training needs, for the efficient O&M of all the stations in each Riparian country.
• Develop detailed training curriculum for training to be delivered during the project.
• Assess the existing protocols for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage, management and use of the observed data
• Oversee the development of detailed specification and design all equipment and each component of the hydrometric network specified including the detailed design and bid document for new hydrometric stations for Montenegro and Macedonia and undertake the technical evaluation of tenders for the procurement and installation of hydrometric equipment
• Develop hydrometric network O&M plan and assist countries to implement elements of the plan
• Review existing financing of hydrometric network O&M in each riparian country, identify resourcing, and training needs as well as institutional arrangements for the management of the proposed new hydrometric network.

Timing and travel: The Consultant will be engaged under the Individual Contract. The engagement will be up to 110 working days.

At least six missions are envisaged under this assignment, 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 Hydrometric Network Expert 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. The optimised basin hydrometric network plan.
5. Institutional capacity development plan (short, medium and long-term) for hydrometric network O&M detailing manpower and financial requirements, and training needs, for the efficient O&M of all the stations in each Riparian country.
6. Detailed training curriculum for training to be delivered during the project.
7. Hydrometric network O&M plan.
8. Financing needs for the management of the proposed new hydrometric network.
9. 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.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Water Resources Management, Flood Risk Management, Hydrology, Electrical 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 hydrometric systems design, hydrological monitoring, climate resilient flood management or water management projects, detailing types, purposes and context of designed hydrometric networks as well as used hydrological model software;
• 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 Water Resources Management, Flood Risk Management, Hydrology, Electrical or Water Resources engineering – up to 10 points;

• Criteria B – Experience, with proven record of the works in hydrometric systems design, hydrological monitoring, 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.