Background
The Sindhudurg Coastal and Marine Ecosystem (SCME), located on the west coast of India (Maharashtra) is one of the 11 ecologically and economically critical habitats identified along the Indian coast. The area is rich in mangroves, coral reefs, apart from varied marine flora and fauna including globally significant species like Whale shark, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Olive Ridley, Green and Leatherback turtles. Due to its high ecological importance, 29.12 sq. km of SCME was designated as the Malvan Marine Sanctuary (MMS) in 1987. SCME has enormous economic significance as well, being one of the major fish landing centers, and as a rapidly emerging tourism destination.
Please note proposal has to be submitted strictly as stipulated in detailed Terms of Reference, online link has been given at the bottom of this document.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary drivers of ecosystem degradation in the SCME include unsustainable fishing by trawlers, an expanding tourism sector, and pollution from fishing vessels and other maritime traffic. The existing institutional arrangement in the SCME being inadequate in addressing these issues from a landscape perspective, the UNDP-GEF intervention aimed to address this through the following outcomes: (1) Cross-sectoral planning framework that mainstreams biodiversity conservation; (2) Enhanced capacity of sector institutions for implementing biodiversity-friendly fisheries management plan, ecotourism management plan and MMS management plan; and (3) Sustainable community livelihoods and natural resource use. By the project end, it has been envisioned that production activities in at least 6,327 sq. km of SCME mainstream biodiversity conservation objectives, in turn improving the conservation prospects of critical species and ecosystems, apart from contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
The immediate project objectives and long-term goal to which the project will contribute is the sustainable management of the globally significant coastal and marine biodiversity of India by mainstreaming biodiversity conservation considerations into production activities in the coastal and marine zones, while also taking into account development imperatives, need for sustaining livelihoods and addressing retrogressive factors such as the anticipated impacts of climate change.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
- Highly knowledgeable of participatory monitoring and evaluation processes, and experience in evaluation of technical assistance projects with major donor agencies;
- Previous evaluation/review experience of UNDP-GEF projects is an advantage;
- Familiar with conservation approaches in Asia either through management and/or implementation or through consultancies in evaluation of conservation projects. Understanding of local actions contributing to global benefits is crucial;
- Familiar with GEF rules, regulations and project reviews and evaluations;
- Ability and experience to lead multi-disciplinary and national teams, and deliver quality reports within the given time.
- Writing and communication will be in English, and he/she must have excellent communication skills in English. The consultant must bring his/her own computer/ laptop and related equipment.
Core Competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Higher standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic Qualification:
- Master’s degree in natural resources management / Marine biodiversity conservation, and related fields.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years of working experience in the related field is required
- At least 4 years of technical experience in marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity projects in any country or countries in the same region. Experience specific to mainstreaming of marine and coastal biodiversity conservation into production sectors and related projects is advantageous; (Credibility of completion/on-going support documents to be included)
- Experience and familiarity with assessments of policies, strategies and possess sufficient knowledge of coastal and marine biodiversity conservation through inter-sectoral coordination matters at the national and local levels is necessary.
- Familiar with conservation approaches in Asia either through management and/or implementation or through consultancies in evaluation of conservation projects. Understanding of local actions contributing to global benefits is crucial;
- Highly knowledgeable of participatory monitoring and evaluation processes, and experience in evaluation of technical assistance projects with major donor agencies; previous evaluation/review experience of UNDP-GEF projects is an advantage;
- Ability and experience to lead multidisciplinary and national teams, and deliver quality reports within the given time
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations, succinctly distil critical issues, and draw forward-looking conclusions and recommendations.
Language:
- Writing and communication will be in English, and he/she must have excellent communication skills in English.
Payment Schedule:
- 10% on submission and approval of the TE inception report;
- 50% on submission and approval of the 1ST draft terminal evaluation report;
- 40% on submission and approval (UNDP-CO and UNDP RTA) of the final terminal evaluation report.
Evaluation Criteria:
- As given in detailed ToR.
Documents to be submitted:
- Detailed CV with contact details of three references;
- Financial proposal specifying all-inclusive per day consultancy fee. Travel expenses will be reimbursed separately or all the arrangement would be done by UNDP in line with prevailing rules.
- A proposed work methodology with timeline for undertaking the assignment.
Kindly note all the documents are to be in one file only as system allows only one attachment.
For any clarification please write to sandeep.sharma@undp.org
Detailed ToR can be accessed at the following link: