Background

UNDP has been one of the most active and successful actors in the field of and environmental issues both in Kosovo and the region. We are engaged, among others, in supporting public institutions to improve environmental data gathering and reporting such as with the Kosovo Hydrometeorology Institute and Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency. UNDP Kosovo worked with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) in establishing a solid legal and institutional framework for environmental policymaking in Kosovo, environmental protection, and in addressing the climate change challenges.

With regards to environmental data, the Kosovo Environment Protection Agency (KEPA) were trained in the Green House Gas (GHG) monitoring and reporting procedures as required by Kyoto Protocol and EU/EC standards. Additionally, the second Kosovo-wide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for 2010-2013 was conducted feeding into the climate policy making.

Over the last years, air pollution has gained increased relevance on the global health agenda. It is the biggest environmental risk to health, responsible for the premature deaths of 6.5 million people every year globally. Children, elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions are the most vulnerable. Economic burden from air pollution in general sums up annually to about US$ 1.6 trillion in the European Region, which is approximately 10% of the GDP of the European Union . Kosovo is no exception for this trend. Environmental conditions in Kosovo are often inadequate and lead to a high environmental burden of disease as documented in several studies.
Environment and health issues are overlapping with many sectors (such as health, environmental, urban planning, transport, economy, energy, housing, social services) and can be affected by many actions and decisions within these sectors that are not considered primarily from health perspective. As a convener of different stakeholders, the UN system has a convening role in this complex and intersectoral issue.
Public interest in the environment and health status has increased in the recent years. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of public awareness on many major environmental hazards. Surveys in the Kosovo population indicate that for general priorities, environmental protection ranked low.

The project’s overall goal is to contribute to the reduction of the environment-related disease burden on population health and catalyze follow-up activities.  In doing so, the project will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Kosovo, specifically: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for All Ages (SDG 3); Achieving Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7); Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8); Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11); and Climate Action (SDG 13).
The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning is currently designing, implementing and managing various initiatives in all its departments and divisions. In our case technical expertise is required from Hydrometeorology Institute of Kosovo, on capacity building of its staff at the air pollution department on standard operating method for determination of BTX in the air, as per EN 14662: 2005 and 16017: 2003.

Objectives of Assignment
The overall objective of the assignment is to provide technical support to the Hydro Meteorological Institute of Kosovo (HMIK) in its efforts towards improvement of environmental monitoring, focusing on air pollution.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the close guidance and day-to-day management and supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager and HK Project Coordinator, the International Consultant-Technical Expert is tasked with, functionalization of GC-MS with TD and instrument testing and calibration on:

1. Application of the standard operating method for determination of BTX in the air, based on standard EN 14662: 2005 and 16017: 2003, which includes:
2. Preparation of sample for analysis in GC-MS with TD, Type GCMS-QP2010, Shimadzu and TD 100, MARKES;
3. Thermal desorption procedure at TD 100, MARKES;
4. Sample concentration procedure in TD;
5. Calibration curve preparation and Quality Control (QC);
6. Analysis of the prepared sample;
7. Operating with the necessary instruments for applying the method;
8. Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC / QA);
9. Calculation of results;
10. Valuation of measurement uncertainty (error) with this method.

Expected Deliverables/ Outputs

• Diagnosis-testing of GCMS with TD; Check working conditions of the equipment and apply necessary service
• Operationalization-functionalization and calibration of the of GCMS with TD for further usage of the equipment
• The servicing of the equipment, and list of parts that needs replacement

Remuneration – Lump Sum Amount (fixed and all-inclusive)
The contract is based on all-inclusive lump sum remuneration and shall be processed subject to deliverables as per the schedule listed below:

• 50% upon the delivery of deliverable 1
• 50% upon the delivery of deliverable 2

Required Presentation of Offer:
The following documents must be submitted:

• Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
• Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs. Please note that the contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components.
• Technical Proposal, a maximum 2-page document that briefly explain the approach and method to be utilized for delivering the expected results within the indicated timeframe.  

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer:
Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and technical proposal will be weighted a max. of 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrates substantial experience in gender equality. Actively promotes gender equality in all project activities;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional competencies

• Ability to synthesize research and draw conclusions on the related subjects;
• Good analytical and report writing skills;
• Good communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Responds positively to critical feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field

Experience:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in operating and maintenance of GCMS with TD

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English with excellent written and oral communications skills

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button;
• Input your information in the appropriate sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; you can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume;
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).
• Please make sure to submit all the requested documents/information; otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete.