Background
Important notice to the Applicants!
Only those applications/offers will be accepted that have been submitted to the following e-mail address: procurement.kz@undp.org with the indication of Ref.2020-116 in the subject line. The application deadline is 2 PM (Nur-Sultan time) 28 September 2020. For detailed information on the position, required documents to be sent and evaluation procedure please refer to the Terms of Reference.
Background:
The Project is going to address implementation of state-of-art MRV framework and adaptation measures to NDCs. A roadmap for fulfilling commitments, where main directions of national activities on adaptation and vulnerability assessment are specified, is planned to be developed to become a technical guideline for the Government of Kazakhstan on achieving nationally determined contribution and on adaptation actions.
To continue UNDP’s policy, dedicated to nations’ awareness of vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation and climate-related problems and to maximize attention on climate change related issues, set of stakeholder consultations and events to increase public awareness will be conducted.
The implementation of project objectives will support the Republic of Kazakhstan in enhancement of its NDC by adding a chapter on climate change adaptation. Currently, the climate change adaptation component is not included in the NDC and it is not reflected in government priorities in general.
This area of international efforts to combat climate change is an essential factor in ensuring the safety, health and well-being of the country's population, especially in territories or economic sectors that are vulnerable to climate change. Until recently, adaptation initiatives were de-centralized and delivered in the framework of individual programs and projects of international organizations. Subsequently, changing environmental conditions and emerging complex threats forced industries that are dependent on weather and climate change, to apply climate change adaptation measures. Most of these measures are focused on the agricultural sector. Studies, conducted in the framework of National Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other projects, found that there are 5 thematic areas (agriculture, forestry, emergency response sector, public health and water resources) that are most vulnerable to climate change and need urgent adaptation actions in Kazakhstan. Therefore, these and other areas should be reflected in the NDC. To implement these actions, it is necessary to identify the vulnerable groups of population in Kazakhstan, as well as financial needs required for adaptation.
In this regard, UNDP is seeking the expertise of an International Expert for conducting climate change vulnerability and financial needs assessment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objective:
The focus of this assignment is to:
- Conduct vulnerability assessments in the key sectors;
- Identify vulnerable groups of population (including the needs of women);
- Identify financial needs for adaptation.
Scope of work
(1) Conduct vulnerability assessments in the key sectors
Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close cooperation with the stakeholders the expert shall conduct a vulnerability assessment. The assessment of vulnerability to existing climate variability and extremes is a necessary starting point for any adaptation. Assessments of past weather events, for example heavy rain or extreme temperatures, and analysis of consequent responses can help provide insights into successful or ineffective initiatives. In order to perform a sound vulnerability assessment analysis of past and current weather trends, projected changes in climatic conditions, identifying sensitivity to those anticipated changes and estimating adaptive capacity in terms of available financial recourses, human resources and adaptation options need to be carried out.
The assessment shall include:
- Trend of various climate variables (e.g. average and extreme temperature, number of days with extreme heat, intensive rainfall events, snow cover), ideally based a range of different climate scenarios,
- Expected (direct and indirect) impacts (threats, opportunities) by identifying the most relevant hazards as well as the areas of the city (region) that are at most risk given an overlay of spatial distribution of the total population, vulnerable populations, economic activities and economic value;
- Timescale (short-, medium (e.g. 2050s) and long-term (e.g. end of century).
The assessment shall also include the sector's ability to adapt.
(2) Identify vulnerable groups of population (including the needs of women)
Under the supervision of the Project Manager the expert shall provide a report on vulnerable groups of population.
The concept of vulnerability helps to identify those members of a population who are most likely to suffer directly and indirectly from a hazard. It is also useful in identifying those who are more likely to suffer longer-term disruptions of livelihoods and life lines, as well as those who will find it more difficult to re-establish their accustomed patterns of living. The assessment should be carried out to evaluate the risk of climate change for current and future generations and to enable policy-makers to plan for measures, strategies and policies to cope with climate change. In addition, more national information and assessments are needed to feed into the international policy processes, such as that of the national communications to the UNFCCC and those from other climate change assessments.
(3) Identify financial needs for adaptation
Under the supervision of the Project Manager the expert shall provide a report on financial needs required to implement adaptation activities in Kazakhstan.
Quantifying the financing needs is quintessential for devising a financing strategy. Planning for the needed budget should include:
- Adaptation activities that require funding;
- Required funding amount (e.g. for human resources, costs of materials, logistics);
- Required timeframe for funding needed.
In addition, the report shall cover:
- Challenges faced in accessing climate funds;
- Identify the most relevant adaptation channels;
- Recommendations to attract public and private finance.
Competencies
Corporate competencies:
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
- Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Functional competencies:
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrable analytical skills
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Master’s Degree or equivalent (or 5-year university education) in Environmental Sciences or Economics. PhD degree will be considered as an asset.
Experience
- At least 4 years of experience in developing analytical reports.
- At least 3 years of experience in conducting vulnerabilities assessments.
- Experience in developing gender reports is an advantage.
- At least 3 years of experience in conducting financial assessment needs.
- Experience in providing workshops.
- Proven experience in working with international or local organizations on similar assignments. Successful experience in working with UN agencies is an asset.
- Excellent communication skills and experience in conducting presentations with a variety of stakeholders;
- Good knowledge of Excel, Word, Power Point, and Web navigation;
Language skills:
- Full proficiency in English both written and verbal including ability to review and edit the required project documentation. Knowledge of Russian is an asset.
Recommended presentation of Offer:
The following documents only in PDF should be attached to the application (proposal) and sent by e-mail to the following address: procurement.kz@undp.org indicating Ref.2020-121 in the e-mail subject no later than 14.00 (Nur-Sultan time zone) 28 September, 2020:
- Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per UNDP template provided;
- Detailed personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) and other supporting information confirming that the Candidate meets the qualification requirements;
- Brief Description of Approach to Work;
- Copies of higher education diplomas and other relevant documents.
Due to the technical features of e-mail, the size of the file/s should not exceed 19 Mb per e-message. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. ONLY fully submitted applications would be considered!!!
The type of Contract to be signed and the applicable UNDP Contract General Terms and Conditions, as specified in TOR, can be accessed at http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/procurement/business/how-we-buy.html
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
Please make sure you have provided all requested above documents. ! ONLY fully submitted applications would be considered!!!