As a main driver of Montenegro’s economic growth and investment, the tourism sector is responsible directly and indirectly for the large share of GHG emissions from the transport, accommodation and other tourism-related activities. According to Montenegro’s Second National Communication to UN Framework Climate Change Convention (2015), in the scenario without measures Montenegro’s GHG emissions will rise by app. 30% in 2020 above 1990 baseline. By contributing to over third of GDP and a half of capital investment in infrastructure, the tourism sector will inevitably be an important, if not the leading, factor in a projected GHG emissions increase. Apart from the direct GHG emissions, the indirect climate change impact of millions of holiday-makers is also substantial, first, because of their sheer numbers in proportion to small local population and, second, because of their more carbon intensive life-style and consumption patterns.

In the business-as-usual scenario, the carbon footprint of Montenegro tourism will continue to grow as a result of large-scale investment in tourist infrastructure and constantly growing number of travelers. The Government of Montenegro sees tourism as the main driver of economic growth and income generation, but also fully realizes the environmental challenges associated with its rapid development and is committed to address them as part of the National Sustainable Development Strategy and Tourism Development Master Plan.

GEF-funded Towards Carbon Neutral Tourism (TCNT) Project will adopt a comprehensive approach to minimizing the carbon footprint of Montenegro’s main and most dynamic economic sector, the tourism. Its ultimate objective is to reduce GHG emissions from Montenegro’s tourism sector. It will do so by promoting country’s transition towards a carbon neutral travel & tourism, minimizing energy use and transport in and around new green field development projects, helping tourism industry to identify and implement cost-effective mitigation options in travel and accommodation sectors, as well as introducing carbon offset scheme and other innovative financial mechanisms to compensate for the residual emissions and generate additional revenues for climate mitigation and adaptation actions in tourism.

Environmental/eco certification of accommodation facilities is efficient instrument for reducing GHG emissions and both selling and promotional tool for green tourism. There is a multitude of eco-certification schemes existing both at a national and international level. Third party certified eco-labels have high reputation amongst consumers (ISO criteria for environmental labelling). Further, it is of great importance that eco certification schemes in tourism are recognized under Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or fulfil their criteria.

Accommodation facilities are awarded with eco certificate after review of compliance with number of criteria, which can divided in several groups: i) environmental policies; ii) energy efficiency; iii) rational usage of water and sanitations; iv) sustainable mobility; v) air quality; and vi) proper waste management.

Main outcomes of analysis on eco certification in tourism sector in Montenegro, developed under TCNT Project in 2015, were as follows:

1. There are 3 international certification schemes in Montenegro (EU Eco Label, Travelife and Green Globe); with 6 certified facilities (or in process of certification);
2. Altogether, general interest and willingness in eco-certification within the accommodation sector is visible, even if the knowledge of the process, costs, investments, etc. for the certification is somewhat limited, with emphasis on direct benefits: reduced operational costs, marketing advantages and/or compliance with national legislation;
3. The environmental performance of the tourism accommodation in Montenegro is better than expected (at least for the newer hotels in the coastal area); the starting point for the establishment of an eco-certification in tourism is quite strong: several hotels already invested in expensive technical solutions (heating, energy supply), but still for many (smaller hotel) and especially private accommodation, understanding the cost implications will be essential in gaining buy-in.
4. Main criteria that should be worked on further are: on environmental policies; trained personnel as well as smaller investments related to reduction of water consumption, EE lightening and packaging (based on quick check for EU Eco Label).

TCNT Project will further support promotion and application of EU Eco Label and Travelife certificate schemes. Both of the schemes have advantages, such as higher operational and environmental performance for smaller accommodation facilities (EU Eco Label) or better positioning towards global tour operators and accommodation providers (Travelife).

Introduction of an  certification scheme requires gradual approach, which includes: i) self-assessment by accommodations’ holders; ii) advisory work in order to fulfil all required criteria; iii) audit control (by certified auditor) and iv) awarding the certificate.

Objectives of the assignment: To provide advisory support to the accommodation facilities in the process of applying for and obtaining primarily but not exclusively EU Eco Label certificate, with particular emphasis on the energy and resource efficiency related criteria and introduction of new technological solutions. In addition, to provide advisory support to the TCNT Team in relation to providing guidelines for further improvement of energy management in accommodation facilities.

Job content: Under the direct supervision of the TCNT Programme Manager and in close cooperation with respective Project Coordinators , the selected consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Conduct technical visits to selected tourism accommodation facilities (mainly on the coast of Montenegro) interested for obtaining EU Eco Label certificate, based on the quick check lists submitted by accommodations’ owners/managers;
2. Provide on-spot advices on how the particular accommodation facility can improve its operations in order to comply with criteria defined by EU Eco Label certification scheme;
3. Prepare technical report on the readiness of the particular accommodation facility to be awarded with EU Eco Label certificate, including measures, costs assessment, best available technology and time frame for completion of identified tasks.
4. Provide walkthrough (preliminary) energy audit and provide advisory relevant for inspection of the system for heating and airconditioning (HVAC), as per Law on Efficienct Use of Energy.
5. Conduct all above listed activities for any other certification scheme if deemed relevant and on the request of the TCNT Project Team.

The selected consultant will cooperate and regularely communicate with TCNT project team, especially with Project Coordinators for Eco Certifications and for Spatial Planning and Energy Efficient Architecture. Project coordinators will join consultant during technical visits to the accommodation facilities. It is expected that up to 20 accommodation facilities will be reviewed in 2016.

Given the fact that main professional expertize of the energy auditors is conducting full energy audits as per Law on Efficient Use of Energy, it should be understood that completion of such an activity is not required by the ToRs..

The Criteria list for EU Eco Label Certification Scheme is presented in the Annex 1 to the ToRs.

The expected results:

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Individual technical reports on the status of EU Eco Label criteria compliance, as defined in Task 3.
• Individual technical reports on the status of any other certification criteria compliance (if applicable).
• Final Report with summary on the main findings and recommendations on next steps, including new solutions related to the energy efficiency, energy management and resource management (if applicable) and improved environmental performances for the accommodation facilities.

Reporting: Reports will be prepared in cooperation with Project Coordinators for Eco Certifications and for Spatial Planning and Energy Efficient Architecture. The reports shall be submitted in local language

Timing and travel: The local consultant will be engaged under the Individual Contract immidatly following the recruitment procedure. The engagement period will be for up to 30 days within the period 18th May – 31st December 2016,. The Consultant will have field visits to Coasta region, therefore it is expected from Consultant to organize his/her related travel activies on his/her own. The final field visit schedule will be determined and approved by the TCNT Programme Manager.

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UN/UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Education:

• University degree in the area of mechanical engeeniring or electrotechnics;
• Valid certificate on professional examination for performing energy audits of buildings;

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in carrieng out energy audits;
• Familiarity with energy efficiency and energy management systems and technologies;
• Familiaruty with sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices;
• Proven record on active involvement in similar assignments/projects;

Language:

• Fluency in English and Montenegrin (written and spoken);

Criteria for selection

Combined Scoring method will be used. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the inidividual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: (i) responsive, compliant, acceptable, and (ii) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• Technical criteria weigth - 70% (Background and education 10%;
• Relevant previous experience - 20%;
• Substantial knowledge/Required competencies 30%;
• Required language -10%);
• Financial criteria weight - 30%;
• Only offerors obtaining a minimum 490 points for technical criteria will be considered for the financial evaluation.
• For more information on procurement methodology for Individual Contractors, please refer to Procurement Notice.

Application procedure

Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications by May 2nd, 2016  by using the Apply now button. The application should contain a duly completed Personal History Form (P11) that can be downloaded from http://www.me.undp.org/content/montenegro/en/home/operations/jobs.html.

Only the short-listed applicants will be contacted and requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work and travel envisaged in the section "Description of Responsibilities".