Antecedentes

Biodiversity is currently being lost at unprecedented rates due to human activities around the globe. To address this problem, the CBD COP adopted a Strategic Plan in 2002 (Decision VI/26). In its mission statement, CBD Parties committed themselves to more effective and coherent implementation of the three CBD objectives with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level by the year 2010, as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth. These agreements became known as the 2010 Biodiversity Commitments, for which a set of targets and indicators were later established.

The targets associated with the 2010 Biodiversity Commitments inspired action at many levels, however, they were not achieved at a sufficient enough scale to successfully address the pressures on biodiversity. While the commitments did result in some understanding of the linkages between biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being, biodiversity issues were insufficiently integrated and generally not reflected into broader policies, strategies, programmes, actions and incentive structures. As a result, the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss were not significantly reduced at the global level. The diversity of genes, species and ecosystems continued to decline, as the pressures on biodiversity remained constant or increased in intensity, mainly as a result of human actions. This loss has profound impacts on human wellbeing and compromises the ability to adapt to future stressors and shocks.

COP 10 decisions recognize that achieving positive outcomes for biodiversity requires actions at multiple entry points. The new Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 (CBD COP decision XI/2) reflects this perspective by including 20 headline targets for 2015 or 2020, which are referred to as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABT), and are organized under five strategic goals. The goals and targets comprise aspirations for achievement at the global level and a flexible framework for the establishment of national or regional targets. The decision invites Parties to set their own targets within this flexible framework, taking into account national needs and priorities, while also considering how national actions contribute to the achievement of the global targets. NBSAPs are the key conduit for implementing the Strategic Plan and achieving the ABTs at a national level and are a central policy-making tool for national biodiversity management. The Convention requires countries to prepare a national biodiversity strategy, or equivalent instrument, and to ensure that it, and the principles of conservation and sustainable use, are integrated into the planning and activities of those sectors whose activities can have an impact (positive and negative) on biodiversity. Consequently, post-2010, countries were called to revise their NBSAPs, or equivalent documents, with the purpose of setting national targets to attain the Strategic Plan and prescribe national strategies and actions to achieve them. It is these targets whose implementation and attainment will be assessed during the 6NR process.

Parties are required by Article 26 of the Convention to submit national reports to the COP on measures taken to implement it, and the effectiveness of those actions in meeting the Convention’s objectives. The 6NR will focus on monitoring the effectiveness of national strategies and actions in achieving National and ABT and related biodiversity outcomes. This will require an assessment of progress on achieving national targets, using the global and/or national indicators of biodiversity status and trends. However, reporting places a significant burden on countries and results are generally superficial.  A lack of spatial data analysis, root cause analysis, and monitoring changes in the status and trends of biodiversity at regular intervals are resulting a pervasive lack of evidence-based reporting and decision making. Additionally, biodiversity and climate change are closely interconnected. Global climate change is a root causes of biodiversity loss, while healthy ecosystems help to mitigate climate change and enhance adaptation capacities. The same data and monitoring gaps are limiting the ability of Parties to asses, plan for, and take action to mitigate the current and future impacts of climate change on biodiversity; to fully understand the role of ecosystems in addressing global climate change; to take related actions to protect them; and to including climate change adaptation as a strategy in NBSAPs and National Reports.

Because the global biodiversity strategic plan is ending in 2020, and because there is need to have quality reporting from Parties on progress in implementing the plan, COP 13 requested that the GEF “provide adequate funding for the preparation of the sixth national report in a timely and expeditious manner”.  In particular, this project proposes to address the need to engage broad groups of stakeholders (including engaging with women) as key decision-makers and key stakeholders at the national level in the process of developing data driven assessment process of progress towards ABT achievement. The project also ensures that national biodiversity planning process will continue to contribute to the national policy agenda and be considered in decision-making processes both at the global level and in participating countries. In addition, the project will reduce the barriers of Parties to integrate issues pertaining to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (the ‘Nagoya Protocol’). Finally, this project will also build the capacity of Parties to align reporting on implementation of the CBD 2015-2020 Gender Plan of Action (decision XII/7). The project will also promote the consideration of risk informed development principles during national reporting and encourage Parties to consider how the promotion of healthy ecosystems contributes to sustainable development by minimizing disasters related risks.

Turkmenistan is actively involved in the implementation of GEF national projects in the field of biodiversity conservation. The main objective of this project is to assist the government of Turkmenistan in fulfilling its commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and their integration into national development plans and framework sector plans through improved participation in the "biodiversity planning" and the development of government strategies. It is expected that this project goal will be achieved through the implementation of the developed global principles and standards enshrined in the CBD Strategic Plan for the period 2011-2020, including the principles for the conservation of biodiversity adopted in Aichi.

The National Coordinator for the CBD will coordinate the preparation of the 6th National Report in accordance with Turkmenistan's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The main executive partner of the project is the State Committee for Environmental Protection and Land Resources of Turkmenistan. The project is currently in the process of establishing a Steering Committee and an interdepartmental working group for the preparation of the 6th National Report on the CBD. The preliminary participants of the interdepartmental working group for the preparation of the 6th national report on the CBD are:

• The State Committee for Environmental Protection and Land Resources of Turkmenistan;
• Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources;
• Ministry of Finance and Economy;
• Ministry of Education;
• Ministry of Oil and gas;
• Ministry of Transport;
• Ministry of Energy;
• Institute for Strategic Planning and Sustainable Development;
• State Committee on Fisheries of Turkmenistan;
• National Committee for Hydrometeorology under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan;
• Turkmen State University named after Makhtumkuli;
• Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A.Niyazov.

Broader stakeholders include academic and research institutions (Institute of Botany, Desert Institute, Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan) and other organizations.

The ultimate goal of the project is the preparation of the 6th National Report on the CBD, which will be the basis for a policy on practical, long-term and strategic protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in Turkmenistan, and the creation of national capacity for carrying out actions on biodiversity and compliance with national CBD commitments.

Parties are requested to report on both achievement of each identified national target (Section III), and on achievement of each Aichi Biodiversity Target (Section IV). The sixth national report should be submitted by 31 December 2018. Additional guidance and background material on more specific issues for the preparation of the sixth national report will be available on the national reports page of the Convention on Biological Diversity website (https://www.cbd.int/reports/).

Deberes y responsabilidades

The task of the International Consultant will be to provide technical assistance to the Government of Turkmenistan in fulfilling its obligations in the preparation and submission of national reports under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The international consultant will be supported by a team of national consultants engaged by UNDP under separate contractual arrangements. This expert task will require close work with the members of the working group for the preparation of the 6th National Report on the CBD.

Working under the overall guidance of the CBD National Coordinator and the Program Specialist for the Environment and the direct leadership of the Steering Committee and the interdepartmental working group for the preparation of the 6th National Report on the CBD, International consultant to support preparation of the 6th National Report will be responsible for:

• Familiarize with reporting guidelines and reporting templates and resource manual available at https://www.cbd.int/nr6/default.shtml;
• Review requirements and standards of methodologies established by the Convention Secretariat and their adaptation to the existing mechanisms in Turkmenistan. The list of requirements and standards of CBD methodologies is available for download in English and Russian at: (https://www.cbd.int/reports/);
• Get acquainted with the online reporting tool and other reporting mechanisms developed by the Convention Secretariat to assist in the preparation of the sixth national report, accessed at:https://chm.cbd.int/. This tool allows to submit sections of the sixth national report as they are finalized or to submit the entire report when all sections of it are completed. In preparing the sixth national report, Parties are invited to use the online reporting tool;
• Provide assistance to hired National experts develop a methodology for the preparation of the 6th national report;
• Work closely with national team and established working group and incorporate their inputs into the report;
• Provide assistance to hired National experts in usage of online tool and other technical tools;
• Review previous national reports and the existing procedure, and apply them to the national conditions;
• Analysis of current challenges and existing potential in climate change issues and their consideration in developing an eco-system approach to adaptation and sustainability in Turkmenistan;
• Review and update of the country’s biodiversity profile and current trends in this area;
• Review of funding for NBSAPS (previous practices and opportunities for the future);
• Review of progress in achieving national, ABT and other relevant results on biodiversity;
• Assess the effectiveness of measures taken, identify skills and technical, scientific and resource needs, taking into account gender aspects;
• Identify the national contribution to the implementation of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (AIT) and the targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation;
• Jointly with national team to prepare the initial draft of the 6th national report, which includes an assessment of the results of each of the national biodiversity targets set out in accordance with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020;
• Jointly with national team to submit the draft report for discussion and approval to the members of the working group for the preparation of the 6th National Report on the CBD and on the basis of comments and recommendations received from key stakeholders, make appropriate changes to the text of the national report being developed and prepare its final version;
• Present the final version of the 6th National Report to all interested parties;
• Officially submit the final version to the Steering Committee and UNDP for a technical expert review. Make appropriate changes based on comments and recommendations;
• Official approval of the report by national authorities and as an official document to provide the final version of the 6th national report to the Secretariat of the CBD in accordance with Article 26;
• Based on the experience gained in preparing the national report, jointly with national team prepare and provide practical guidance for the preparation of CBD national reports. A practical guide should include a step-by-step methodology for the preparation of national reports;

Deliverables and Timeframe:

Deliverable 1: 

• Interim report submitted including: outline of the baseline work, work plan, data collection mechanisms and coordination with the national team and stakeholders for the preparation of the 6th National Report on Biological Diversity.

Location: Home based.Number of days: 10 days. Deadline: August-September 2018.

Deliverable 2:    

• Initial draft of the 6th national report is produced and submitted to Steering Committee and all relevant stakeholders for review.

Location: Home based and mission to Turkmenistan. Number of days: 20 days (including one 5-day mission). Deadline: September-October 2018.

Deliverable 3:

• Final version of the high quality, gender-responsive and data-driven sixth national report is compiled that describes progress towards achieving each identified national target and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs). Report officially approved by national authorities, submitted to CBD Secretariat.

Location: Home based. Number of days: 10 days. Deadline: November-December 2018.

Payment Conditions:

This is an installment-based contract that should cover the costs of consultancy required to produce the above deliverables. The final schedule of payments will be agreed upon in the beginning of consultancy. Payment will be released in three installments: 1st installment - 30% (for the Deliverable 1), 2nd installment - 40% (for the Deliverable 2) and 3rd installment - 30% (for the Deliverable 3) upon timely submission of respective deliverables and their acceptance by UNDP Turkmenistan.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• 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 favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent analytical and drafting skills, and the ability to work with data and information;
• Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines;
• Ability to correctly report information and ability to work in close partnership with government officials;
• Knowledge of the structure of the government and the existing national mechanism for the conservation of biodiversity and its management;
• Computer skills and skills in developing presentations and reporting on the work done.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in climate/environment or related field. Master’s degree in natural resources or relevant field highly desired.

Experience:

• Experience with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and National Reports;
• At least 7 years of experience with thematic areas included in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and previous National Reports, including protected areas and their status, the conservation status of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity;
• Significant experience in the field of environmental protection, including work on the collection and analysis of environmental data, or analysis and advice on environmental policy and environmental standards;
• Substantial experience in participating in the preparation and editing of analytical documents and reports related to the international obligations of the government, as well as program documents; published author's works will be an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience of work in the CIS or Central Asia is an advantage.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian.

Submission of applications:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• Brief (1-2 pages) description of the methodology for the assignment;
• Financial Proposal with the references to (1) the daily rate for the assignment and within the timing scale indicated in the present TOR, and (2) any other expenses (including transportation costs, accommodation costs, the possibility of vaccination and etc.). Template of the form can be found at: http://www.tm.undp.org/content/turkmenistan/en/home/procurement.html . The UNDP will enter into an Individual Contract based on a lump sum amount. The financial proposal shall represent a detailed, justified and “all inclusive” amount.  In order to assist UNDP in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount, including: a daily fee for the tasks and an estimated duration as specified in this announcement, travel (to and from the missions), per diems, any other possible costs (including vaccinations, dwelling, communication etc.);
• Cover letter explaining why they are the most suitable candidate for the assignment;
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from  http://www.tm.undp.org/content/turkmenistan/en/home/procurement.html .

IMPORTANT: when submitting your applications, please, scan all above-listed required documents into one file and upload it as one file.

Evaluation of proposals:

Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on the combined scoring methodology. When using this method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant and
• Having received the highest score – out of 100 points

Out of the maximum score, the score for technical criteria equals 70% - maximum 70 points, and for financial criteria 30%.

The technical evaluation will take into account the following as per the scoring provided:

• Education: Academic background in the field of climate/environment or related field – 20 pts;
• Relevant working experience with NBSAPS – 25 pts;
• The experience with preparation and editing of analytical documents and reports related to the international obligations of the government – 20 pts;
• Methodology – 15 pt;
• Fluency in Russian – 10 pts;
• Fluency in English – 10 pts.

Financial proposal – 30% of total evaluation.

Additional requirements for recommended contractor:

Recommended contractors aged 62 and older, and if the travel is required, shall undergo a full medical examination including x-ray, and obtain medical clearance from the UN-approved doctor prior to taking up their assignment. The medical examination is to be cleared by the UN physicians, and shall be paid by the consultant.