Antecedentes

The Republic of Moldova is encircled by two transborder aquatic arteries: the Nistru River and the Prut River, the latter being the tributary of the Danube River. Both rivers host wetlands, whose importance has been recognized internationally.

According to Moldova’s fifth National Communication to the CBD, wetland areas in Moldova are “degraded and are disappearing, and key habitats for important waterfowl are decreasing” further highlighting that the main threats to biodiversity are coming from “the irrational exploitation of natural resources, fragmentation of natural habitats, environmental pollution, poor institutional framework for protected areas management  and increasing climate change impacts”. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NBSAP (2015-2020) is prioritizing wetland sustainable management with the aim of including more wetland areas under a legal protection regime.

With the economic development of the districts along the Prut River, there is a danger of increasing anthropogenic pressure on the natural ecosystems of wetlands. Recently, the development trend of tourism in the Middle and Lower Prut region has evolved, with all its components: development of constructions, development of transport infrastructure, development of services, increase of the volume of waste especially between localities in the region, the emergence of first eco-pensions, etc. However, these anthropogenic pressures exert risks that may negatively affect the biological diversity and rural population wellbeing in the region, especially those socially/economically vulnerable, which are heavily dependent on local natural resources (especially fishing, biomass, wood, grazing, household water, etc.).

The ecosystems in the Prut basin are of strategic interest, including being the focus of regional and international organizations and projects. It is worth mentioning that in July 2018, as a result of the implementation of the EU/CBC project between Romania-Moldova-Ukraine, the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve (14,771 ha) was officially designated and registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It incorporated the lands of the Lower Prut Scientific Reserve and the Ramsar Wetland - "Lower Prut".

This important step for the Republic of Moldova contributed to attracting large biodiversity projects having as scope rehabilitation of the Beleu and Manta lakes, the carrying out of the hydrotechnical works to reduce the clogging processes of the respective lakes. UNDP aims to ensure synergy with ongoing projects for the conservation of natural resources on the Prut River and to coordinate its activities. As a result, the sustainability of project implementation in a unique cross-border area is ensured.

For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1 – Terms of Reference.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The scope of the project is to achieve ecological integrity of key floodplain wetlands ensuring positive status of biodiversity, land and water resources, as well as ecosystem services.

The outcomes of the Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands with focus on high-nature value areas in the Prut River basin project are:

  • Outcome 1: Enhanced regulatory and financing environment;
  • Outcome 2: Improved protection and management of Key Biodiversity Areas on wetlands;
  • Outcome 3: Demonstrating sustainable use/livelihoods at wetlands;
  • Outcome 4: Knowledge management, monitoring, and evaluation.

The PIF has been approved by GEF Secretariat in October 2020, paving the way for devevlopement of the full project proposal.

The responsibility of the international consultant is to assist UNDP Moldova in development of project document in line with GEF and UNDP criteria and based on PIF approved by GEF. In doing this, the International Consultant will be will be supported by a team of National Consultant and will act as the Team Leader.

For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1 – Terms of Reference.

Competencias

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Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic Qualification:

  • Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as environmental management, economics, public administration, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Development Studies or another closely related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of Biodiversity conservation/Protected areas/Land degradation and in preparing and overseeing the preparation of high-quality project documents, particularly for UNDP and GEF projects;
  • Expert knowledge of the GEF rationale and procedures, and demonstrated experience with formulation of GEF-funded project proposals, using the logical framework and the results-based management approaches;
  • Proven working experience with METT;
  • Experience working in the Eastern Europe and CIS region on related initiatives highly desired.

Competencies:

  • Excellent coordination and leadership skills, as well as relationship management skills;
  • Ability of working remotely and managing virtual communication platforms;
  • Excellent facilitation and public presentation skills;

Language requirements:

  • Fluent in written and oral communication in English;
  • Knowledge of Romanian or/and Russian will be a strong asset.