Antecedentes
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an independent sovereign island nation consisting of four States spread across the Western Pacific Ocean (from west to east): Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Together, the States comprise 607 islands that stretch over a longitudinal distance of almost 3,000 km mostly located between 6 and 10 degrees north of the equator. The combined land area the FSM [High Islands and Atolls] is approximately 728 km2 with 2,700,000 km2 of EEZ in the Pacific Ocean. The total area of High Island is approximately 658 km2 (Yap 97 km2, Chuuk 95 km2, Pohnpei 358 km2 and Kosrae 110 km2).
Marine and terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services underpin social well-being and the economy of the Federated States of Micronesia and are vital to food security. These resources and services, however, are currently being undermined by unsustainable natural resource use and practices; spread of invasive alien species; the impacts of climate change; and, the limitations of government to effectively implement its programs and policies.
The FSM R2R Project is designed to engineer a paradigm shift in the approach to and management of natural resources from an ad-hoc species/site/problem centric approach to a holistic ecosystem-based management “ridge to reef” approach guided by planning and management process that are informed by actual data. The shift to an ecosystem-based approach within National and State governments will ensure that whole island systems are managed to enhance ecosystem goods and services, to conserve globally important biodiversity and to sustain local livelihoods.
The project promotes an integrated approach towards fostering sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation by seeking greater awareness, knowledge and participation of all stakeholders in achieving a greater balance between environmental management and development needs. In doing so it will reduce conflicting land-uses and land-use practices and improve the sustainability of terrestrial and marine management so as to maintain the flow of vital ecosystem services and sustain the livelihoods of local communities. Further, the project demonstrates sustainable land management practices testing new management measures, as needed, to reduce existing environmental stressors and institutional limitations. The project also supports the enhancement of capacities in the FSM to effectively manage protected areas as well as increase the coverage of the terrestrial and marine protected area network on the High Islands.
Deberes y responsabilidades
Scope of Work:
The specific duties are as follows:
Provide technical support to the PIU in the implementation of the project’s Communication Plan;
Undertake lead role in providing technical advice to the PIU for implementation of the planned social and economic assessments aimed to determine the long-term benefits of PAs to communities in selected priority sites;
Advise the PIU, Steering Committee and DECEM on key strategic and policy issues related to Ridge to Reef strategy and protected area management relevant to the FSM and in the context of a Pacific Island Country;
Assist in reviewing Protected Area (PA) management plans to ensure they align with FSM state and national criteria, and help address gaps in METT scores
Provide assistance to the PIU in preparation/review of technical documents including PIR, quarterly progress reports and SC meeting reports.
Be responsible for quality assurance of SLM and BD conservation analysis and related studies to be undertaken by the project;
Preparation of TORs and developing methodology in the execution of various technical studies to be carried out on the project, including but not limited to the project’s awareness for results of Biological Monitoring, social and economic assessments to determine long-term benefits to PA communities, terminal evaluation, etc.;
Verifying that TORs have been met and assuring quality of technical reports compiled by IPs and consultants;
Provide guidance to PIU on effectively tracking project indicators and impact;
Provide technical inputs to terminal evaluation exercise, especially in updating of tracking tools and scorecards prior to project closure;
Produce policy-briefing papers, project technical and periodic reports for advocacy and knowledge management as appropriate;
Ensure that sound systematic conservation planning principles are adhered to during project intervention and be responsible for monitoring that intended SLM and Biodiversity conservation outcomes of the project are attained;
Coordinate and facilitate cooperation and lessons learning/sharing between all PIC R2R projects, specifically facilitate initiatives such as South-South co-operation, sharing lessons learnt & best practices between the PICs;
Provide technical support and mentoring for Project Implementation Unit; and
Perform other duties relevant to the project and his/her expertise.
It is critically important for the consultant to carry out these tasks while keeping key stakeholders (including officers of the Ridge to Reef Project/DECEM) fully involved but at the same time taking a technical (and sometimes managerial) lead.
The following resources will be provided:
Office space in-country
All meeting costs related to the project
All technical training, workshops, etc. cost associated to achieving consultancy activities
Expected Outputs and Deliverables
The CTA is expected to deliver the following products/services by the end of the consultancy:
Lead development of the project’s final lessons learned paper;
Provide technical input to the project’s terminal evaluation;
Support lead consultant in the implementation of the project’s communication plan;
Ensure sound technical support and planning of the project’s social and economic assessments aimed for 2021;
Reports outlining technical support provided.
Institutional Arrangement
The consultant will be monitored, overseen and supervised by UNDP Multi Country Office Fiji in close cooperation with the Department of Emergency Management, Environment and Climate Change (DECEM)
The consultant is expected to produce a final report upon successful completion of activities according to the agreed schedules.
The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer.
Duration of the Work
The consultancy is for 100 days commencing no later than March,2021 and completion no later than January 31, 2022.
The consultant shall be engaged to undertake the consultancy working concurrently according to a planned schedule to be completed by the latest January 31, 2022.
The consultant is expected to propose a work layout, plan, budget and timelines to achieve the expected outputs with the appropriate methodology.
Duty Station
The consultant will be home based but expected to participate in at least two mission to. Pohnpei, FSM. Consultant is expected to bring computer, software, etc. The PMU will organise office space in Pohnpei.
Supervision / Reporting
- The CTA will report directly to UNDP Team Leader of Resilience and Sustainable Development Unit and/or her/his representative and UNDP Regional Technical Specialist/Advisor based in Suva, Fiji / Bangkok, Thailand.
- The CTA will support, supervise, train and mentor the PIU staff.
- The CTA will also provide regular reporting to DECEM and any other relevant key government stakeholders together with the Project Coordinator.
- The CTA will supervise, guide, management, and monitor progress and deliverables of the team members comprising of national and international experts.
- The CTA is expected to produce a final report upon successful completion of activities according to the agreed schedules. The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer.
- In country, consultant is expected to report to the R2R Project Manager and the Steering Committee (SC)Chairwoman on all achieved deliverables which must be endorsed by the R2R SC.
- In country, the consultant is expected to report to the Project Manager for all activities in-country and logistical support
- Present to key working groups and committees advised by the PIU of work outcome as when expected
- Make progress reporting on all achieved outcomes when needed.
Competencias
The following competencies are required:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Demonstrates integrity and commitment to UN principles and values and ethical standards
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work well as part of a multi-cultural team and displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders
Demonstrates strong commitment and patience to deal with competing deadlines, demands, and interests
Habilidades y experiencia requeridas
Educational Qualifications:
Minimum degree in conservation, environmental management and sustainable development
Experience
Minimum of 10 years relevant experience
At least 5 years of experience in community-based Locally Management Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land management and has a good idea on challenges and opportunities for technical and behavioral evidences of biodiversity, and land management-related development impacts,
Broad knowledge of systematic conservation planning and application internationally, especially knowledge of applied spatial biodiversity planning for land use planning and protected area development;
Proven track record of project management and project team experience working with government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing skills;
Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders;
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
Demonstrates integrity and commitment to UN principles and values and ethical standards;
Experience working in the Micronesia Region, preferably the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is necessary and,
Experience working with GEF projects.
Language requirements
Fluency of English language is required (verbal and written).
Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments
Consultant must send a financial proposal based on a Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.
Payment Schedule
10% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission of a signed contract and approved work plan by March 2021. The work plan must detail activities and expected deliverables;
10% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission and acceptance of a pre-mission report by March, 2021
20% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission and approval of first mission report including draft TORs for the awareness of results of the project’s biological monitoring and social and economic assessments by May, 2021
10% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission and approval of report outlining technical support provided (including first report cleared and training provided) by July 2021
20% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission and approval of second pre-mission report including a draft TOR for a local consultant to support the project’s technical evaluation by August 2021
10% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission of third mission report by September 2021
20% of the contract amount to be paid upon submission and approval of final report detailing activities and deliverables by January 2022.
In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.
In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.
Evaluation Method and Criteria
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:
Cumulative analysis
The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.
Qualification
Minimum degree in conservation, environmental management and sustainable development (10%)
Experience
Minimum of 10 years relevant experience (10%)
At least 5 years of experience in community-based Locally Management Marine Protected Areas, Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land management and has a good idea on challenges and opportunities for technical and behavioral evidences of biodiversity, and land management-related development impacts, (10%)
Broad knowledge of systematic conservation planning and application internationally, especially knowledge of applied spatial biodiversity planning for land use planning and protected area development; (10%)
Proven track record of project management and project team experience working with government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders; (10%)
Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders; (10%)
Experience working in the Micronesia Region, preferably in the Federated States of Micronesia. (10%)
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Interviews maybe conducted for shortlisted bidders only as part of the technical evaluation process to validate the technical evaluation scores maybe adjusted accordingly.
Documentation required
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:
Cover letter, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of at least three (3) professional references.
Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex II.
Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex II.
Note: Successful individual will be required to provide proof of medical insurance coverage before commencement of contract for the duration of the assignment including signing UNDP declaration on statement of good health. If the selected/successful Candidate is over 65 years of age and required to travel outside his home country; He/She will be required provide a full medical report at their expense prior to issuance to contract. Contract will only be issued when Proposed candidate is deemed medically fit to undertake the assignment.
Incomplete and joint proposals may not be considered. Consultants with whom there is further interest will be contacted.
The successful consultant shall opt to sign an Individual Contract or a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) through its company/employer with UNDP.
Women applicants are also encouraged to apply.
Annexes
For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to Mr. Ronald Kumar at ronald.kumar@undp.org. Complete proposals should be submitted online via UN Jobs website or etenderbox.pacific@undp.org by/before the due date.