UNDP Jobs - 74623- International Technical Adviser (ITA)

International Technical Adviser (ITA)

Location :

Home-based with at least one mission each year to Tashkent for a total of 6 working days each year, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

30-Sep-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

20 working days in 2017 and an average of 28 working days per calendar year from January 2018 to May

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Uzbekistan is globally and regionally important in terms of its biodiversity due to its location between the European, Middle Eastern, and Asian biogeographical regions. Its varying landscapes of high mountain ranges, wide steppes, deserts, riparian wetlands, and the Aral Sea has results in a wide diversity of habitats. UNDP, for many years, have supported the Government of Uzbekistan in tackling environmental challenges, including in the area of biodiversity.

UNDP/GEF and Republic of Uzbekistan project on “Sustainable natural resource use and forest management in key mountainous areas important for globally significant biodiversity” will further support the country in addressing biodiversity conservation challenges, specifically with focusing on mountain ecosystems such as the western-most outliers of the western Tian Shan (Chatkal, Pskem, Ugam and Kuramin ranges) and Pamir-Alai (Gissar, Turkestan and Zaravshan ranges), which are home to the endangered snow leopard, and provide important habitat for its key prey species.

The project objective is ‘To enhance the conservation, and sustainable use, of natural resources in the biodiverse high altitude mountain ecosystems of Uzbekistan’, and the project is structured into four components, with each component comprising a complementary suite of two to three outputs:

Component 1: Landscape level planning and management decision-making;

Component 2: Strengthening key biodiversity areas;

Component 3: Sustainable economic development incentives for communities;

Component 4: Promoting cooperation and collaboration.

The International Technical Advisor (ITA) will advise the project team directly in effective and timely project implementation. The ITA will provide overall project advisory services and technical assistance to PM, Project Field Coordinators and other project consultants. The responsibility of the ITA is to ensure that the overall thematic/technical direction of the project is maintained and flexibility adapted to meet the practical challenges faced during the implementation of the project.

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Head of Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the ITA will work closely with project Field Coordinators, international and national consultants/service providing companies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Thematic functions:

Component 1: Landscape level planning and management decision making.

Output 1.1: The quality of environmental information for state cadaster improved.

Provide guidance and hands-on recommendations on the collection and collation of key baseline information (e.g. land uses, species and habitats, highland forests and pastures, etc.), enshrined in the project document in detail, on the high altitude mountains of the snow leopard distribution range advising on the methodologies to be applied;

Provide guidance on conducting an ecosystem services and economic valuation of snow leopards and their mountain ecosystems;

Provide support in documenting and disseminating the best practices implemented within this output.

Output 1.2: The state of knowledge on snow leopard and prey populations enhanced.

Provide review and guidance on establishment of an environmental information management system (EIMS) for Uzbekistan with hands-on regular support for its proper implementation and performance;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products in order to promote application of EIMS countrywide;

Provide guidance and support to the development and implementation of a snow leopard (and prey) research and monitoring system;

Provide review and guidance (substantive and technical) on implementation of a snow leopard (and prey) research and monitoring system.

Component 2: Strengthening key biodiversity areas

Output 2.1: Management effectiveness of the core conservation zones in Ugam Chatkal National Park strengthened.

Provide review and hands-on recommendations on zonation planning and mapping as well as on an integrated management plan for Ugam-Chatkal National Park for effective governance and management/administrative arrangements;

Provide hands on recommendations on the design and development of the smart patrol system in Ugam Chatkal National Park, as well as support and guidance on its proper implementation;

Provide review and support on the development of publications and other media products related to this output.

Output 2.2: Gissar Strict Nature Reserve’s conservation security extended and improved.

Provide hands on recommendations on the design and development of the smart patrol system in Gissar Strict Nature Reserve, as well as support and guidance on its proper implementation;

Provide professional and technical support in rationalising the reserve boundaries to incorporate a multi-use buffer zone, and extend the core conservation area to include stretches of conservation important forests and grasslands into the upper reaches of the Tupulang river (migration corridors of snow leopard and prey);

Provide guidance on clear demarcation of the borders of the reserve buffer area/s;

Provide support and guidance on revising and updating the reserve management plan for formal adoption;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products related to this output.

Output 2.3: Community involvement in, and beneficiation from, protected areas enhanced.

Provide support and guidance on development and implementation of awareness raising campaigns as well as education (trainings) and outreach programmes in rural communities living in the snow leopard landscapes;

Provide explicit recommendations and advice on the proper mechanisms of involving community liaison officers in activities related to educational and outreach programmes as well as to processing complaints about livestock losses from predation by native species;

Provide support in the development of a local insurance scheme (for each snow leopard landscape) that makes provision for compensating pastoralists for the loss of livestock as a result of predation by native wildlife living in the protected areas;

Provide guidance and recommendations on the development, management and maintenance of a pilot tourism/recreational facility (and associated services) in Ugam-Chatkal NP and/or the buffer zone of Gissar SNR;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products related to this output;

Provide support in documenting and disseminating the best practices implemented within this output.

Component 3: Sustainable economic development incentives for communities

Output 3.1: Sustainable pasture management practices incentivized.

Provide guidance and substantive support to the establishment and administration of a pilot multi-stakeholder pasture user associations (PUAs);

Provide regular support and guidance on the proper development and implementation of pasture management plans for the pilot PUAs;

Provide guidance and hands-on support for the organization of the grant funding support for implementation of pasture management plans and alternative income-generating activities;

Advise on the selection of a degraded high altitude grassland sites for active rehabilitation/restoration;

Provide support in documenting and disseminating the best practices implemented within this output;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products related to this output.

Output 3.2: More sustainable levels of forest use with engagement of local communities encouraged.

Provide guidance and advice on implementation of practical community forest management practices ranging from provision of alternative wood and energy opportunities to forest regeneration of degraded high altitude forests;

Based on the available best practices in community forest management, provide support to the development and implementation of forest management/regeneration plan for each identified forest patch;

Provide inputs and support to improving the scientific basis for the determination of the sanitary cutting requirements for the high altitude forests;

Provide guidance and hands-on support for the organization of the grant funding support for implementation of community based forest management activities;

Provide support in documenting and disseminating the best practices implemented within this output;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products related to this output.

Component 4: Promoting cooperation and collaboration.

Output 4.1: Inter-agency coordination in conservation, monitoring and enforcement improved.

Provide inputs and support to the development of a Programme and Action Plan for Conservation of Snow Leopard in Uzbekistan for formal adoption by the Government;

Provide guidance and support to the feasibility assessment of a range of different mechanisms for financing the implementation of the Programme and Action Plan, including development and implementation of a fund-raising strategy;

Provide guidance and support to the establishment of a cooperative governance structure under the stewardship of the State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection - to coordinate, monitor and report on the efforts of different partner institutions, organisations and individuals in the implementation of the Programme and Action Plan;

Provide recommendations in development and dissemination of outreach publications and other media products related to this output.

Outcome 4.2: Capacity for transboundary planning and management strengthened.

Provide support to the establishment of joint working groups - one for the Gissar-Alai and one for the west Tien-Shan trans-boundary snow leopard landscapes - with counterparts in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to facilitate transboundary collaboration in managing migrating snow leopard and prey populations across country borders;

Provide inputs and support to the design and implementation of an ongoing in-service wildlife monitoring and enforcement training and skills development programme for border security officials deployed in the snow leopard landscapes;

Provide advice on organizing study tours to snow leopard range countries and/or other countries to share lessons learned, experiences in PA management, and community-based wildlife management.

Operational functions:

Contribution to Inception Phase, Periodic Review of Project Implementation and Advice on Improvement

Contribute to the project inception phase, develop inception report and attend inception workshop;
Weekly or more frequent email and/or Skype/phone exchanges with project management and Field Coordinators (task managers) in order to monitor progress, assist in planning, and identify key technical problems (if any) and means for solving them (Skype/phone exchanges to be conducted at least monthly unless project staff state the need for longer intervals between calls);
Undertake field trips to the project sites during each mission to Uzbekistan, if and when required, in order to make systematic review of the progress and results of each Component of the project based on field evidence;
Participate, when feasible, in Project Board Meetings and other relevant project meetings;
Assist in capturing the key lessons and developing a replication plan for other regions and communities in Uzbekistan. As part of the replication strategy, assist in developing replication materials for wider dissemination and application of project results and lessons learned;
In cooperation with the project team and UNDP CO, develop a suitable project exit strategy, and present it for approval to the Project Board Meeting.

Assistance in Planning, Staff Recruitment, Monitoring and Evaluation

Provide support and advice for preparation or revision of key planning, monitoring and evaluation documents such as the Annual Work Plans (AWPs), the Results and Resources Framework (RRF), Project Implementation Reviews (PIRs), including Tracking Tools (PMAT, SFM, BD), household surveys, progress reports, monitoring and review reports etc.;
Assist in the development of relevant Terms of References and mobilization of qualified national experts and organizations needed to provide specific consultancy services;
Support Project Manager in the preparation and implementation of the Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations (TORs, selection of appropriate candidates, accompaniment of field missions if and when required, discussion with evaluators, development of MTE and TE management responses etc.).
Provide support and inputs to the project final report (including the best practices, lessons learnt etc.), success stories, etc. in close coordination with the project team;
Deliver presentation on the project findings, best practices and lessons learnt during the project events, e.g. conferences, workshops, when needed.

Outputs

Written comments and recommendations with regard to the four thematic functions listed above. Written work will be supplemented by other requested consultation by phone, Skype, and/or in person. Work conducted for this output will be summarized in a biannual written report, prepared in conjunction with Output 2 below.
Written comments and recommendations on project planning and evaluation documents and reports. These documents are expected to include, but not be limited to:
- Inception report
- Terms of Reference for international/national consultants/organizations to be recruited during 2017-2022
- Annual Work Plan (including detailed Annual Plan of Action) for the period of 2017-2022
- Annual Project Reports for the period of 2017-2022
- PIRs covering period of 2017-2022
- Mission reports
- Final Report, including lessons learnt and Exit Strategy
- Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations, including MTE and TE management responses.

Written work will be supplemented by other requested consultation by phone, Skype, and/or in person. Work conducted for this output will be summarized in a biannual written report, prepared in conjunction with Output 1 above.

Reports on missions and/or participation in Project Board Meetings or other meetings. The ITA shall compose annual (or more frequent) written reports summarizing his or her participation in any missions or meetings undertaken during this assignment. At least one mission to Tashkent per year for a total of 6 working days each is envisaged.

Deliverables and timeframe

First biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period October 2017 – December 2017; Due date: December 30, 2017
Second biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period January 2018 – June 2018. Due date: July 15, 2018
Third biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period July 2018 – December 2018. Due date: January 15, 2019
Fourth biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period January 2019 – June 2019. Due date: July 15, 2019
Fifth biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period July 2019 – December 2019. Due date: January 15, 2020
Sixth biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period January 2020 – June 2020. Due date: July 15, 2020
Seventh biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period July 2020 – December 2020. Due date: January 15, 2021
Eights biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period January 2021 – June 2021. Due date: July 15, 2021
Ninth biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period June 2021 – December 2021. Due date:January 15, 2022
Tenth biannual report, covering all the functions and outputs listed in Section III above and executed during the period January 2022 – May 2022. Due date:May 15, 2022
Report on participation in missions and meetings in Uzbekistan

a. 1st report (2018); b. 2nd report (2018); c. 3rd report (2019); d. 4th report (2020); e. 5th report (2021); f. 6th report (2022);

Due date: Within two weeks of completion of mission

Payment Conditions:

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and international travel costs (in-country air ticket costs will be covered by the project), accommodation and meal (DSA or per diems in Tashkent city) and visa costs required to produce the above deliverables.

Payment will be released in 10 (ten) installments below upon timely submission of respective deliverables and their acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP CO.

1st (10% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 1

2nd (10% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 2 and 11a

3rd (12% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 3 and 11b

4th (7% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 4

5th (12% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 5 and 11c

6th (7% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 6

7th (12% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 7 and 11d

8th (7% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 8

9th (11% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 9 and 11e

10th (12% of the total contract amount) to be made upon achievement of Deliverable 10 and 11f

Competencies

Good understanding of local policies and practices in protected areas management.
Outstanding time-management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in the work with Microsoft Packages;
Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Good analytical and writing skills;
Good interpersonal, facilitation and training skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree (master's level, equivalent or higher) in the field of environment, natural resources management, or biodiversity-related field.

Experience:

At least 10 years of practical experience in:

development of project proposals, meeting requirements of biodiversity, forest and land focus areas to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and in particular focused on promoting sustainable ecosystems for biodiversity;
overall project advisory services to biodiversity conservation projects in Central Asia in effective and timely project implementation to ensure that the overall technical direction of the project is maintained and flexibility adapted to meet the practical challenges faced during the implementation of the project;
provision of technical guidance on implementation and completion of key project components/activities, inputs on key technical decisions at strategic moments in the project implementation;
preparation of the project to Independent Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations, analysis of results and development of corrective actions, management response as per results of evaluations.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English, excellent analytical and presentation skills; working knowledge of written and spoken Russian language will be an asset.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals

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

P-11 form and Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and submit it to the online application

Above mentioned documents can be obtained at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs/

Application process

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) and Offeror’s Letter;
Merge your P11, Offeror’s Letter into a single file;
Click on the Job Title;
Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”;
Upload your forms

You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a financial proposal.

Financial Proposal

Lump sum contracts:

This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days);
The payment will be made in 6 installments to be issued upon completion and submission of Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) on the works performed as indicated in the terms of reference.

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does 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 case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation

The individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis methodology.
The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
Having received the highest score out of the set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;
Technical Criteria weight – 70%;
Financial Criteria weight – 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.