Background
UNDP has supported the Albanian Government to improve the coverage and management effectiveness of Albania’s network of marine and coastal protected areas as an essential complement to its network of terrestrial protected areas and contribute to Albania’s obligations under different UN Conventions and the EU accession process. Significant achievements were made in the Vlora region by catalyzing the involvement of stakeholders and by supporting the establishment of a clear institutional and legal framework for MCPA designation and management. However, multiple stages of development are needed before an Albanian ecologically representative MCPA network is fully realized and can provide coastal communities with sustained benefits from the marine and coastal environment.
The current project is focused on developing a scientifically designed, stakeholder supported network of MCPAs to effectively protect 30% of representative marine and coastal habitats of Albania.
Among others, the project focus is given to intensifying and strengthening management activities for Karaburuni-Sazani MPA, strengthening the governance-based institutional support to the MCPAs network and ensuring that relevant authorities, administrations and stakeholder groups have the necessary capacities and tools to sustain the management and monitoring of the MPCAs network.
The Karaburuni Peninsula-Sazani Island littorals (total surface of 12.570 ha), is the first MPA in Albania proclaimed through a decision of council of ministers on 28 April 2010 as the National Marine Park (IUCN category II). It is located if the south-eastern coast line of Albania. This area hosts more than 150 mollusc species and about 50 species of decapod crustaceans, of which many species belong to the national red list. This Marine Park represents a very rich and attractive site in terms of natural and cultural heritage attractions, both in the coastal and hinterland. The most important and sensitive species short-beaked common dolphin, Loggerhead turtle, Red coral, Date mussel, Dusky grouper, Starfish, Posidonia meadows, etc. It reveals a rich traditional living culture, folklore, music, handicrafts, gastronomy, etc. Meanwhile, the main economic sectors relying on this ecosystem are traditional agriculture, livestock and fishery, tourism remains one of the most important uses of the Park creating economic opportunities and enabling a range of nature based tourism activities such as wildlife watching. While the coast is the main natural attraction for sun and sea tourism, special interest tourism represents marine activities, spear gun fishing, day tours, designed trails, hiking and walking around to coastal destinations linking coastal and hinterland. Lately a management plan is developed and approved for this MPA, whereas respective authorities are committed to progress with its implementation.
One of the project objectives is to support the functionality of the Visitor Centre of Karaburuni-Sazani MPA to raise the awareness and educate local communities and MPA user groups on the values and benefits of MCPAs and increase their engagement in the MPA management.
The Strategic Plan will define the mission and management structure of the Centre, its financial/ business plan and will include an environmental education and awareness raising plan. The Strategic Plan will be conceived to address the needs and expectations of local communities (Vlora, Orikumi) and other user groups (e.g. tourists, natures-based tourism service providers).
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the project manager, the consultant will be responsible to:
- Mobilize and adapt to the relevant various groups who either influence the ecosystem health or are affected by it and collect the baseline information on the current level of their knowledge and understanding of the values of the marine ecosystem.
- Develop guidelines and the necessary formats for the usage of several branding tools including ready to use business stationery in ready to use document format, event materials and publication materials.
Strategic Plan for Radhima Visitor Center development and implementation
- The consultant is expected to provide support the international consultant on the development of the strategic plan for Radhima Visitor Center.
- Upon development of the strategic plan, together with the project unit, the consultant is expected to assist the various stakeholders in the implementation of the action plans. Specifically, the consultant will conceptualize, and initiate concrete activities on education and public awareness and mobilize the relevant stakeholders for the implementation of these activities.
- The consultant will continuously assess and propose options to ensure sustainability for the implementation of the strategic plan.
Website
- In cooperation with the project unit, the consultant will improve and complete the content for the project related web sites http://mcpa.iwlearn.org/ ; mett-undp.org and that hosted under http://www.al.undp.org/
- The consultant will be responsible for content management and updating/ uploading of information for both project website and iVlora platform at the Radhima Visitor Center.
Other tasks expected to be performed by the consultant during the duration of the contract
- Monitor and maintain and archive of media releases/ news in relation to MPA Karaburun-Sazani on local, national and global networks.
- Proofreading and fine-tuning of texts and materials for public to make them understandable and interesting for the targeted audiences
- Identify and approach appropriate media/networks at national and international level for disseminating the information on the project activities and disseminate information, in collaboration with the project unit.
- Provide practical advice to project staff in the organizing of events in conjunction with all international environment related days such as world wetlands day, world biodiversity day and other significant events.
- Draft the press/ media releases and other media outreach materials etc. for newspapers and other media before events.
- Additional communication related tasks as requested by the Project Manager.
Deliverables and payment schedule
The expert shall deliver as in the following:
- 10% - Upon reviewing the stakeholder analysis and validate/adjust info on the various groups profiles (end February 2018)
- 20% - Upon preparation of the Strategic Plan for the Visitor Center in Radhima (mid-April 2018)
- 35% - Upon delivering the report addressing all the tasks specified in the section “scope of work, duties and responsibilities’ above (end-August 2018)
- 35% - Upon delivering the report addressing all the tasks specified in the section “scope of work, duties and responsibilities’ above (end-December 2018).
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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.
Core Competencies:
- Communication - Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication;
- Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly;
- Organizational Awareness - Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
- Teamwork - Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
- Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.
Functional Competencies
- Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
- Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;
- Strong expertise in communication issues;
- Familiarity with the International Conventions and EU Regulations;
- Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- University Degree in marine biology, environmental management, public relations or related fields or related fields
Experience
- A least 7 years of working experience in environment education, community participation approaches in Protected Areas, the environment awareness issues, etc.
- Previous experience on the Marine and Coastal Protected Areas, biodiversity conservation, marine biodiversity, etc.
- Experience in Vlora region is an advantage.
Languages
Excellent Albanian and English knowledge.
Evaluation Procedure
Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated.
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on Combined Scoring method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
Applicants obtaining 49 % or more of the total technical points will be considered for financial evaluation.
Combined weighted scoring: Technical (70%); Financial (30%).
- Educational background. (15 points)
- Professional experience and experience in similar assignments. (30 points)
- Experience on Protected Areas and marine biodiversity. (25 points)
Application Procedure
Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:
- Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
- Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form...http://www.un.org.al/doc/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Letter%20to%20UNDP.docx
- Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Download here.
- Financial Proposal in ALL* - specifying a total lump sum in Albanian Lek for the tasks specified in this announcement. The attached template may be used - http://www.un.org.al/doc/Financial%20Offer%20template.doc Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services).
- Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.
*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application.
How to Submit the Application:
How submit your application online, please follow the steps below:
Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs);
Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal, Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.
Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women and individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence