Background

This project is designed to strengthen capacity for environmental monitoring and information management in Albania by establishing an operational environmental information management and monitoring system (EIMMS) with a focus on the MEAs of biodiversity, climate change and land degradation. The project will address the need for an environmental monitoring system that is integrated throughout relevant government institutions and that uses international monitoring standards for indicator development, data collection, analysis, and policy-making. It will also build on existing technical and institutional capacity in Albania to align its management and monitoring efforts with global monitoring and reporting priorities. Increased capacity in this area will improve reporting to the Rio Conventions and lay the groundwork for sustainable development through better-informed environmental policy.

These Terms of Reference serve to define the responsibilities, tasks and qualifications required for a natural science expert to provide norms and standards for biodiversity indicators, with an emphasis on environmental issues that are common to the three Rio Conventions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The subject of Biodiversity monitoring is divided in the following parts:

1.       Habitats and Flora

2.       Mammals

3.       Reptiles, amphibians

4.       Invertebrates

5.       Birds

6.       Sea species and Habitats, Fishes (marine waters)

For each part the following task will be carried out:

  1. Analysis of literature review for the Identification of habitats/ species and compilation of national registry / catalogue.
  2. Determination of grid to perform field survey observations. 
  3. Determination of Survey methods (according to the subject/part) and standardisation of recording protocols, QA/QC activities.
  4. Determination of sampling field surveys to verify the literature findings, estimate the current state and the geographical spread of species/habitats.
  5. Recommendations on imprinting of habitats and species territories in GIS system (priority species spread maps).
  6. Recommendations on recording of bio-communities and the relationships between species.
  7. Based on the Law on biodiversity Article 5 of the Law nr. 68/2014 of the amendment, the final report would develop norms and standards for biodiversity management plans of ecosystems in and out of protected areas.

This report will serve to the National Authorities in order to compose National Reports to EU or to CBD about the status and state of Biodiversity in Albania. The consultant will work closely with the project team and build upon previous CEMSA, Natura 2000 reports, etc.

Payment Schedule

20% - 30 July 2018- upon submission of report outline and initial draft of the task above

30%-  30 August  2018- upon submission of draft report  

50%-  30 October 2018- upon submission of final report  

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;

•Treats all people fairly without favoritism

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

  • Thorough understanding of disability issues, human rights, social inclusion and social services
  • Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
  • Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;
  • Strong expertise in Environmental Legislation and familiarity with biodiversity indicators;
  • Proven expertise on preparation of environmental legislation in compliance with EU regulations is advantage;
  • Familiarity with the International Conventions and EU Regulations addressing Habitats and Biodiversity
  • Good knowledges on policies undertaken from the Albanian Government in the environmental areas;
  • Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Advanced university degree in the fields of natural sciences, environmental studies, biodiversity conservation, nature economics or relevant related fields;

Work Experience

  • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with proven expert knowledge in biodiversity indicators assessment and monitoring.
  • Proven experience in implementing similar tasks preferably in Albania or the Region;

Language

  • Good knowledge of both written and spoken English

 Evaluation of Applicants

  • 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;
  • Combined weighted scoring: Technical (70%); Financial (30%).

 20 % or 20 points: Methodology on how the consultant intends to carry out this assignment

30% or 30 points: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with proven expert knowledge in biodiversity indicators assessment and monitoring

20% or 20 points: Advanced university degree in the fields of natural sciences, environmental studies, biodiversity conservation, nature economics or relevant related fields

Application Procedure

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. Brief methodology on how the consultant intends to carry out this assignment
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form...http://www.un.org.al/editor-files/file/PSU_%20ICLA.doc.
  • 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/editor-files/file/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:

To 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.

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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence