Background

UNDP is the development arm of the United Nations system, with offices in 180 countries. Globally, the organization employs 17,000 people and manages a budget of USD 5 billion each year.

The UNDP office in Skopje employs a team of 65 and currently manages a portfolio of projects in environmental protection, good governance and social inclusion worth USD 15 million per year.

UNDP is now seeking national expert to provide support in establishing and implementing a monitoring program for priority selected amphibian and reptile species in the Prespa Lake Monment of Nature. 

The expert is needed to support the “Improving the management of protected areas” project, which is funded by the European Union. The project aims to improve nature protection and to promote sustainable use of natural resources by supporting management authorities, local self-governments and CSOs in managing and developing the country’s 86 different protected areas.

The core of the project is a grant program that has awarded 17 small-scale grants of up to EUR 100,000 and 8 large-scale grants of up to EUR 400,000 for specific nature conservation activities.

The grants have three main goals: 1) to address priority needs in improving the management of protected areas, where possible including those recently proposed as pilot Natura 2000 sites; 2) to promote more sustainable use of natural resources; and 3) to demonstrate through practical examples that nature protection and the economic development of local communities can go hand in hand.

Prespa Lake Monument of Nature is one of the eight large protected areas selected for the program. The project for Prespa Lake has three components: (1) Improving the capacity of the Municipality of Resen for monitoring, conservation and sustainable use of natural values in the Ezerani Park of Nature and Prespa Lake Monument of Nature; (2) Public awareness raising aiming to increasing the level of protection and enhancement of the natural resources of the areas; (3) Introduce visitor service and soft infrastructure in introduction and establishment of sustainable, alternative, eco-funding opportunities. The biodiversity monitoring program is particularly important as it will enable the park to assess the impact of different conservation initiatives on indigenous flora and fauna.

The expert on reptiles and amphibians is needed for this activity.

The expert’s task will supplement those ongoing as part of an EU-funded twinning project that aims to strengthen capacities for efficient implementation of EU nature protection legislation at both Prespa Lake and Pelister National Park. The twinning project aims specifically to strengthen administrative and technical capacity for development and testing of monitoring protocols for preselected species and habitats and to fill gaps under EU nature protection legislation, especially the Birds and Habitats Directives.

The EU twinning project will not be able to cover all species.  The expert hired under the UNDP project will work with the EU twinning experts to ensure that data on all amphibians and reptiles of priority conservation interest for Pelister National Park are collected and appropriate monitoring systems are established.

The monitoring methodology will provide a basis for inventories, fulfilling the needs for updating of Standard Data Forms for amphibians and reptiles as well as other databases for management and monitoring purposes relying on the provisions of the Habitats Directives. The conservation status assessment will be completely covered. Staff of Prespa Lake Monument of Nature will be trained in implementing in monitoring protocols to ensure sufficient transfer of technical and knowledge capacity to the management administration.

The national expert on amphibians and reptiles will work under the direct supervision of UNDP and cooperate closely with the international experts engaged by the EU twinning project, the EU twinning project coordinator and staff of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and the Municipality of Resen.     

Scope of Work

The objective of this assignment is structured to provide technical support in two stages:

1. Development of monitoring protocols and methodologies for selected amphibians and reptiles together with in-field testing based on a prior conducted inventory, review and assessment of the relevant existing data for these species
2. Implementation of a predefined monitoring program for the selected amphibian and reptile species based on the developed, tested and adopted monitoring protocols and methodologies.

During the first stage, the assignment foresees the work and the provided technical support from the engaged expert to be in coordination with the EU Twining project experts.

For the second stage support, the engaged expert will be responsible to conduct the predefined monitoring program for amphibians and reptiles.

The supervision and coordination of the activities will be conducted by the UNDP project team and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. For both stages of the assignment the management authority of Municipality of Resen has a beneficiary role.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Under supervision of the UNDP Project Manager and in close cooperation with the project specialist the expert will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

TASK I: Support to inventory and data collection of amphibians and reptiles

Activities within this task will serve as baseline for the further expected deliverables including monitoring protocols and methodologies along with monitoring program implementation.

The activities in the task will include, but are not limited to:

• Collect existing data on the selected spicies and provide technical input and expertise in review and analysis of the relevance of existing data and collection methods,
  • Provide experience and expertise replicating and transferring the national/traditional data content of the inventories in the new data form foreseen to be developed.
  • Analyze how existing inventory data can be transformed to the format of EU habitat inventory data.
  • Provide sufficient practical knowledge and experience for defining a list of criteria for determination of structure and functionality of selected habitats and based on these parameters for classification of conservation status (excellent, good, average/bad).
• Participate in data collection and inventory preparation for the selected species;
• Participate in field research: samplings and data collection from targeted species areas;
• Provide technical expertise and input on gap analyses considering EU legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives) and national nature protection legislation (revalorization study content, etc.)
• Participate in delivery of training on inventory and data management for Prespa Lake Monument of Nature management body and other relevant institutions/administration: MoEPP, etc.

TASK II: Support on development of monitoring protocols and methodologies for amphibians and reptiles

Activities within this task will build upon the previous task. It is expected the analyses of the collected data from the respective thematic areas (both available from literature and data provided from the field observations) and identified gaps in data collection and management to be scrutinized in draft form of monitoring protocols and methodologies.

The activities in the task will include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in review and analysis of relevant existing monitoring methodology and protocols for selected amphibians and reptiles
• Evaluate the approach and the template prepared by EU twinning project for the inventory and monitoring of amphibians and reptiles and give recommendations to adjust the template to fit both EU and national requirements
• Analyze the role of different institutions and other potential actors (e.g. volunteers, local communities apart of management staff) in implementation of monitoring protocols/methodologies and propose improvements if any exist
• Participate in review of legal framework for monitoring methodology and protocols and identification of needs for any improvement
• Ensure that a defined list of criteria for determination of structure and functionality of selected habitats and parameters for classification of conservation status (excellent, good, average/bad) is incorporated in the monitoring protocols and methodologies.
• Provide input in transformation and formulation of these criteria in the management principles and goals for pertaining habitats and ensure that they are incorporated in the management plan of the Prespa Lake Monument of Nature

TASK III: Field testing and implementation of the monitoring protocols and implementation of monitoring program

Activities within this task will build upon the previous two tasks. It is expected based on the conducted inventory the preliminary developed monitoring protocols and methodologies to be tested, fine-tuned and finalized within field implementation of a monitoring program. The monitoring program is foreseen to be consisted of implementation of activities on field together with delivery training program for the management personnel in monitoring implementation.

The activities in the task will include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in field work for testing the feasibility of monitoring protocols and methodologies for the targeted species
• Participate in data analysis of the collected monitoring data
• Analyze the outcomes of tested monitoring protocol and give recommendation for finalizing the monitoring program and protocol
• Provide recommendations for upgrading revalorization studies and management plans
• Participate in the field implementation of the monitoring program and application of the monitoring protocols and methodologies
• Participate in capacity building program implementation and delivery of training on monitoring protocols implementation for the relevant management entities (Prespa Lake Monument of Nature, MoEPP, etc.)

Main Outputs/Deliverables per project components/packages:

Component 1: Support to inventory and data collection of amphibians and reptiles

• Deliverable 1:  Report on inventory data for selected amphibians and reptiles species no later than 30 October 2018
• Deliverable 2: Update of Standard Data Form for Prespa Lake Monument of Nature for data for amphibians and reptiles no later than 31 March 2019
• Deliverable 3: GPS data/maps of distribution for amphibians and reptiles no later than 31 March 2019
• Deliverable 4: Thematic Report as a supporting document for the revalorization study and management plan no later than 31 August 2019

Component 2: Development of monitoring protocols and methodologies for the selected amphibians and reptiles species

• Deliverable 5: Report on monitoring protocols and methodologies for selected amphibians and reptiles species no later than 1 December 2018

Component 3: On field testing and implementation of the monitoring protocols and implementation of monitoring program

• Deliverable 6: Report on testing of monitoring protocols and methodologies no later than 1 31 March 2019
• Deliverable 7: Final draft monitoring protocol and methodology no later than 31 March
• Deliverable 8: Delivery and implementation of field monitoring program together with training program on monitoring implementation for the management entity of the protected areas no later than 31 August
• Deliverable 9: Plan for future field research/monitoring no later than 31 August
• Deliverable 10: Final report on monitoring program, monitoring protocols and methodologies implementation no later than 31 August

Competencies

• Excellent communications and facilitation skills;
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills:
• Demonstrates good team work skills
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and proven ability to deliver consultancy products;within deadlines;

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• minimum BSc in forest, biological or ecological sciences (higher degree shall be considered as an asset)

Professional Experience:

• at least 10 years of professional experience in similar assignments (biodiversity conservation and monitoring of amphibians and reptiles in conformance with the IUCN, EU Birds and Habitats Directives, NATURA 2000 principles, etc.).
• A track record of at least 5 relevant projects of similar nature and complexity is required.

Language Requirements:

• Language proficiency in both written and oral, English and Macedonian.

Terms and conditions for provision of services

Timeframe

The assignment must be completed in a period of maximum 11 months after the signing of the contract and shall be completed not later than end of August 2019.  The startup of the work is expected during September 2018.

Reporting

The written reports should be prepared as per the schedule indicated above. All the reports shall be prepared in English. The consultant is expected to be in regular communications with UNDP.

Duration of assignment

All tasks should be completed in the period from September 2018 to end of August 2019.

The overall duration of the tasks covered by this TOR has been estimated to not exceed 40 working days.  During the first stage the consultant is expected to spend 20 person-days in joint work with the twining project of which 10 person-days for home-based work and 10 man days for field work. For the second stage activities it is estimated the consultant to spend the remaining 20 person-days for independent implementation of the monitoring program. The foreseen breakdown of the person-days is the same as for the first stage: 10 person-days for home-based work and 10 person-days for field work.

Travel:

The consultant is expected to work from home with travel to Prespa Lake as indicated in the TOR. All travel on the field will be organized by the consultant.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payment

The financial offer of the consultant should be all-inclusive – specifying a total lump sum in MKD for the deliverables specified in the TOR. The financial offer shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount indicating: consultancy fee per day, number of working days, travel related costs and any other possible cost.

The payment for the services will be carried out in following installments:

• 1st Installment (20%) -upon submission and acceptance of the Deliverable, 1 no later than 30 October 2018
• 2nd installment (20%) –upon submission and acceptance of the Deliverable 5, no later than 1 December 2018
• 3rd installment (30%) – upon submission and acceptance of Deliverables: 2, 3, 6 and 7 no later than 31 March 2019
• 4th installment (30%) – upon submission and acceptance of Deliverables: 4, 8, 9 and 10, no later than 31 August  2019

Application procedure

Step 1

1. Click on the "Apply now" button

2. Input your information in the appropriate sections: personal information, language proficiency,

education, resume, and motivation (cover letter). You can type in, or paste your short Resume

into the last box.

3. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On

the next page, you will be asked to upload other required documents listed in the step 2.

Step 2

1. Interested individual consultants must submit the documents/information listed below to

demonstrate their qualifications. The system will allow only one attachment. Therefore, please

upload all required documents as one file.

2. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects and contact details of the

clients;

‘3. Reference list of at least 5 relevant work/projects of similar nature and complexity (separate document)

4 . All-inclusive1 financial offer – specifying a total lump sum in MKD for the deliverables specified in the TOR. The financial offer shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount indicating: consultancy fee per day, number of working days, travel related costs and any other possible cost.

Failing to submit any of these documents may result in disqualification of the application.

Please note that shortlisted candidates might be interviewed.

Evaluation of offers

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should 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 a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• * Technical Criteria weight-70%
• * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

[1] ‘*The term “All inclusive” implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consummables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Consultant are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal.

Technical Criteria (70% of total evaluation – maximum 70 points)

Only candidates who will obtain at least 49 points and will score at least 70% of the maximum points obtainable for the mandatory technical criteria will be considered for financial evaluation.

Financial Criteria (30% of total evaluation – maximum 30 points)

The offer with the lowest price will receive the maximum of 30 points. Other offers with higher prices will receive their respective scores according the following formula:

                Lowest Bid

               ------------------- x 30

                Proposed Bid

The contract will be awarded to the candidate that will obtain the highest aggregate score based on the technical and financial evaluation.