Background

Note: Please provide Offeror’s Letter and proposal (download the format in the link provided, Annex H) together with your CV while submitting application.  And please note that the system will not accept the uploading of more than one document so please merge or scan all your documents into one prior to uploading., download link of Offeror's letter is on the bottom of the page.

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) has requested GEF assistance through UNDP for the preparation of a project entitled: Strengthening the Protected Area Network for Migratory Bird Conservation along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) in China. As described in the project concept (PIF), this project aims to achieve a connected, resilient and ecologically effective wetland PA system across the EAAF in China that supports globally significant species of migratory shorebirds and provides ecosystem services that support resilience, livelihoods and economy.

Project Preparation Grants (PPGs) have been secured by UNDP to formulate the full-size project through situation analyses, identification and documentation of relevant baseline conditions, stakeholder consultations, identification of implementing partners and arrangements, consolidation of cofinancing opportunities, development of results frameworks having an integrated set of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) indicators and targets that monitor outcomes and key outputs, realistic assessments of risks and their mitigation, gender mainstreaming and social inclusiveness, identification and selection of target sites and pilot demonstration initiatives, and coordination with other initiatives.

This is the Terms of Reference for the procurement of GEF Biodiversity Project Development Specialists (International Consultants) to lead the development of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Role

The Project Development Specialist will be the GEF PPG Team Leader and will be responsible for quality assurance and timely preparation of all reports and documentation, including the finalized UNDP Project Document (ProDoc) and CEO Endorsement Request, with all mandatory and project specific Annexes and supporting documentation. S/he will be responsible for managing all consultants on the GEF PPG Team, and coordinating the Team’s work.

Competencies

Deliverables

  1. Management of the GEF PPG Team
    1. Define and submit a detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with the other consultants with clear delegation of responsibilities for the International Consultants (ICs) and National Consultants (NCs);
    2. Ensure that project development is participatory, gender-responsive and based on extensive stakeholder engagements; and
    3. Verify and ensure that all project components are technically sound and cost effective.
  2. Preparatory Technical Studies and Reviews (Component A): With inputs from the other national consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs:
    1. Compile baseline/situational analysis for the full-size project (FSP). This will include a precise definition of baseline projects, activities, budgets, goals and co-financial links to GEF outcomes; definition of GEF incremental value per outcome and output; and presentation of results of the incremental cost-analysis in matrices as appropriate;
    2. Oversee the stakeholder analysis and consultations and ensure that they are complete and comprehensive;
    3. Ensure the preparation of the gender analysis and ensure its findings are meaningfully integrated into the project’s strategy, theory of change and results framework;
    4. Ensure action points, including risk assessments, from the UNDP Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) at the PIF stage (“pre-screening”) are fully implemented during the PPG, and update that screening in an iterative fashion throughout the PPG, as appropriate;
    5. Conduct/oversee the identification of the project sites, with documentation of selection criteria;
    6. Oversee the consultations with partners regarding financial planning; and
    7. Ensure completion of any additional studies that are determined to be needed for the preparation of the ProDoc and all other final outputs.
  3. Formulation of the ProDoc, CEO Endorsement Request and Mandatory and Project Specific Annexes (Component B): With inputs from the other national and international consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs, and based on international best practice:
    1. Develop, present and articulate the project’s theory of change;
    2. Develop the Results Framework in line with UNDP-GEF policy;
    3. Develop a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget;
    4. Oversee and ensure the preparation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan;
    5. Oversee and ensure the preparation of a Gender Action Plan and Budget;
    6. Update the SESP based on assessments undertaken during Component A, and ensure the development of environmental and/or social management plan(s) for all risks identified as Moderate or High in the SESP;
    7. Prepare the required GEF Core Indicators;
    8. Secure and present agreements on project management arrangements;
    9. Ensure the completion of the required official endorsement letters; and
    10. Synthesize all analyses, studies, etc. that are prepared under Components A and B to produce the draft UNDP-GEF ProDoc, GEF CEO Endorsement, and all mandatory and project specific Annexes, using the required templates.
  4. Validation Workshop (Component C):
    1. Lead the validation workshop to present, discuss and validate the final draft ProDoc and mandatory and project specific annexes, with a special focus on the SESP and any management plans; and
    2. Oversee all necessary revisions that arise during the workshop.
    3. Ensure completion of Validation Workshop Report.
  5. Final Deliverables:
    1. Consolidation of all technical and consultation inputs including from national stakeholders, UNDP, GEF Secretariat, STAP and GEF Council, into a well written and concise UNDP ProDoc with all required sections and Annexes, in line with the standard UNDP-GEF ProDoc template and annotated guidance;
    2. Completion of the GEF CEO Endorsement Request;
    3. All documentation from GEF PPG (including technical reports, etc.); and
    4. Validation Workshop Report.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree, Ph.D. or equivalent in natural sciences, biodiversity conservation, environmental management or related fields;
  • Minimum of 15 years of demonstrable experience and knowledge in ecosystems management and biodiversity conservation;
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience with project development, implementation and evaluation, including formulation of biodiversity conservation projects with capacity development elements;
  • Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and coordination skills, with ability to manage technical teams, engage with stakeholders, design participatory processes and form strategic partnerships and alliances;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and deliver high quality outputs in a timely manner;
  • Previous working experience with GEF project agencies, such as UNDP or World Bank, and familiarity with GEF and UNDP policies, procedures and practices are assets;
  • Experience in working with government in the substantive area in China or elsewhere in East Asia is an asset;
  • Sound level of computer proficiency, including use of professional office software packages (Microsoft Office); and
  • Fluent English language (both oral and written) and excellent communication and presentation skills, particularly in the preparation of written documents.

Final selection criteria

  • Technical evaluation (including written test, interview, desk review of technical proposal, if any): 70%(includes 20% of Job Related Technical Expertise; 25% of Relevant working experience; 25% of Methodology & Approach to Assignment)
  • Financial Evaluation: 30%

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will take into account the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply.

Offeror’s letter and proposal download link: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1QLfdzJ8dNbUNRIHicGwgTg