DETAILED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR

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1 DETAILED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL LEAD EXPERT FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE PROJECT DOCUMENT A RIDGE-TO-REEF APPROACH FOR THE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF MARINE, COASTAL AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE SEYCHELLES Location : Application Deadline : 08 TH Dec 2017 Type of Contract : Post Level : Languages Required : Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) Expected Duration of Assignment : Mahe, Seychelles, and home-based Individual Contract International Consultant English 1 st February working days (over 8 months), 2 trips to Seychelles (inception and validation) I. Context and background A project proposal concept has recently been prepared for GEF for an allocation of USD $3.9 million for the implementation of a project to support the Government of Seychelles in a ridge-to-reef style project focusing on managing land-based threats to coastal and marine ecosystems. Final clearance of the proposal concept is expected in August The project will undertake a comprehensive Ridge to Reef 1 (R2R) approach that addresses the whole island priorities of improved management and conservation of upland forest and agricultural ecosystems as well as coastal and marine ecosystems in the Seychelles to produce global benefits in terms of conservation of globally significant biodiversity and the effective management of the large marine ecosystems (including coastal and near-shore marine ecosystems), and to arrest and reverse ecosystem degradation. This approach acknowledges and actively incorporates the issues of scale, proximity and interconnectedness of environmental systems on SIDS, and utilises the multi-focal area approach to provide joined up solutions for sustainable development. By addressing a range of terrestrial threats to the marine environment, including flows of pollutants, nutrients and sediment, disrupted hydrological services, degradation of critical habitat, etc. that have significant negative impacts on important 1 The ridge-to-reef approach is promoted by the GEF globally, most notably in the Pacific SIDS through the GEF-5 multi-agency, multi-focal area Program titled Ridge-to-Reef (UNDP as the lead IA with FAO and UNEP participating as co-ias). The GEF continues to promote the same approach in GEF-6, as outlined in GEF-6 IW Program 4 (paragraph 53 of the GEF-6 Strategy).. 1

2 coastal/marine ecosystems including wetlands, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs, the project will simultaneously improve the management of the terrestrial landscape, improve the effectiveness of integrated coastal management practices and secure the integrity of existing and new marine protected areas in the Seychelles, which are vital components of, and effective management tools to conserve, the Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems. At the policy and strategic level, the project will unite the three most important spatial and resource planning processes in the country (which provide the baseline to this project), namely the Marine Spatial Plan (for the seascape), the Seychelles Strategic Plan (for the landscape, most notably the Green Spine on Mahé and other upland forest areas in the Inner Islands), and the Land Use Plans (which embrace integrated coastal management principles and act as the most suitable vehicle to engage District Authorities and local communities in the implementation of these strategic plans). The project will build on these baseline activities by providing strategic incremental funding to implement priority actions in each of the plans. The main stakeholders for the project are the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (MEECC), Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA), Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA), Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), University of Seychelles (UNISEY), environmental NGOs and community groups, such as farmers groups and watershed management committees. An international lead expert is required to assist in the preparation of the full project document, focusing on all components and expected outcomes to be achieved, as outlined in the approved Project Identification Form (PIF). II. Scope of Work A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) has been requested from the GEF Secretariat to prepare the FSP for the project based on the project proposal concept. The PPG phase will support various data collection efforts and undertake several stakeholder consultations to elaborate the approved project concept into a fully formulated project document. The final output of the PPG phase will be a UNDP-GEF project document and GEF CEO Endorsement Template ready for submission to UNDP and GEF, with all required supporting annexes, tracking tools and background information. The lead Expert 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. III. Duties and Responsibilities The International Lead Expert for the Preparation of the Project Document is allocated 65 working days through the duration of the PPG process. The overall purpose of the consultancy is to prepare a UNDP- GEF compliant full-sized project document. The duties are as follows (referring to the Project Implementation Plan): 1) Management of the GEF PPG Team a. 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

3 b. Ensure that project development is participatory, gender-responsive and based on extensive stakeholder engagements; and c. 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 and international consultants, as detailed in their respective TORs: a. 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; b. Oversee the stakeholder analysis and consultations and ensure that they are complete and comprehensive; c. 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; d. 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; e. Conduct/oversee the identification of the project sites, with documentation of selection criteria; f. Oversee the consultations with partners regarding financial planning; and g. 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: a. Develop, present and articulate the project s theory of change; b. Develop the Results Framework in line with UNDP-GEF policy; c. Develop a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget; d. Oversee and ensure the preparation of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan; e. Oversee and ensure the preparation of a Gender and Youth Action Plan and Budget; f. 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; g. Prepare the required GEF tracking tool(s); h. Secure and present agreements on project management arrangements; i. Ensure the completion of the required official endorsement letters; and j. 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. 2 4) Validation Workshop (Component C): a. 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 b. Oversee all necessary revisions that arise during the workshop. c. Ensure completion of Validation Workshop Report. 2 Please verify with the UNDP-GEF team that the correct templates are being used. 3

4 5) Final Deliverables: a. 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; b. Completion of the GEF CEO Endorsement Request; c. All documentation from GEF PPG (including technical reports, etc.); and d. Validation Workshop Report IV. Timeline and Deliverables and Payment Schedule The Total Duration of the assignment is 65 working days over approximately 8 months according to the following plan (see also Project Implementation Plan for details). Expected date of Contract is 1 st February Deliverables Timeline Payment Schedule Inception report following the Inception Workshop, including a March % calendar defining responsibilities for delivery of elements of the ProDoc A first draft of the required submission documents, to be submitted to Early August % the UNDP Country Office and UNDP/GEF technical staff at a date agreed at the inception workshop. A brief report on the validation workshop (together with the NC/EE), End August % noting key points to be included in updating the draft ProDoc. A final draft UNDP Project Document with minimum requirements and End September 25% an accompanying GEF CEO Endorsement Request (both using the appropriate templates with all supporting annexes) by 30 th September Approval of Project by the GEF December % V. Competencies Ability to build strong relationships with national consultants, to focus on impact and results for the client, to respond positively to critical feedback, and a consensus-oriented approach to work. Highly developed inter-personal, negotiation and teamwork skills, and a networking aptitude. Fully computer literate. Excellent English drafting and communication skills. Ability to work in complex, multi-stake-holder project environments. Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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. Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment. 4

5 VI. Required skills and experience The minimum key skills and expertise of the consultant shall cover the following: Education: Minimum postgraduate degree in Environmental or Biological Sciences, International Development, or a related subject. Experience: Proven and extensive international experience in environment and natural resources management projects. Proven past experience in UNDP-GEF project formulation/design, including the drafting of GEFcompliant project documents and endorsement requests. At least 10 years experience designing and/or implementing environment and natural resources management activities in developing countries; direct experience in ridge-to-reef projects or similar projects is desirable Ability to conduct research and analysis, with strong synthesis skills. Experience working with international organizations, including UNDP, is preferred but not required. Previous experience working in Small Island Development States (SIDS) is an advantage. Regional (Western Indian Ocean) and national (Seychelles) experience is highly desirable. Languages: Fluency in English is required. Scope of Price Proposal A financial proposal has to be submitted by offerors which specifies: i) Daily Fee. The Daily fee should be all inclusive 1. The term All inclusive implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications, consumables, etc.) that could possibly be incurred by the Contractor are already factored into the final amounts submitted in the proposal. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. For information only, the UN Daily Subsistence Allowance at the duty station is 303 USD as of November ii) An IC Time Sheet must be submitted by the Contractor, duly approved by the Individual Contractor s supervisor, which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees (as per template). Application process Individual consultants are invited to submit applications on UNDP jobsite system as per requirements below. Applications that do not include all of these elements will not be considered. 1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP 5

6 2. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details ( and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references; 3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment. 4. Financial Proposal supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. Evaluation Criteria All Applicants will be requested to submit a price offer indicating their proposed daily fee rate for the assignment. Following UNDP procurement rules, both technical competence (70%) and the consultant daily fee rate (30%) will be taken into account in the selection process. The Technical Evaluation will be based on the following Evaluation Criteria. Minimum postgraduate degree in Environmental or Biological Sciences, International Development, or a related subject Proven and extensive international experience in environment and natural resources management projects. Proven past experience in UNDP-GEF project formulation/ design, including the drafting of GEFcompliant project documents and endorsement requests. At least 10 years experience designing and/or implementing environment and natural resources management activities in developing countries Ability to conduct research and analysis, with strong synthesis skills Previous experience working in Small Island Development States (SIDS) or western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles TOTAL 20 MARKS 20 MARKS 20 MARKS 20 MARKS 10 MARKS 10 MARKS 100 MARKS Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 marks out of 100 would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Qualified women and members of social minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 8 th Dec 2017 This TOR is approved by: Signature Name and Designation: Roland Alcindor Programme Manager Date of Signing : 28 th Nov

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