International expert and team leader for conducting Climate Vulnerability Assessement for Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos”

Position: International expert and team leader for conducting Climate Vulnerability Assessement for Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos”

Project: Enhancing climate resilience in the Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos”

Project number: 8360-00/2019

Donor: Austrian Development Cooperation

Reporting to: EcoContact, Project Manager

Post type: Individual service contract

Estimated implementation period of assignment: March – August, 2020

Working languages: English, Russian/Romanian

Organizational Context:

The project “Enhancing climate resilience in the Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos” supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation, aims to support national and local authorities in implementing the Law on the establishment of the Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos” no.132 of 13.07.2018 that entered into force on 24.08.2018. Within the project, the assistance will be provided to central authorities and particularly to local actors from 10 mayoralties with the purpose to enhance climate resilience; support the implementation of pilot measures on adaptation to climate change, which will be identified in the course of the project; and to learn how to contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem. The project will be implemented in the Lower Prut area, which is located in the Southern part of the Republic of Moldova and includes the Prut River and naturally flooded lakes. A wetland that stretches along the Prut River covers a mosaic of water ecosystems, meadows, and forests. The territory (more than 14,771 ha) is part of the Cahul district and the communities of Brînza, Cîşliţa-Prut, Colibaşi, Crihana Veche, Giurgiuleşti, Manta, Slobozia Mare, Vadul lui Isac and Văleni.

The intended Impact of the project is: The Natural Protected Area Biosphere reserve “Prutul de Jos” is managed sustainably taking into account climate change impacts and delivers ecosystem services for local communities.

The project’s expected outcome is: Climate resilience of the Natural Protected Area Biosphere reserve “Prutul de Jos” is enhanced and communities and local authorities have increased their capacities for climate change adaptation.

Expected Outputs of the project:

Output 1: Climate change risks identified, recommendations elaborated, and priority adaptation measures implemented in a participatory manner within the Biosphere reserve “Prutul de Jos” area;

Output 2: The information and awareness about the value of the protected area and its ecosystem services as well as climate change impacts are increased;

Output 3: Capacities of local and national level actors (women and men) on climate resilience and effective management of the Natural Protected Area Biosphere reserve “Prutul de Jos” are strengthened;

Output 4: The institutional and regulatory framework for integrated management of the Biosphere reserve “Prutul de Jos” and the Sub-Basin Frumoasa-Crihana River is strengthened in a participatory manner.

The objective and tasks of the assignment:

The Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos” was established by law in 2018. It is located in the South-Western part of Moldova, along the lower course of the Prut River The Lower Prut Lakes were officially recognized in 2000 as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and the protected area is the first one in Moldova which has gained international UNESCO status in 2018. Two-thirds of the area are occupied by Lake Beleu, a wetland area that extends along the Prut River, covering a mosaic of water, meadow and forest ecosystems.

Protecting areas rich in biodiversity is the most common and most important strategy for biodiversity conservation, water resource management and for the prevention of land degradation. The Biosphere Reserve „Prutul de Jos” was established to represent and protect specific natural features, species, and communities. However, as temperature, precipitation, and incidences of wildfires change, species are moving, plant and animal communities are being reassembled, and unique landscapes are altered or are facing the risk of extinction.

A Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) will be organized in the first phase of project implementation to prioritize project interventions in the area as well as to mainstream the identified measures into local development policies. The methodologies available for such assessment (cf. IUCN and similar organizations) should be tailored to the local needs and available data, and a methodological approach with the outline of the report will be developed as the first step of the assessment. Since this will be a first-time experience for protected areas in the Republic of Moldova, a round of discussion with national-level authorities is foreseen, once the methodology is developed, in order to validate its applicability for the Biosphere Reserve and other similar areas in the future.

The main objectives of the International expert on CVA are as follows:

Propose the methodology for CVA on the current level of the climate resilience that will highlight biodiversity and ecosystem impacts, different type of vulnerabilities upon local communities in the “Biosphere Reserve Prutul de Jos”. Proposed methodology should be in line with the provision of Environmental, Gender and Social Impact Manual of the Austrian development Cooperation.
Present to the national (Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment; Environmental Agency, Agency “Apele Moldovei) and local level (Administration of the reserve, representatives from Local Public Authorities) stakeholders the methodological approach and tools to be applied within CVA process, and integrate their recommendations into the final methodology;
Screen and identify main types of vulnerabilities combining natural and social perspectives in the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos”. This should rely on the evidence-based approach and tools, and be based on validated data and methodologies (various techniques of vulnerability assessment, climate change projections, etc.) together with a group of national experts;
Screen the existing local development policies and similar documents and provide recommendations for integration of proposed measures into them together with a group of national experts.
Provide a cross-sectoral assessment of interlinkages and synergies and identify areas of possible conflict due to climate variability and non-climatic factors in the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos”. Preliminary cases for the possible conflicts for analysis will be provided after the social perception survey (to be conducted first half 2020) together with a group of national experts.
Perform climate vulnerability assessment according to the approved methodology for the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos”. CVA should contain indicative recommendations for strengthening climate resilience in the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos” addressing possible biodiversity, ecosystem impact as week as social perspectives of the area development together with a group of national experts.
Ensure that recommendations provided have cost estimation, criteria-based prioritization and relevant entity for their implementation together with a group of national experts.
To the extent possible, ensure the collection of disaggregated (gender, disability, income and ethnicity where possible) and geo-referenced data.

For conducting the CVA process a group of experts will be selected, consisting of an international expert (team leader) and local experts on biodiversity, hydrology, DRR and climate change, social inclusion and gender issues. The task of the International expert will be leading a team of selected national experts, that will be contracted by EcoContact. The team leader will provide methodological guidance and overall support to the expert team. Based on the data that will be collected and the recommendations of the CVA, vulnerability maps will be elaborated by contracted company / expert.

Management arrangements:

The international expert will be leading a group of local experts, all deliverables that are indicated in these ToR will be developed jointly by the team. He/she will be working in close cooperation with EcoContact’s project manager and experts. All deliverables submitted should be coordinated with the representative of Austrian Development Agency (ADA) responsible for supervision of the current project.

It is expected that the international expert will have two missions to Moldova to present the methodological approach and the document. All other work will be done home based.

Deliverables and timeline for the implementation of the assignment:

Deliverable	Due time and % of contract to be paid
Inception report which will include the Methodological approach for conducting CVA analysis and outline for the CVA report for the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos” (in English language).	March, 2020 (20%)
Report following the first mission to Moldova, presentation of the methodological approach which will include key findings on climate vulnerability assessment and recommendations for integrated resilience (in English language).	May, 2020 (30%)
Draft CVA report for the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos” (in English language).	July, 2020 (30%)
Final CVA report for the Biosphere Reserve “Prutul de Jos” in English (and Romanian upon necessity), approved by the financing authority (ADA). and presented to relevant stakeholders (including MARDE). The Report will be available online on EcoContact website.	September, 2020 (20%)

Qualifications:

Master’s degree or its equivalent in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science & Policy, Environmental Economics, Meteorological Sciences, Environmental Law, or a related discipline.
Strong understanding of climate change, risk, vulnerability and resilience, and experience with applying these concepts in previously implemented activities / projects.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in the area of climate change (adaptation or mitigation), disaster risk reduction, livelihoods or a related field, in particular with vulnerable populations and in a rural and urban context.
Experience of implementing similar assignments in the Eastern Partnership Countries and/or Balkan countries, is mandatory.
Experience in developing environment and sustainable development policies in the context of adaptation to climate change is an asset.
Ability to analyze, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, , solve problems, adapt to different cultural, economic, political and social environments;
Experience in working in teams and leading multi-national teams;
Proven written and oral communication skills in English.
Working knowledge of Russian or Romanian language will be a strong advantage;

How to apply:

Bidders must submit the following documents in English:

The CV of the expert: The CV of the expert should reflect the relevant experience in the area of assignment, and at least three references of the previous CVAs conducted.

Financial offer for the implementation of the assignment including travel costs (two missions) to the Republic of Moldova.
Proposed work plan for the assignment, that confirms availability and approach for the implementation of assignment.

Please send the documents with the indication of the Lot in the subject line before April 06, 2020 to the email address of procurari@ecocontact.md. All bidders will receive the confirmation of the registration via email message.

For detailed information, please contact Catalina Arghir, Project Manager, +373 22 996162

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Evaluation process:

The bidders will be short-listed based on the following minimum qualification criteria:

Master’s degree or its equivalent in Environmental Studies
10 years of relevant experience in the area of climate

Those shortlisted will be evaluated according to the following criteria (1-6)*. Candidates with the highest accumulated score will be invited interview. Based on the cumulative score for the technical offer qualifications and financial offer will be evaluated, with weight of technical qualifications 70% and financial offer 30%.

Criteria	Scoring
1) Degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science & Policy, Environmental Economics, Meteorological Sciences, Environmental Law, or a related discipline.	*Maximum: 15 points* Master’s degree – 10 pts. PhD degree – 15 pts.
2) Years of relevant experience in the area of climate change (adaptation or mitigation), disaster risk reduction, livelihoods or a related field, with vulnerable populations and in a rural and urban context.	*Maximum: 20 points* 10 years – 10 pts., 10-20 years – 15 pts., More than 20 years – 20 pts.
CVAs conducted during the last 5 years	*Maximum: 15 points* One assessment – 5 pts., Two assessment – 10 pts., Three and more assessment – 15 pts.
3) Experience in leading international teams	*Maximum: 15 points* Less than 5 years – 5 pts 5-10 years – 10 pts., 10-15 years – 15 pts.,
4) Experience of implementing similar assignments in the, Eastern Partnership Countries and/or Balkan countries,	*Maximum: 15 points* Less than 5 years – 5 pts 5-10 years – 10 pts., 10-15 – years – 15 pts.,
5) Knowledge of languages	*Maximum 10 points* Russian – 5 points Romanian – 5 points
6) Interview	Maximum 50 points
Maximum total technical scoring	140 points
Financial score Evaluation of submitted financial offers will be done according to the following formula: Fin.Score=Fin.min/Fin 100%* Where: Fin. score – score received on financial evaluation; Fin_min – the lowest financial offer out of all the submitted offers qualified over the technical evaluation round; Fin – financial offer under consideration.	60 points