Location :
Apia, SAMOA
Application Deadline :
06-Nov-13
Type of Contract :
Individual Contract
Post Level :
International Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)
21-Nov-2013
Duration of Initial Contract :
25 working days (initial)
Background
In accordance with United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP support GEF financed projects are required to undergo a mid-term evaluation upon completion of implementation. The terms of reference (TOR, refer to link at the bottom of this advertisement) sets out the expectations for a Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) of the Integrating Climate Change Risks and Resilience into Forestry Management in Samoa (ICCRIFS) Project.
Samoa is experiencing increasing climate change-induced damage to human and economic development in key sectors, with adverse effects already experienced by its village communities. There is a high risk that further climate-change related damage will strongly impact on the country's economy, social infrastructure and natural environments, and significantly affect the livelihoods of rural communities. The combined effects of sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, coastal erosion, disease impacts on crops, drought, spread of invasive species and reductions of fresh water supply seriously undermine Samoa's forestry and agro-forestry resource base and the related livelihood opportunities of its communities. Climate change exacerbates current environmental pressures on forestry resources, due to clearing and encroachment in native upland forestry areas, unsustainable land use practices in lowland agro-forestry areas, couples with lack of understating and knowledge of government institutions and rural communities on current and potential impacts of climate change on forestry resources and effective adaptation options. Through this project, the Government of Samoa (GoS) will strengthen institutional capacities to systematically identify and address the climate change-driven risks for the management of native forests and agroforestry areas, in order to increase the resilience of rural communities and protect their livelihoods from dynamic climate-related damage, pursuant to the attainment of Samoa's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Project components:
The ICCRIFS project consists of three major components:
Climate change risks and resilience are integrated into forestry policy frameworks
- Revised national forestry policy and plan through enhanced institutional coordination;
- Development of forestry-tailored climate early warning and information systems;
- Development of a Forest Fires Prevention Strategy and Manual;
- Training of government officers on climate risk analysis, adaptive policies and planning techniques.
Climate resilient agro-forestry and forestry techniques are demonstrated in lowland agroforestry and upland native forest areas:
- Detailed vulnerability assessments in native upland forest ecosystems and lowland agroforestry areas and preparation of site-specific adaptation plans using climate early warning and information systems;
- Rehabilitation of degraded native forestry areas using climate-resilient native species, introduction of climate resilient crops and cultivation techniques, climate-sensitive grazing land management techniques and training of farmers;
- Promote linkages with sustainable livelihood support mechanisms, value added produce and products;
- Capacity and coordination strengthening of national and community stakeholders.
Project knowledge and lessons learned are captured, analysed and disseminated
- Lessons learned and best practices are generated and shared between local communities, and national and regional stakeholders through appropriate mechanisms;
- Feeding of on-the-ground experience to inform policy mainstreaming processes;
- Development of a project communication and awareness raising strategy involving range of media;
- Project experience in forestry adaptation is transmitted to education institutions to incorporate knowledge generated in training materials, curricula and school programs.
These components will ensure to enhance overall institutional capacity of the Forestry Division and institutional coordination with related Ministries and Divisions, through revising existing forestry policy frameworks, developing and building capacity on planning and decision making tools integrating climate risks. These measures are aiming at creating an enabling environment to support the implementation of the on-the-ground adaptation interventions under Outcome 2, develop decision making tools covering the country's entire forest areas, policy frameworks and related institutional capacity that will facilitate the upscaling and replication of climate-resilient forestry practices nationwide.
Duties and Responsibilities
The mid-term evaluation of the UNDP/GEF ICCRIFS is initiated by the UNDP Samoa Office and it is being undertaken in accordance with the UNDP/GEF Project Monitoring and Evaluation Policy - http://thegef.org/MonitoringandEvaluation/MEPoliciesProcedures/mepoliciesprocedures.html. The principal purpose of the mid-term evaluation is to assess the project's implementation results and impacts as required by the UNDP/GEF Monitoring and Evaluation Policy. It is also mandatory to evaluate and review any UNDP project of the magnitude of USD 1 million or more, at mid-term and when the assistance is about to phase out called final evaluation.
The mid-term evaluation is intended to provide a comprehensive overall assessment at mid-term of the project and provides an opportunity to critically assess administrative and technical strategic issues and constraints. The evaluation should provide recommendations for strategies, approaches and/or activities to improve the potential of the project to achieve expected outcomes and meet objectives within the project timeframe. Findings of this evaluation will be incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation of the current project phase as well as for the design of the subsequent project phases.
The purpose of the Mid-Term Evaluation is:
- To assess overall performance against the project objective and outcomes as set out in Project Document and other related documents (this includes assess whether the project design is clear, logical and commensurate with project time-line and resources available);
- To assess Project outputs to date and review planned strategies and plans for achieving the overall outcomes of the Project within the timeframe;
- To assess the substantive effectiveness and efficiency of the Project;
- To assess Project relevance to national priorities including the extent to which the project is a meaningful response to Climate Change adaptation needs in Samoa with the potential for significant opportunity to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience of communities in the country;
- To critically analyze the implementation and management arrangements of the Project;
- To provide guidance for the future Project activities and, if necessary, for the implementation and management arrangements;
- To list and document initial lessons concerning Project design, implementation and management .
In particular, this evaluation will assess progress in establishing the baseline, achievement of the outcomes and outputs, and identifying any difficulties in project implementation and their causes, and recommend corrective courses of action. Project performance will be measured based on the quantitative and qualitative indicators defined in the Logical Framework and the Results Framework of the Project Document. The Report of the Mid-Term Evaluation will be stand-alone document that substantiates its recommendations and conclusions.
Evaluation timeframe:
The total duration of the evaluation will be 25 working days according to the following plan:
- Preparation (3 days, deadline 21 November);
- Evaluation mission (13 days, deadline 6 December);
- Draft evaluation report ( 6 days, 10 January);
- Final report (3 days, 20 January) .
Evaluation deliverables:
The contractor is expected to deliver the following:
- Debriefing- Inception report (to be submitted to project management and UNDP CO at the end of the consultation period in Samoa), inclusive of initial findings;
- Draft final report (to be submitted to UNDP CO, reviewed by RTA, PCU, GEF OFPs within 3 weeks from the evaluation mission), based on the recommended structure outlined in the TORs;
- Final report (to be submitted to UNDP CO within 1 week from receiving UNDP comments on draft), inclusive of revisions based on comments.
Competencies
Technical Competencies:
- Ability to efficiently cover the evaluaiton of GEF and AF projects;
- Ability to advise on the development and implementation of climate change adaptation projects;
- Demonstrated understanding of the implications of climate change on key sectors and ability to provide guidance on the integration of climate risk management and, development of long term and medium term responses to climate change;
- Ability to work with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of disciplines.
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 favouritism.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNDP.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
- Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations.
Management and Leadership
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
- Effective leadership, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Masters degree in Environmental Sciences, Development Economics, Energy, Public Finance, Environmental Law or other closely-related field.
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience with strong technical background and proven competency in climate change adaptation and development issues in the Pacific related areas of natural resource management, including demonstrable expertise in project formulation, implementation and evaluation;
- Previous experience with results - based monitoring and evaluation methodologies;
- Work experience in an international organization is an advantage, as is knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures;
- Previous experience with GEF mechanisms will be an asset;
- Previous work experience in the Pacific, working experience in Samoa would be an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent knowledge of the English language, with exceptional writing, presentation and communication skills.
Important Note:
Qualified candidates are requested to apply by the 6th of November 2013 by sending their application packages to procurement.ws@undp.org with the subject line 'Integrating climate change risks into Forestry in Samoa'.
The application should contain:
- Letter of interest and availability using the standard template. http://www.undp.org/content/dam/azerbaijan/docs/Procurement%20Notice/o/Template_Confirmation_Interest_Submission_Financial_Proposal.pdf;
- Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable);
- Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. (a template can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc;
- Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days – in home office and on mission, travel – international and local, per diems and any other possible costs).
Terms of Reference:
Please click on the link below to access the terms of Reference for this position.
http://www.ws.undp.org/content/dam/samoa/docs/ad/UNDP_WS_TOR_ICCRIFS_MTE.pdf.
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.
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