Reptile Eradication Expert (International Consultant)

The United Nations Development Programme (“UNDP”), acting as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (“GEF”), has been requested by the Government of Fiji (“GoF”) through the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji to procure the services of the Reptile Eradication Expert. The objective of the project is to improve the chances of the long-term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island, surrounding islets and throughout Fiji by building national and local capacity to manage Invasive Alien Species. Commonly referred to as the Fiji IAS Project, this is an initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) over a 5-year period from 2018 – 2023 with a budget of USD 3,502,968.

Project Description

Invasive alien species (“IAS”) are the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pacific Islands. Numerous IAS have been introduced to Fiji, with significant impacts on natural landscapes and biodiversity. The recent introduction of Giant Invasive Iguana – GII (Iguana iguana) – to Fiji represents the first established population of this species in the Pacific and is a potential bridgehead to some of the world’s most isolated island ecosystems. GII have already caused harm throughout the Caribbean where they are spreading fast and have significant detrimental effects, including on native biodiversity, agriculture and tourism. Although there are several national and local-level initiatives to address IAS in Fiji, these efforts lack adequate capacity and an overall comprehensive strategy to ensure a systematic and effective protection of biodiversity-rich and important areas. An effective, systematic and comprehensive eradication effort against GII, before populations grow beyond the point where they cannot be controlled, is currently lacking and urgently needed.

The preferred solution requires a suite of preventative measures to reduce IAS incursion and establishment, that will be introduced by this project, including:

(i) Strengthened IAS policy, institutions and coordination at the national level to reduce the risk of IAS entering Fiji, including a comprehensive multi-sectorial coordination mechanism to ensure the best possible use of resources and capacities for the prevention, management, eradication, awareness and restoration, and capacity building of biosecurity staff;

(ii) Improved IAS prevention and surveillance operations at the island level on Taveuni, Qamea, Matagi and Laucala to reduce potential for pest species to enter and establish within the four-island group and move between these islands;

(iii) Implementation of a comprehensive eradication plan for GII based on comprehensive survey and public outreach on Taveuni and an increase in removal effort of GII on the islands of Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala; and

(iv) Strengthened knowledge management and awareness raising that targets the public, tour operations and visitors, to safeguard the nation from IAS.

A detailed terms of Reference can be obtained form UDP Pacific Website https://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/procurement.html

Within the framework of this ToR, the Reptile Eradication Expert is expected to perform the following general and duties:

• Initial assessment report and work plan;

• Support provided with the engagement and running of all aspects of the iguana sub-components of the Fiji IAS project including continuation of on-going field efforts and strengthening capacity through engaging expertise in hunter training, canine program development and iguana radio tracking;

• As much as is feasible expectations will be for the Eradication Specialist to overlap missions with other key iguana project staff including hunter trainer, canine specialist and telemetry specialist;

• Will work during contract year to determine as best as is feasible from existing information a range for population size estimates of the Giant Invasive Iguana at or near the start of eradication activities;

• Progress/Mission reports, including activity updates to follow each mission;

• Final report of all technical support provided, achievements, lessons learnt and recommendations.

Reporting Lines

The Reptile Eradication Expert will report to the UNDP in close consultation with Biosecurity Authority of Fiji under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji.

The deliverables shall be first submitted to Biosecurity Authority of Fiji for review and approval. All deliverables are subject to technical clearance and approval from the UNDP-GEF Regional Technical Advisor (RTA) covering Fiji in collaboration with the Programme Analyst from the UNDP-Pacific Office in Fiji for processing payments of the services rendered. The primary responsibility of the Reptile Eradication Expert is to assess and recommend methods and strategies for removing the Giant Invasive Iguana (GII) from Fiji.

Expected Deliverables:

The key products to be delivered are as follows:

1. Detailed Work Plan for the consultancy (within 1 week of signing the contract);

2. Report on the proceedings of site visits and stakeholder consultations;

3. A Report on the effectiveness of the eradication program and any corrective actions needed towards the achievement of the reduction of GII sightings/captures on Qamea, Matagi and Laucala by 50% or more by the end of the project.

• Technical expertise in invasive-species biology, particularly with respect to reptiles.
• At least 10 years of working experience on invasive reptiles, including some previous experience working with UNDP or other international agencies.
• Detailed technical understanding of eradication requirements and methods.
• At least 5 years working experience in the tropical Pacific.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex field and planning programs.
• Demonstrated ability to be able to guide and motivate field teams.
• Strong networks with the international eradication community.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong writing and speaking abilities.

Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

• Minimum PhD (doctorate) in organismal or ecological biology.

• Offerors must send the following documents.

   

  i) Signed CV including names of at least 3 referees.

   

  ii) Cover letter setting out: A statement of how the applicant meets the qualifications and experience requirements. Proposed methodology/approach including preliminary work plan (covering deliverables, key activities and due dates).

   

  iii) Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal

  Applicants must send a financial proposal based on a Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the Individual Consultant´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the Individual Consultant in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.

   

  In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the Individual Consultant wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

   

  In the event of unforeseeable travel that is not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective UNDP business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

   

  Template for confirmation of interest and Submission of Financial Proposal is available under the procurement section of UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji website (www.pacific.undp.org)

   

  Bid Submission Address

  https://etendering.partneragencies.org

  BU Code: FJI10

  Event ID: 0000005579

   

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  Please use the bidder’s guide for submission of proposal

   

   

  Women candidates are encouraged to apply.