Support for the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system on Climate Change and development of a concept note for a national Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency

Albania ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994, the Kyoto Protocol in 2005 and signed the Paris Agreement in 2016. Under the Decision 17/CP.8 and the Decision 2/CP17 Albania as a non-Annex I party to the UNFCCC should prepare and submit its National Communications and Biennial update reports on climate change to the UNFCCC. As part of the Paris Agreement, Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed to establish a Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT). The goal of the CBIT is to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of developing countries to meet the enhanced transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement. These enhanced transparency requirements are defined in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement. 

In 2016 Albania already submitted the Third National Communication on Climate Change. The “Albania's First Biennial Update Report (1BUR) and Fourth National Communication (4NC) to UNFCCC“ project which is currently under implementation by UNDP in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment indicates the necessity of strengthen national institutions for transparency-related activities in line with national priorities, as well as the need of development of relevant tools, training and assistance in order the country to meet the provisions stipulated in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, and to improve transparency over time.  

Preparation of the 4NC and 1BUR for the first time since Albania was declared as a middle income country tables new challenges to collect specific data and information in order to draft the specific chapters of the reports. Local experts involved with preparation of the NatCom will need to address several ambiguities and doubts, familiarize themselves with more international case studies, lessons, learnings and best practices, including the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems as the due mechanism to ensure credibility and comparability of the emission reductions achieved. Ministry of Tourism and Environment as the implementing governmental agency of the 4NC and 1BUR intends to utilize this reporting mechanism as an opportunity to establish a solid mechanism to retrieve the relevant data not only to comply with its reporting commitments in the future, but also to benefit from such information in formulation of evidence based policies addressing the climate change.

Therefore, UNDP looks for an international consultant to provide technical guidance to supporting the most appropriate country specific framework for Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System (gender sensitive) in Albania.

Scope of Work

The consultant shall work in close cooperation with the Project Manager, local experts under the project “Fourth National Communication of Albania to the UNFCCC and its First Biennial Update Report”, under the guidance of the Global Support Programme for the National Communications and Biennial Update Reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Consultant shall be responsible for the following:

1. Familiarize with the MRV concept as per the existing documents, as well as information provided in the Third National Communication on Climate Change, the Albanian NDC and other key relevant strategic documents focused on mitigation of GHG emissions and adaptation to climate change;
2. Familiarize with the UNFCCC documents and guidelines relevant for MRV, as well as other relevant MRV guidelines applicable for non-Annex 1 countries;
3. Provide technical guidance on:
   • the design of a national MRV System to support tracking of GHG emissions, the impact of mitigation and adaptation actions, and climate finance flows,
   • MRV plans for prioritized mitigation and adaptation actions.
4. Provide recommendations on the policy, legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the development and implementation of the MRV system, as well as the supporting coordination mechanisms, based on international best practices.

Deliverables

• Submission of a background paper reviewing the existing national strategic plans on preparation of the national MRV system, the contribution of the country development partners, evaluating the progress in drafting the relevant legislation and its implementation and identifying existing gaps including in the existing technical and human capacities (30 August, 2019).
• Submission of draft report with recommendations on (i) the policy, legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the development and implementation of the MRV system, (ii) the supporting coordination mechanisms, based on international best practices, (iii) the data types and management protocols for tracking of GHG emissions, the impact of mitigation and adaptation actions, and climate finance flows and (iv) the medium to long-term capacity building needs to support implementation of the MRV system (15 October, 2019).
• Final report with technical guidance and policy recommendations on the MRV system to be included in the 1BUR (30 November, 2019).

Terms and conditions for provision of services 

·         Language

The document shall be prepared in proof read English language.

·         Timeframe

The assignment is expected to last approximately a total of 20 days and shall be completed no later than 30 November, 2019. Adjustments to this schedule if needed will be mutually agreed on by UNDP and the consultant. 

·         Reporting

The consultant will report to the Project Manager.

During the fulfilment of the assignment, the consultant will ensure regular communication with UNDP Programme and Project Manager. The consultant shall ensure quality and timely delivery of the expected results and will regularly inform of the progress as well as any obstacles that might occur.

·         Working materials

UNDP will provide the consultant with relevant background information, data and documents.

·         Consultations

The consultant shall be available during the duration of the assignment for video and telephone consultations, which will be organized by UNDP.

·         Travel

One mission is required for a total of 4 days

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 favoritism.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Communication - Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.
• Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly.
• Organizational Awareness - Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
• Teamwork - Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant shall have the following qualifications:

• Master degree in thematic areas relevant to the assignment (natural/environmental/technical sciences and other relevant). Higher degree shall be considered as an asset;
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in the fields relevant for the assignment – climate change, mitigation and/or development of related climate change policies and actions;
• Knowledge of MRV systems;
• Excellent communications, presentation, report writing and analytical skills;
• Capability to work effectively under deadline pressure and to take on a range of responsibilities;
• Ability to work in a team, good decision-making skills;
• Fluency in English, with excellent writing skills.

Evaluation of Offers

Best value for money principle takes into account a combination of the applicants’ qualification and financial proposal (70% technical and 30% financial offer). When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the candidates which will reach the threshold will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

- Technical 70%:

• Education: University degree in the thematic area relevant for the assignment (natural/environmental/technical sciences, communication, journalism and other relevant). Higher degree will be considered as an asset; 15%

• Years of professional experience: Minimum 6 years of professional experience in preparation of: project proposals for GEF, design and implementation of climate change related projects (including NCs/BURs); previous experience with GEF/UNDP project documents shall be an asset.  30%

• At least 3 (three) similar assignments in nature and scope (project proposals on climate change). 25%

- Financial offer 30%

Application Procedure

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form...www.un.org.al/sites/default/files/IC_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx
• Latest personal CV, including past experience from similar projects or completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SC) and Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.
• Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for completion of the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal should indicate an all-inclusive fixed total contract price and all other travel related costs (such as flight ticket, per diem, etc), supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template attached to the Letter of Confirmation of Interest template.  If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 
• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Merge your CV or P11, Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Due to a large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process

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.