National Consultant for assistance in developing the project proposal on supporting the Moldovan authorities in the sustainable management of the Dniester River.

Vacancy Number: Pr21/02361

Location:	Chisinau, Moldova
Application Deadline:	13 Jan 2022, 13:00 (GMT+2:00)
Application Extended deadline:	19 Jan 2022, 13:00 (GMT+2:00)
Starting date:	14 Jan 2022
Reference to the project:	Advisory Services for Programme Development
Expected Duration of Assignment:	January 14- March 10, 2022
Submission Instructions: Proposals should be submitted online by pressing the "Apply Online" button, no later than 13 January 2022 13:00 (Moldova local time). Requests for clarification only must be sent by standard electronic communication to the following e-mail maria.tarigradean@undp.org . UNDP will respond by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all applicants.
Supporting Documents: Procurement Notice Terms of Reference OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP CONFIRMING INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR (IC) ASSIGNMENT UNDP General Conditions of Individual Contract

Ms. Maria Tarigradean.

Background

Following the snap parliamentary elections from July 2021, a series of structural-political changes took place in the country. In this regard, a new Government has been appointed in August 2021, which in its turn has reintroduced in its composition the Ministry of Environment - an institution committed to protect the environment and sustain the management of natural resources. Among the listed priorities of the newly created Ministry, is the proper management of water resources, in compliance with the principle of integrated water management along with the transboundary aspect. In addition to the development of water policy and regulatory framework, the Ministry of Environment, with the supports of its subordinated institutions, has the responsibility to ensure ongoing dialogue with neighboring countries on the sustainable management of transboundary rivers, with ultimate goal of ensuring the quantity and water quality for environmental and socio-economic needs of the country.

The importance of the Dniester River is indisputable for the Republic of Moldova. This is the largest river in the Republic of Moldova, covering 70% of the country's water consumption needs, thus being considered a strategic resource of surface waters for environmental and socio-economic security of the Republic of Moldova.

The need for joint management of the Dniester River has been acknowledged by the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities since ’90s when the Treaty between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Cooperation in the Field of Protection and Sustainable Development of the Dniester River Basin was signed. Considering the need to coordinate specific activities in the Dniester, a Dniester Commission has been institutionalized in 2017 by the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Protection and Sustainable Development of the Dniester River Basin, signed in Rome in 2012.

A topic of major importance for the Republic of Moldova in relations with Ukraine is the impact of the operation of the Dniester Hydropower Complex (DHPC) on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and its plans to expand its capacity. By means of the project "Study of social and environmental impact assessment of the Dniester Hydropower Complex (DHPC) "funded by the Swedish Embassy and implemented by UNDP during 2018-2021, it was possible to capture and quantify the impact on the environment and identify other negative consequences of DHPC operation downstream the Dniester River. The results of the study were presented at the meeting of the Dniester Commission on 28 October 2021 and were debated with the Ukrainian side. The results of the study will continue to serve as a source of reliable and scientifically based information for the representatives of the Republic of Moldova in the negotiation process of the Agreement on Functioning of Dniester Hydropower Complex.

In addition to the transboundary perspective, the sustainable management of the Dniester River depends on the adequate strategic planning and the strengthening of the institutional capacities of the responsible authorities. At this point, environmental institutions are in a full process of functional analysis in order to streamline the structure of central public administration in the field of environment and related sub-domains (air, biodiversity, etc.). During this procedure, the functional responsibilities of the institutions in the field of water will be examined and will be estimated the institutional capacities necessary to carry out the functions in this field.

The Republic of Moldova, as an EU partner country, has harmonized its national water legislation with the Water Framework Directive of the European Union. The main purpose of this exercise was to ensure the application of the regulation of integrated water resources management by managing water resources based on a basin approach, taking into account the natural limits of river basins and taking over the European best practices in achieving a good condition of all water resources and their protection by preventing deterioration and ensuring good ecological status.

In conformity with the Water Framework Directive and national legislation, basin river management plans are developed for 6-year cycles.

In order to address the above concerns, UNDP is seeking to hire a national consultant to develop the project proposal to support the Government's efforts in achieving sustainable management of the Dniester River.

Scope of work

The main objective of this assignment is to develop a full-fledged project proposal to ensure sustainable management of the Dniester River, based on collected data and information, as well as discussions of priorities with potential beneficiary institutions. 

The project proposal should be in line with the Water Framework Directive, national water legislation, international dialogue and cooperation treaties between Moldova and Ukraine on the Dniester River, it shall design the necessary measures to improve Dniester water status and should be prepared in close cooperation with ministries, institutions and civil society involved in the implementation of water projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSIGNMENT INCLUDE:

Under the leadership of the UNDP Moldova, Environment, Climate Change and Energy Cluster, and following a thorough analysis and research, the consultant will develop the project proposal, as per the UNDP’s template which will consist tentatively (but not limited) of the following chapters: 

• Development Challenge
• Strategy of the project
• Results and Partnerships
• Project activities
• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Management arrangements
• Results Framework
• Monitoring and Evaluati0n
• Work Plan
• Governance and Management Arrangements
• Risk Management

The project proposal should be in line with the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, the main strategic documents at national and sectoral level and reflect the national dialogue and cooperation agreement between Moldova and Ukraine on the Dniester River and the measures needed to improve water quality. It should be prepared in close cooperation with the ministries, institutions and civil society involved in the sustainable management of the Dniester River.

In order to develop a sound and comprehensive project proposal the consultant is expected to carry out bilateral discussions with the key actors involved in the negotiations with the Ukraine: Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Academia representatives, research institutions working in the areas, NGOs, donors and other relevant partners.

For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1 – Terms of Reference.

Requirements for experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Minimum BA degree in environment management, environment diplomacy or environment related science, legal or administrative or other related fields is required, etc.

Professional experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in technical assistance project design and implementation in the environment related area, preferably in integrated water management;
• At least 5 years of experience cooperation with the national environment authorities and/or international organizations in the strategic planning and project implementation in the environment and climate adaptation related area, preferably in integrated water management;
• Excellent knowledge of EU water related acquis and relevant international legal instruments;
• Experience in working with UNDP, UNEP, WB and/or EU-funded projects or other international organizations would be an asset.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and report writing skills demonstrated by previous assignments; 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work in a team, demonstrated by previous assignments; 
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines demonstrated by previous assignments; 
• Good communication and time management skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.

Language requirements:

• Proficiency in English. Knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian will be an asset.

Proven commitment to the core values of the United Nations, in particular, respecting differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or another status.

UNDP Moldova is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. Please mention in your CV if you belong to the group(s) under-represented in the UN Moldova and/or the area of assignment.

Documents to be included

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1.  CV, including information about past experience in similar projects/assignments and contact details for at least 3 referees for a reference check;
2. Financial proposal - in USD, specifying a total lump sum amount and the number of anticipated working days, incorporated in the Offeror’s Letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) assignment;
3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.

Financial proposal

Lum-sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e., whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e., upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.

In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including all related costs e.g., fees, taxes, travel, phone calls etc.) and the number of anticipated working days. The consultant shall bear costs for all supplies needed for data collection and data processing including possession of his own personal computer.

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel to a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.