Environment Policy Advisor

BACKGROUND:

1. The consultant is expected to write up project document(s) for fill-fledged capacity strengthening project(s).
2. Solomon Islands government established Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology (MECM) in January 2008, which is the merger and upgrading of Solomon Islands Meteorological Service and Environment and Conservation Division of Ministry of Forestry. This new institutional arrangement gives significant positive impact on the environmental management framework in the country; however, the real implementation capacity still needs to be developed.
3. The objective of the Preparatory Assistance (PA) is to set out the UNDP’s support to strengthen the environmental management and conservation capacities of Solomon Islands Government. The PA enables to focus the capacity gaps and the targets for follow-on project.

1. With the close consultation with the Government counterparts, stakeholders including donors and NGOs, and UNDP staff, the consultant will conduct following tasks:
   • Desk review of the environmental legislations, policies, regulations, provincial ordinances, etc.
   • Desk review of action plans, country reports, frameworks, etc. required by international conventions.
   • Stocktaking of information sources and available data within and outside of the Ministry.
   • Gap analysis and needs assessment through stakeholder consultations.
   • Introduction of information management system including data library, professional network, Web page, subscription of scientific journals, etc.
   • Introduction of international best practices on environmental management including carbon financing, ISO14000, etc.
   • Substantive advice to on-going policy development including National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS), National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAP), and State of Environment Report.
   • Review and development of comprehensive legal framework for environmental management from national legislation to standards and guidelines.
   • Budgeting for the proposed project activities and development of Logical Framework with risk analysis.
   • Drafting of Terms of Reference for key project staff and consultants.

OTHER IMPORTANT SPECIFIC INFORMATION TO NOTE

1. The consultant should submit his/her work plan within two (2) weeks after the commencement of the duty.
2. The consultant should to submit monthly progress report. If the work plan includes workshop(s), consultation(s), mission(s), the report of each activity should be attached to the progress report without delay.
3. All reports should be addressed to the Project Manager

1. 20% of the contract amount will be paid upon the signature of the contract.
2. 50% of the contract amount will be paid upon the first submission of the project concept(s) to the Project Manager.
3. 30% of the contract amount will be paid upon the submission of draft project document(s) to the Project Manager. The extent of development and the level of finalization will be instructed by the Project Manager during the consultancy.
4. If unexpected international/local travel is ordered by the Project Manager, the DSA (UNDP rate) will be paid during the mission.

1. The applicant is requested to provide a proposal or quotation of the fees/cost for the services which will be rendered.  The fee proposal should consist of:
   • Daily rate
   • Cost of any Travel and DSA cost (if any)
   • Cost of any other procurement of goods or services needed to be undertaken during the assignment (if any)
   • Another overhead cost associated to the assignment (if any)
2. As a guide, UN DSA rates for Honiara, Solomon Islands is US$176 per day; however, the applicant is free to propose his/her own rate. DSA should not apply during the stay in his/her duty station, i.e. Honiara.
3. UNDP’s reference rate is US$450 per working day inclusive of commuting cost, accommodation cost, travel insurance, Visa application, and minor miscellaneous expenses. Though applicant can propose either higher or lower rate than the reference rate, the financial proposal forms a part of the selection criteria.

Under the overall supervision of Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) of UNDP Honiara Sub-office, with close consultation of Permanent Secretary of MECM and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the consultant will write up a project document for UNDP’s future support to strengthen the environmental management and conservation capacities of Solomon Islands Government. He/she will conduct the capacity gap analysis and needs assessment on the policy development and implementation, information management, and reporting obligation of Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, and develop project outputs, activities, indicators and targets. The consultant should also provide substantive advices to the government counterpart during the consultation period as an initial assistance to the Ministry. 

The consultant will produce project document(s) that sets out the project strategy, outputs and activities, budget and implementation arrangement, project monitoring and evaluation, etc. Simultaneously, he/she will produce separate reports on literature reviews, stakeholder consultations, workshops, or any findings during consultation together as the activity report of the consultancy. He/she may also produce some guidelines, training manuals, strategy papers, or other documents during the technical assistance.

• Demonstrated ability to assess capacities, to analyze problems and solutions, and to plan and organize activities.
• Sound knowledge on Results Based Management (RBM) and Logical Framework (LogFrame).
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work under pressure and to establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of different backgrounds;
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Proven capacity to organize and facilitate workshops and meetings;
• Excellent communication skills, reporting with ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Computer literacy in full Microsoft Office Package and web browser capability;

• An advanced degree (post graduate or Masters level) in environmental management, environmental laws, or the field relevant to the objectives and expected outcomes of the project
• A minimum of ten (10) year experience as a public servant or policy advisor (with a few years at senior level) in environmental field, e.g. environmental monitoring, pollution control, wildlife protection, climate change, etc.
• Experiences in the development of institutional strengthening project in developing country. 
• A good understanding of environment and conservation issues in Solomon Islands.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal).
• Knowledge of UN systems is an asset.