International Expert on Biodiversity Monitoring, Mapping and Offsets

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assists the host Government to implement a Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Medium-Sized Project: “Mainstreaming biodiversity into Uzbekistan’s oil-and-gas sector policies and operations”.

Uzbekistan’s steppes are the one of the last remaining samples of the globally threatened dry temperate grassland biomes. The primary threat facing the Uzbek steppes is oil-and-gas exploration that is increasingly being targeted there. While the country has in place a network of protected areas, the network cannot provide security to the vast swathes of steppes that continue to lie outside the system. The long-term goal to which the project will contribute is that all ongoing and future oil-and-gas operations in Uzbekistan minimize their adverse impacts on biodiversity so that the conservation prospects of the affected ecosystems are greatly improved. The project objective is to mainstream biodiversity conservation into Uzbekistan’s oil-and-gas policies and operations by demonstrating this in the Ustyurt Plateau.

The project will remove systemic, regulatory and knowledge barriers to realizing this objective, which will be achieved through two outcomes:

• Enable policy, legislative, and institutional environment for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation considerations in the oil-and-gas sector
• Demonstrate biodiversity mainstreaming technologies in oil-and-gas operations on the Ustyurt Plateau. The immediate global benefits include mainstreaming of biodiversity into the oil-and-gas sector at project sites having a positive impact on an area greater than 2 million hectares. This will ensure population stability of a number of threatened species, including Houbara bustard, Caracal, Goitered gazelle, Ustyurt urial and the Saiga antelope.

UNDP seeks a highly qualified and capable International Expert on Biodiversity Monitoring, Mapping and Offsets, who on the basis of his/her knowledge and experience will provide technical assistance to the project in achieving its objective and outcomes by undertaking necessary activities as well as by providing key contributions indicated below.

International Expert on Biodiversity Monitoring, Mapping and Offsets will work under direct supervision and guidance of the Project Manager and the responsible UNDP Programme Officer will carry general responsibility for technical implementation of project activities related to activity of oil-and-gas sector in Uzbekistan. He/she will work very closely with National Technical Coordinator, all experts, including national and international staff, will provide related technical assistance and advice to national consultant. The International expert will perform following tasks:

Component I:  

• Enabling policy, legislative, and institutional environment for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation considerations in the oil-and-gas sector

• Elaborate amendments to legislative framework to incorporate principles of biodiversity conservation into current practice.
• Jointly with local project experts participate in analysis of corresponding environmental Laws (“On Environmental Protection”, “On Environmental Examination”, “On Protected Natural Territories”, “On Protection and Use of Flora”, “On Protection and Use of Fauna”, “On State Cadastres”, Land Code) and based on advanced international experience prepare preliminary drafts of necessary amendments incorporating biodiversity conservation and monitoring issues, discuss them with all interested parties, and then prepare final versions of amendments for their submission to the government.

Output 1.2.

• Elaborate amendments to normative framework to incorporate principles of biodiversity conservation into current practice.
• Jointly with local project experts participate in analysis of current state of implementation of State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment instruments. Based on advanced international experience prepare preliminary draft of necessary amendments to mainstream principles of biodiversity conservation into process of State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment instruments. Complete elaboration of proposed amendments after thorough discussion with consideration of stated remarks and prepare final version of amendments for their submission to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Nature Protection (SCNP).

Output 1.3.

• Prepare a map on project territory based on considering principles of biodiversity conservation, and recommend it for inclusion to the Oil-and-gas Sector Development Plan for 2013-2017.
• Jointly with other specialists participate in analysis and generalization of available and collected information on biodiversity and other issues. Prepare inventory of biodiversity and maps of distributions of species of high importance. Based on this data, identify and prioritize various zones to develop mapping of the project territory on Ustyurt Plateau, where (i) lands that should be off-limits to exploration and drilling, (ii) lands where extraction projects are allowed, but should have mitigation measures, and (iii) lands where a restoration or offset scheme is needed. Based on advanced international experience propose improvements to the mapping process. Identify biodiversity indicators. If necessary participate in field surveys. Participate in discussions of preliminary version of mapping of project territory and its further revision. Participate in preparation of final version of map.

Output 1.4. Conduct capacity needs’ assessment of main project stakeholders, and organize series of seminars/trainings to increase awareness in the field of biodiversity conservation.

Jointly with other specialists and on basis of advanced international experience develop synopsis and after its approval the first version of teaching modules to train staff of NHC “Uzbekneftegaz”, SCNP and oil-and-gas companies on introduction to principles of biodiversity conservation into oil-and-gas operations. Based on collected information prepare teaching modules to conduct trainings and participate in selection of trainers. Determine, after completion of trainings, possible weaknesses of teaching modules based on questioning among training participants, and improve them according to expressed remarks and propositions.

Component II:    

• Demonstrating biodiversity mainstreaming technologies in oil-and-gas operations on the Ustyurt Plateau

Output 2.1.

• Demonstrate different approaches on mainstreaming principles of biodiversity conservation at the project sites.
• Assist considering international practice to attraction of investments from oil-and-gas companies into biodiversity conservation and reduce of habitat destruction and fragmentation, maintenance of ecosystem services and connectivity, and reversals in loss of native vegetation. Prepare review on different approaches to mainstreaming principles of biodiversity conservation at the project sites and on investments’ attraction into biodiversity conservation and develop corresponding program with consideration of Uzbekistan’s conditions.

• Develop a Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector.
• Based on international experience conduct analysis of the best practices on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector and prepare detailed review. Participate in preparation of a draft Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the Uzbekistan’s oil-and-gas sector. After discussion with all stakeholders revise/improve the guidebook for wide application in operations of the Uzbekistan’s oil-and-gas sector.

• Conduct analysis of the best practices in implementing biodiversity risks mitigation measures and demonstrate them at the one operating oil-and-gas objects.
• Based on advanced international experience conduct analysis of the best practices in implementing biodiversity risks mitigation measures and in avoidance and mitigation technologies and prepare detailed review. Prepare training modules for the project stakeholders’ staff on the implementation of the newly developed measures, provide technical assistance for actual implementation of risk mitigation measures, consult and implement biodiversity monitoring plan and mechanisms.

• Review the best practices in avoidance and mitigation technologies and demonstrate them at the one new oil-and-gas object.
• Analyze the best practices in avoidance and mitigation technologies and prepare detailed review. Participate in determination of the new project site, where avoidance and mitigation technologies integrated in oil-and-gas operations from the very beginning of operations. Coordinate participation of cross-sectoral agencies in the design of investment projects, promote to approval of the biodiversity technologies with the oil-and-gas consortium, assist in integration of technologies into the overall oil-and-gas project documentation and assist in the implementation of the technologies.

• Review the best practices in biodiversity offset scheme and facilitate the process of reorganization of Zakaznik Saigachy.
• Based on advanced international experience conduct analysis of the best practices in biodiversity offset scheme and prepare detailed review. Prepare the offset project and develop scheme of reorganization of zakaznik Saigachy with consideration of Uzbekistan’s conditions and determine role of key stakeholders in realization of biodiversity offset scheme on Ustyurt Plateau. Identify the conservation zone with ecological values equal or exceeding those of the unavoidable net loss; develop conservation action plan at the identified location, implement and validate the action plan and estimate net loss; establish the roles of key players (local government, oil-and-gas consortia, NGOs/communities) in the biodiversity offset. Develop the conservation action plan at the identified location, implement and arrange validation by ecologists. Assist in establishment of the management unit for the site. Arrange for rangers to be trained and capacitated to take control of poaching. Formulate a long term management, business plan with a 5-year budget ensured.

• Review the best practices and develop a plan for regular monitoring of each of 10 sites.
• Participate in analysis of the best international practices for regular monitoring and prepare a review. Participate in determination and discussion with main project stakeholders of monitoring indicators; develop a plan for regular monitoring of each of 10 sites by the State Nature Protection Committee and Institutes of Academy of Sciences.

Expected results/time of performance:

International Expert has to present results of work according to set stages and schedule. Project reserves right, in necessary case, to amend terms of reference of the consultant upon written agreement. All reports have to be provided by International Expert in English.

Deliverables:
Stage I: 

• A review on advanced experience in the field of mainstreaming biodiversity conservation principles into oil-and-gas sector policies and operations on regional and international level is presented.
• At participation of local experts analysis of Laws “On Environmental Protection”, “On Environmental Examination”, “On Protected Natural Territories”, “On Protection and Use of Flora”, “On Protection and Use of Fauna”, “On State Cadastres”, Land Code is conducted aiming inclusion of issues related to biodiversity conservation and monitoring. Based on international experience preliminary versions of necessary amendments mainstreaming principles of biodiversity conservation are prepared.
• At participation of local experts a work is started on projects of amendments to environmental Laws with regulations on the “avoid-reduce-remedy-offset” principles in extractive industries, including development of norms and methodology for determining indirect negative impacts on flora and fauna.
• At participation of local experts current status of State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment is analyzed.
• At participation of local experts a work is started, and on base of international experience, preliminary version of amendments to State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment with norms incorporating a thorough check of biodiversity impacts of proposed oil-and-gas projects is prepared. First version of the document on implementation of ecological audit, as appendix to the Law “On ecological Examination”, is prepared.
• At participation of local experts the State Programme of Development of the Oil-and-Gas Industry (2007-2012) is analyzed and economic analysis of the program of territories’ development is conducted.
• At participation of project local experts the needs’ assessment of staff from stakeholder agencies for training is conducted.
• At participation of project local experts and on base of international experience drafts of training materials incorporating (a) “avoid-reduce-remedy-offset” principles, (b) EIA planning and enforcement, (c) investment options in biodiversity conservation by oil-and-gas companies, (d) application of biodiversity off-sets, (e) monitoring of biodiversity at oil-and-gas extraction and transportation are prepared.
• At participation of local experts best practices are reviewed and corresponding review is prepared. A plan for regular monitoring of each of 10 sites by the State Nature Protection Committee and Institutes of Academy of Sciences is developed.
• Seminar/round table discussion is conducted with main project stakeholders to discuss progress achieved.
• Report on stage 1 is prepared and submitted. Deadline is 1-4 months from beginning of job.

Stage II:

• At participation of local experts best international practices are reviewed and corresponding review is prepared (Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector).
• At participation of local experts a draft Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector in Uzbek specific ecosystems is prepared.
• At participation of local experts best international practices in implementation of biodiversity risks mitigation measures are analyzed and review is prepared.
• Based on international experience and at participation of local experts the best practices in biodiversity offset scheme are reviewed and detailed review is prepared. The offset scheme is developed and the roles of the key players in the offset scheme for the Ustyurt Plateau (Saigachy zakaznik) are defined.
• A review on different approaches to investments’ attraction into biodiversity conservation is prepared with consideration of Uzbekistan specific conditions and corresponding program is elaborated.
• Seminar/round table discussion is conducted with main project stakeholders to discuss progress achieved.
• Report on stage 2 is prepared and submitted. Deadline is 5-8 months from beginning of job.

Stage III:

• Based on international experience and jointly with local experts the amendments to corresponding environmental Laws (“On Environmental Protection”, “On Environmental Examination”, “On Protected Natural Territories”, “On the Protection and Use of Flora”, “On the Protection and Use of Fauna”, “On State Cadastres”, Land Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan) mainstreaming principles of biodiversity conservation are elaborated. Proposed amendments are discussed on workshop/round table with main project stakeholders.
• Based on international experience and jointly with local experts necessary amendments to the State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment instruments are prepared. Proposed amendments are discussed on workshop/round table with main project stakeholders.
• Based on international experience the proposals to improve process of mapping are elaborated.
• Based on international experience and jointly with other experts the training materials incorporating (a) “avoid-reduce-remedy-offset” principles, (b) EIA planning and enforcement, (c) investment options in biodiversity conservation by oil-and-gas companies, (d) application of biodiversity off-sets, (e) monitoring of biodiversity at oil-and-gas extraction and transportation are elaborated.
• The draft of Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector in Uzbek specific ecosystems is developed. The draft of Guidebook is discussed on workshop/round table with main project stakeholders.
• Work is conducted to develop and discuss the Implementation plan and risk mitigation measures at one active oil-and-gas extraction site.
• Jointly with other experts the best practices in avoidance and mitigation technologies are analyzed and a review is prepared.
• Seminar/round table discussion is conducted with main project stakeholders to discuss progress achieved.
• Report on stage 3 is prepared and submitted. Deadline is 9-12 months.

Stage IV:

• Based on international experience and jointly with local experts the final versions of amendments to corresponding environmental Laws (“On Environmental Protection”, “On Environmental Examination”, “On Protected Natural Territories”, “On the Protection and Use of Flora”, “On the Protection and Use of Fauna”, “On State Cadastres”, Land Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan) mainstreaming principles of biodiversity conservation are prepared. The proposed final versions of amendments are submitted to the Government for consideration.
• Based on international experience and jointly with local experts the final versions of amendments to the State Ecological Examination process and Environmental Impact Assessment instruments are prepared. After thorough discussions with all stakeholders the proposed amendments are improved and the proposed final versions of amendments are submitted to the Goskompriroda for consideration.
• The preliminary version of the map of project territory is discussion with all project stakeholders. The work on completion of mapping is started.
• Possible weaknesses of training modules are determined after trainings conducted, based on questioning among training participants and responses from management of their organizations. After thorough discussion the training modules are improved based on stated remarks and proposals.
• After discussions with project stakeholders the Guidebook on biodiversity conservation approaches in the oil-and-gas sector in Uzbek specific ecosystems is improved/completed.
• Seminars/round tables are organized to define a new project site and its design, where avoidance and mitigation technologies integrated in oil-and-gas operations.
• Seminar/round table discussion is conducted with main project stakeholders to discuss progress achieved.
• Report on stage 4 is prepared and submitted. Deadline is 13-16 months.

• Experience in biodiversity monitoring, mapping and offsets;
• Experience in development and implementation of training programs;
• Experience in human and institutional capacity building for environment management system;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, strong cultural sensitivity and ability to work in multi-cultural environments;
• Excellent computer literacy.

• Post graduate qualification in Ecology, Environmental Management, Conservation, Biological Sciences and/or related sciences.

• At least 7 years of experience in biodiversity conservation projects together with direct experience in biodiversity monitoring, mapping and offsets in Europe and CIS.

• Proficiency in both written and oral English. Working knowledge of Russian language will be an asset.

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS.

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

Applicants are encouraged to fill and sign a P11 Form and submit it on the online application. The P11 Form can be obtained at http://www.undp.uz/en/download/index.php?type=file&parent=3209&doc=100739

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

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11).
• Merge your P11, Proposals and other relevant documents into a single file.
• Click on the Job Title.
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”.
• Upload your application.
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide financial offer.

Lump sum contracts - This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (including travel costs, terminals, visa costs, DSA).  

• Payment will be released in 4 equal installments: first installment comprising 25% of total remuneration will be paid upon provision of deliverable # 1 and acceptance by UNDP and supervisor; second installment comprising of 25% of total remuneration will be paid upon submission of deliverable # 2 and acceptance by UNDP and supervisor; third installment comprising 25% of total remuneration will be paid upon provision of deliverable # 3 and acceptance by UNDP and supervisor; fourth installment comprising of 25% of total remuneration will be paid upon submission of deliverable # 4 and acceptance by UNDP and supervisor

• All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

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

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points would be considered for the Financial Evaluation