National consultant for collection, data analysis and development of long-term assessment protocol of wood biomass potentials in Republika Srpska

Background

By signing the contract on joining the Energy Community, BiH is obliged to use 40% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. Amongst the increasing share of other renewable energy technologies, this goal shall be fulfilled by higher bioenergy shares in the energy matrixes for electricity, heating, and cooling. For this reason, the general strategic goal for the implementation of the policies regulating renewable energy sources, i.e. biomass in BiH, is ensuring the basis for reaching defined goals and creating a sustainable biomass market.

The bioenergy sector is considered as one of the most complex yet insufficiently developed sectors in BiH. For identifying key areas for improvement of the bioenergy sector in BiH, UNDP (Biomass Energy for Employment and Energy Security, supported by the Czech Development Agency), GIZ (Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources in BiH project) and USAID (Energy Investment Activity project) offices in BiH, with support of Ministry of foreign trade and economic relations of BiH, have agreed on joint initiative in this field. Such approach implies implementation of joint activities under the aegis of the Bioenergy Joint Program, in order to secure compatibility of activities and results of three projects and jointly contribute to the improvement of situation within bioenergy sector.

Since 2009, UNDP Energy and Environment portfolio in BiH includes a number of projects that contribute to environmentally sustainable development and use of natural resources. This project is aimed at increasing the wood biomass demand, improving wood biomass supply chain, overcoming technical, legislative and awareness barriers and enhancing research on these issues throughout BiH.

In order to define the current situation in the bioenergy sector of BiH, GIZ Project “Promotion of Renewable Energy in BiH” has developed background paper “GAP analysis of the relevant legal framework and existing/missing documents in the bioenergy sector of BiH” with a general overview and analysis of relevant legal and institutional frameworks at level of BiH and its entities, as well as developed, developing and planned projects in the field of bioenergy. Furthermore, UNDP Biomass project financed by the Czech Development Agency, has prepared Study on gap analysis of strategic and legislative framework of forestry and energy sector in segment of wood biomass which contains concrete recommendations on strategic and legislative preconditions regulating the issue of using wood biomass and exact policy amendment recommendations.  

As identified, there is generally a lack of reliable data on biomass potentials in the country, which detains strategic decision making on the policy level and the private investments into innovative bioenergy technologies. In this context, a Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map represents a key point in establishing a database for sound decision making. Therefore, UNDP and GIZ jointly decided to support the development of this study under the Bioenergy Joint Program.

The objective of the Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map is to identify and collect relevant data and establish databases and maps related to the assessment of the potentials of wood and agricultural biomass in BiH. The results of the assessment should be publicly available and help decision makers in strategic planning in order to contribute to a further market development and wide-spread sustainable use of biomass as energy source. The final outcomes of this activity are the following:

• study;
• a database with the relevant data, and
• an online platform and a map on biomass potentials.

So far, this activity has resulted with methodology which was developed by international experts and adapted to the BiH context for the purpose of preparing the Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map. This methodology was adopted by established working group for Biomass mapping in BiH. Furthermore, collection of available data and assessment of data collection and calculation methodologies used by responsible institutions was finalized and resulted with identification of data gaps which should be overcome during the following phase of wood biomass mapping in Republika Srpska. As a result of this phase, the Handbook for Data Gap Filling was developed. This document contains information on status of missing data and proposes methods to fill them. 

Objective

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide local support and expertise for filling the identified data gaps in accordance to the methodology for assessing the biomass potentials, agreed by established working group for Biomass mapping in B&H and developed by international experts and adopted for B&H context and defining the protocol for long-term assessment of wood biomass potentials in Republika Srpska.  

Purpose

National consultant for collection, data analysis and development of long-term assessment protocol of wood biomass potentials in Republika Srpska will provide local support and expertise in accordance to the developed and mutually agreed methodology. Consultant will conduct research by visiting/contacting the relevant institutions from forestry sector to collect relevant information for both public and private forests and representatives of selected wood processing companies which can provide information related to data gaps identified during the first phase of wood biomass mapping in Republika Srpska. Final list of relevant institutions will be made after the selection of national consultant as well as final decision on data collection method (i.e. conducting in-depth interviews or through phone calls etc.). To fulfil requirements for preparing the maps of biomass potentials, consultant should reach at least 10% response rate of properly filled-out data sheets /conducted interviews with representatives of relevant institutions.

Data collection should be done in accordance to the previously developed Excel data sheets, that will be translated and submitted to the selected National Consultant. Selected national consultant shall collect and submit the data on the level of municipalities/forest management units, where available, and summarize the data values on the level of Republika Srpska. Since one of the goals of a Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map is to provide support to an establishment of protocol for long-term assessment of biomass potentials in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the national consultant should provide assistance in definition of institutional protocol for long-term integrated reporting and monitoring scheme for assessment of wood-biomass potentials in Republika Srpska. The proposed definition will be jointly elaborated with the engaged international experts. These activities are related to the following:

• Decision on protocol for defining official sources of information needed for long-term wood biomass assessment (i.e. justification of decision for selecting the respective offices, enterprises, agencies, wood processing companies from whom the data can be obtained with respect to predefined response rate of 10%),
• Definition of procedures and responsibilities in terms of providing data for lower geographical and administrative levels (i.e. municipalities) and for generating data at entity level, including the justification for decision on lowest level possible for data gathering and presentation
• Provision of proposal and definition of parameters and factors given in the Handbook for Data Gap Filling, which are to be determined through expert assessment
• Proposition of method for assessment of wood biomass potentials from abandoned agricultural land and method for assessment of illegal logging of fuel wood from public and private forests in Republika Srpska.

All activities should include the adaptation/preparation of the respective biomass organization charts developed within the agreed methodology by established working group for Biomass mapping in BiH.

Duties and Responsibilities

National consultant for collection, data analysis and development of protocol for long-term assessment of wood biomass potentials in Republika Srpska shall: collect and submit the data on the level of municipalities/forest management units, where available, and summarize the data values on the level of Republika Srpska and prepare the concept paper on definition of institutional protocol for long-term integrated reporting and monitoring scheme for assessment of wood-biomass potentials in Republika Srpska. National consultant will work under direct supervision of the GEF project manager while technical backstopping will be provided by Coordinator for bioenergy potential mapping on behalf of GIZ to complete all activities specified in this term of reference.

Selected National Consultant will be responsible for submitting the filled-out data sheets, prepared by the international consultants, as a result of tasks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and the concept paper summarizing the results from task 8.  

Selected National Consultant will be responsible for accomplishment of following tasks:

• Review and approval of respective biomass organization charts developed by the international consultants;

• Review of developed data sheets for filling the identified data gaps for forestry and wood processing sectors;

• Provision of comments and agreement on final version of data sheets;

• Participation on kick-off workshop and regular coonsultation/clarification meetings;

• Development of the time plan for data gap collection from relevant institutions of forestry and wood-processing industry in Republika Srpska;

• Data gap collection from representatives of public forest management enterprise on public forests, indicated in the Handbook for Data Gap Filling;

• Data gap collection from representatives of public forest management enterprise on private forests, indicated in the Handbook for Data Gap Filling;

• Data gap collection from representatives of selected wood-processing industries in Republika Srpska on relevant types of biomasses (minimum 10% response rate should be achieved), indicated in the Handbook for Data Gap Filling

• Definition of institutional approach for long-term integrated reporting and monitoring scheme for assessment of wood-biomass potentials will be jointly elaborated with the engaged international experts and it includes the following aspects:

Decision on protocol for defining official sources of information needed for long-term wood biomass assessment (i.e. justification of decision for selecting the respective offices, enterprises, agencies, wood processing companies from whom the data can be obtained with respect to predefined response rate of 10%),

Definition of procedures and responsibilities in terms of providing data for lower geographical and administrative levels (i.e. municipalities) and for generating data at entity level, including the justification for decision on lowest level possible for data gathering and presentation

Provision of proposal and definition of parameters and factors given in the Handbook for Data Gap Filling, which are to be determined through expert assessment

Proposition of method for assessment of wood biomass potentials from abandoned agricultural land and method for assessment of illegal logging of fuel wood from public and private forests in Republika Srpska.

• Revision and comments on draft and final versions of report prepared by international consultants

It is envisaged that the level of effort for these tasks will not exceed 20 expert days including field visits to relevant institutions of forestry and wood processing sectors as needed. The assignment will not require presence in the UNDP premises. The assignment will include regular coonsultation/clarification meetings in the UNDP Sarajevo office or through a conference call as needed.

Deliverables/outputs

• Respective biomass organization charts, developed by the international consultants, reviewed and approved - 0.5 days, June 11th 2018, 2.5%;
• Data sheets for filling the identified data gaps, developed by the international consultants, reviewed and approved - 1 day, June 13th, 2018, 5%;
• Consultant participated at kick-off workshop and regular consultation/clarification meetings - 2 days, Until the end of the assignment, 10%;
• Time plan for data gap collection from relevant institutions of forestry and wood-processing industry in Republika Srpska developed - 1 day, June 15th 2018, 5%;
• Data gap collection from representatives of public forest management enterprise on public forests conducted for the level of municipalities/forest management units, where available, and summarized on the level of Republika Srpska - 2 days, July 2nd 2018, 10%;
• Data gap collection from representatives of public forest management enterprise on private forests conducted for the level of municipalities/forest management units, where available, and summarized on the level of Republika Srpska - 2 days, July 2nd 2018, 10%;
• Progress report submitted to the GEF Project Manager and approved by the GEF Project Manager - 0.5 days, July 4th 2018, 2.5%;
• Data gap collection from representatives of selected wood-processing industries in Republika Srpska on relevant types of biomasses conducted for the level of municipalities, where available, with at least 10% of response rate achieved and summarized on the level of Republika Srpska - 5 days, July 16th 2018, 25%;
• Filled-out data sheets submitted to the GEF Project manager - 0.5 days, July 18th 2018, 2.5%;
• Concept paper summarizing results of task 8 of this ToR (sub-chapter Scope of work) prepared - 4 days, July 27th 2018, 20%;
• Draft version of the Report prepared by international experts reviewed - 0.5 days, August 3rd 2018, 2.5%;
• Final version of the Report prepared by international experts reviewed -  1 day, August 10th 2018, 5%;

In order to get familiar with the scope of designated tasks in more details, interested candidates are encouraged to request the Handbook for Data Gap Filling on following email address: registry.ba@undp.org, prior to the application deadline (May 31st, 2018). Previously developed data sheets will be translated and submitted to the selected National Consultant.

Competencies

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;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Masters’ degree in forestry or similar field of natural resource management;
• PhD degree in forestry or similar field would be considered as an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience in conducting research and providing consultancy services related to data collection and calculation methodologies in forestry sector (experience in conducting analyses of calculation and data collection methods relevant for wood biomass would be an asset);
• Experience related to wood biomass data collection, calculation, and assessment methodology (experience in conducting research in accordance to the methodology for the preparation of Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map would be considered as an asset);
• Experience in data collection and analysis for at least 2 different projects in field of wood biomass (experience from BiH preferred).

Languages Requirements:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and local languages.

Other Requirements:

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, andb) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• * Technical Criteria weight-70%
• * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for technical criteria assessment would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

• Completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (downloadable from http://www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_herzegovina/en/home/operations/jobs.html);
• Financial proposal which will separately specify professional fee, indicating number of anticipated working days, travel costs (air-ticket or use of private vehicle), living allowance, and all other applicable costs.

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 62 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
• Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.

Technical  criteria:

• Criteria A : Masters’ degree in forestry or similar field of natural resource management; PhD degree in forestry or similar field would be considered as an advantage - Weight: 10%, Maximum points: 10;
• Criteria B: At least 7 years of experience in conducting research and providing consultancy services related to data collection and calculation methodologies in forestry sector (experience in conducting analyses of calculation and data collection methods relevant for wood biomass would be an asset) - Weight: 30%, Maximum points: 30;
• Criteria C: Experience related to wood biomass data collection, calculation and assessment methodology (experience in conducting research in accordance to the methodology for the preparation of Biomass/Bioenergy Potential Study/Map would be considered as an asset); Experience in data collection and analysis for at least 2 different projects in field of wood biomass (experience from BiH preferred); Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly - Weight: 20%, Maximum points: 20;
• Criteria D: Fluency in both written and spoken English and local languages; Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource - Weight: 10%, Maximum points: 10;

Financial criteria:

• Price offer from candidate (lump sum offers in BAM, calculated using prevailing UN exchange rate) - Weight:30%, Maximum points: 30.