International consultant on Business Planning

Background

The Goverment of Albania (GoA) has recently approved a new law on protected areas and over the long-term, this should result in a significant improvement in the overall management effectiveness of the country’s system of protected areas, covering 460,060 ha of marine and terrestrial habitats.

The current funding baselines for the PA system, and the capacities to administer and improve PA revenue streams, are still well below the levels required to ensure that the protected area system can properly serve its function as an important tool to protect biodiversity. So, if the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and its agencies is to fulfil its protected area mandate, it will need to have the ability to: (i) secure sufficient, stable and long-term financial resources for protected areas; (ii) allocate these resources in a timely manner and appropriate form to cover the full costs of protected areas; and (iii) ensure that the protected areas are managed effectively and efficiently with respect to conservation and other complementary objectives.

This project seeks to assist the GoA in reducing existing funding gaps for the system of protected areas, improving the management of individual protected areas, improving cost-efficiencies in individual protected areas and building the financial management capacities of protected area nationwide by increasing the capacity of the central and local staff. Therefore, it focuses activities at two levels of support: (i) building the financial management capacities of the agency responsible for administering the system of protected areas; and (ii) demonstrating the efficacy of different financing strategies in a sub-set of individual protected areas.

Since 2010, one of the immediate global biodiversity benefits relates to expanded protection coverage, by at least 12,428 ha, for unique marine habitats hosting critically endangered, threatened and near-threatened species in MPA K-S, while important progress in terms of planning and management instruments was marked by development, approval and, since 2014 launching implementation of the Management Plan for K-S MPA, based on the priorities as identified in this plan; it has also indicated, for each proposed activity, an estimate of financial costs, as part of the business plan.  

Former UNDP projects targeting the marine area of Vlora bay, have emphasised, the relevance of the terrestrial part adjacent to the marine site, and particularly the records and data for different biodiversity realms i.e. flora and vegetation, invertebrates, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals and rocky shore marine communities, physical and historical features, institutional framework engaged with management tasks; in addition both management plans (K-S MPA and Llogara NP), are adopted and ready-to-use / implement tools, by the Regional Administration of Protected Areas and other management authorities (MC, task forces etc.).

It is clearly noted and agreed on the presence of different terrestrial, marine an coastal protected areas in the region of Vlora, and in particular the Vjose-Narta Sea–Landscape PA in the North, Orikumi lagoon at the southern bottom of the bay, the peninsula of Karaburuni on the western side (namely the LLogara NP), and all these are  linked (inter-related) by the developing activities carried out in the region from the socio–economic point of view; but these sites can also be perceived / be linked naturally through the habitats and ecosystems hosted in all of them, the way these habitats interact and rely on the marine and terrestrial resources, as well with the microclimate conditions -  Karaburuni peninsula being the central element for nature conservation while the city of Vlora being the central element for development. It is this interacted ecosystem habitat exchange and complementarity that reveals multiple uses and allows multiple opportunities for development and economic activities.

Therefore, by developing the business planning of both the MPA K-S and the Llogara NP, as an entire ecosystem, attempts to provide a pragmatic approach aiming at establishing an equilibrium between sustainable economic development and natural resource conservation, ensuring long term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural/ecosystem products and services to support coastal communities development.

UNDP project has already developed and shared with local stakeholder the business plan for K-S MPA and its main findings, while such a plan is not yet designed for Llogara NP; all these factors, provide a common ground and understanding that adequate implementation of the management principles for both terrestrial and marine site, are not only an suitable tool for biodiversity conservation but also for sustained socio-economic development of the whole region. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The general objective for this assignment is that, relying on the existing information on the biodiversity & natural resources and their conservation status, to review the respective socio - economic values and trends in the ecosystem Llogara in liaison with MPA K-S business plan, define and provide the financial strategy and business plan for the management of the Llogara NP;

There are two main objectives to lead drafting of the business plan & elaboration of the financial strategy (along with implementation of the management plan):

• Provision of an overall economic picture on the characteristics of the area, allowing performing diagnostic analysis of the present situation, and
• Weight basic elements of analysis which will determine the priority actions that enable the business management of this target area (costs and revenues analyses, financial gaps and alternative mechanisms to bridge them)  

The assignment will be accomplished in close partnership with the NAPA/RAPA to ensure ongoing support as well as with the MCPA project, particularly in the areas where the respective project activities are complementary and synergistic[i], seeking to harmonize its outputs and activities, notably in respect of revenue-generating opportunities that are prioritized - with the management planning processes that are being revised, or are already under development. The MCPA project will provide the necessary support and information regarding topography, climate, geo resources, bio resources, historic and cultural heritages, demography for the targeted area.

Task 1. Review of the existing baseline information of the ecosystem Llogara, Karaburun, Marine Park Karaburun – Sazan (incl biodiversity, natural and socio-economic values, institutional and management setup, main threats to PA);

Some of the main enlightenments and issues of relevant reference to be considered are:

A)       Socioeconomic context

• Diagnosis of economic characteristics, analysed from an environmental standpoint, which should encapsulate a much wider areas than the project area
• Conflicts with other sectors related to socio-economic development, recognizing the need for inter-institutional and cross-sectoral collaboration for effective management of targeted PAs
• The level of social services - Infrastructure [communications, energy], equipment [urban planning, focusing more on health and education, plans provisions for expansion and investments]
• Cumulative economic activities- basic information about the Fishing, Hunting and harvesting
• Economic activities of exploitation of natural resources - information about the Agricultural Economics and breeding, Silviculture economy, Economics of aquaculture
•  Craftsmanship, light industry – particularly their impacts on the environment (collection, pollution, development, etc.)
• Tourist exploitation - the effects of positive and negative impacts in the area; present the preferred pathways, settlements and activities favoured by tourists.
• pedagogical Utilization- Opportunity for continuous benefit that such activities can bring the area (schools, scientific research studies)
• Recreational use of the area – particularly its impact on the environment (collection, pollution, development, etc.), mainly related to sports activities (mention the frequency of these activities)
• Annual income of local residents - different social categories that operate in this area according to their income
• Status and prospects of employment-the employment situation and its progress in this area.

In doing the above work the consultant will:

• Review and utilise relevant documentation including scientific literature and existing information;
• Undertake field visits to verify /update, verbal and/or written information and gather additional primary information.
• Consult with the NAPA, RAPA and other relevant stakeholders to verify information.

B. Institutional and legal context

• Legal frame and status of land use - systems of land ownership and rights to resources (use of the system of concessions for public properties), real ownership over resources, nature of mortgage of land and traditions,
• Summary of urban planning documentation
• Mapping of land ownership and right of use
• Legislative and regulatory framework concerning the protection (within or adjacent to area)
• Typology and classification (agricultural land, cultivation, meadow, grazing, timber surface, water surface, etc.)

C. Management plan / planning instruments

• Planning and decision-making bodies 
• Enforcement and control mechanisms
• Urban planning regulations - the impact on local level, urban development in the vicinity and within the area, entities and local practices[ii]
• Local, regional and national level development projects, (in urban planning, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure);
• Existing local general development plans of the municipalities (areas where there will be construction, which should be protected areas and areas with fragmented or limited use) and other development projects for other activities within the area or its vicinity (for agriculture - irrigation, drainage, forestry, tourism, infrastructure - distribution of water, energy supply etc.)

D. Main threats to the MPA development

Identify main potential obstacles to the development of the whole ecosystem of PA and adjacent buffer zones, including MPA, focusing on:

• Political /institutional context (engage in income-generating activities, implication of the territorial reform,  land tenure

Socioeconomic context (The illegal and destructive practices, major touristic activities, engagement of the private sector,

Task 2. Prepare a Business Plan for the ecosystem Llogara, Karaburun, with reliance on Marine Park Karaburun – Sazan BP

This task requires developing the Business Plan for the whole area as a follow up and building on  the existing Business Plan of the MPA Karaburun-Sazani.  

The preparation of a Business Plan shall be carried out in close co-operation with the National Agency for Protected Areas and the Vlora Regional Administration of Protected Areas.

The Business Plan should cover and respond to different questions like listed below:

• Human activities and resources exploitations/ use in the area (demographic changes, social setup and development, social services status, demands and values as claimed by the population,
• Land use and local economies, cumulative economic activities, manufacturing activities, artefacts, SMEs, development activities;
• Local Development and area planning instruments;
• Assess the expected budget of the MPA and the current approach to funding;
• Assess whether the available resources are likely to be adequate for meeting conservation needs of the Llogara NP  (financial gap)
• Financial sustainability plan, including the financing needs and exploring the feasibility of different revenue-generating mechanisms for bridging the gap (fees, charges for sustainable use, private sponsorship, public-private-partnerships, external donor
• Provide inputs on infrastructure required for the park administration to undertake monitoring and design of the system in terms of data entry and report generation; estimation of financial needs for setting-up this system.

Expected Deliverables:

The key products to be delivered are as follows:

• Detailed Assignment Work plan (within 2 weeks from start of the assignment)
• Draft document (4 months from start of the assignment)
• Final BP document (at the end of the assignment term)

Payment for Services

The international consultant shall receive payment in three instalments as follows:

-          20% - upon delivery of the assignment work plan, design of consultations and meetings;

-          50% - upon preparation and delivery of the draft document

-          30 % – upon delivery of the final BP document

[i] E.g financial gap analysis for marine and coastal PAs, feasibility assessment of different revenue-generating mechanisms for MCPAs, and business planning in Karaburuni-Sazani MPA etc.

[ii] does land ownership leads automatically to the right to build, which are the rates and extension of constructions, the nature and number of illegal action

Competencies

Corporate and Core 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

• 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.

Functional Competencies

• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
• Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;
• Strong expertise in communication issues.
• Familiarity with the International Conventions and EU Regulations
• Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily
• Ability and willingness to travel to the coastal and marine areas
• Willing to work in a team with national and international expert.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced University degree in the fields of environmental economics, PA management or related fields

Education

•  At least 10 years of relevant professional experience
• Proven experience in developing/implementing similar projects in PAs in Albania -  is a great advantage
• Demonstrated experience in drafting business plan
• Good analytical skills and effective communication and training skills and competence in handling external relations at all levels
• Ability to work in a team and to motivate other team members and counterparts

Languages

• Excellent English knowledge, including excellent report writing and presentation skills

EVALUATION OF APPLICANTS

UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that would consider both the technical qualification of Individual Consultants as well as their financial proposals. The contract will be awarded to the candidate whose offer:

• Is deemed technically responsive / compliant / acceptable (only technically responsive applications / candidates will be considered for the financial evaluation)
• And has obtained the highest combined technical and financial scores.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max points: 70

Criteria A - Educational background                                                                         15 points

Criteria B - Professional experience and experience in similar assignments           30 points

Criteria C - Experience on Protected Areas in Albania                                             25 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max points: 30

Application Procedure

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

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.
• Completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SC) and Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability - please complete the attached form...
• Financial Proposal  - specifying a total lump sum amount(working days, travel, per diems, and any other possible costs) for the tasks specified in this announcement. Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of service, etc.).
• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

* Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should both be part of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Submit the Application:

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

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs);
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), 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.

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.

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.