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International consultant for the valuation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge

Home Based - May require travel

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Home Based - May require travel
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Biology and Chemistry
    • Agriculture and Forestry
    • Food technology (Food tech)
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS), an agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity, was adopted on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya (Japan) and entered into force on 12 October 2014, it provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of the 3rd objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Protocol applies to genetic resources that are covered by the CBD and to the benefits arising from their utilization, it also covers traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources held by indigenous and local communities. Contracting parties to the Nagoya Protocol need to fulfil core obligations to take measures in relation to access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and compliance, among others.

The UNDP-GEF Project “Strengthening human resources, legal frameworks, and institutional capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol” (Global ABS Project) is a 3-year project that specifically aims at assisting 24 countries in the development and strengthening of their national ABS frameworks, human resources, and administrative capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol. The project seeks to achieve this through its 4 components namely:

  • Component 1: Strengthening the legal, policy and institutional capacity to develop national ABS frameworks;
  • Component 2: Building trust between users and providers of genetic resources to facilitate the identification of bio-discovery efforts;
  • Component 3: Strengthening the capacity of indigenous and local communities to contribute to the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol; and
  • Component 4: Implementing a Community of Practice and South-South Cooperation Framework on ABS.

In accordance with the core obligations of the Nagoya Protocol, the implementation of the key elements of a functional ABS system in Albania should unleash a wide range of monetary and non-monetary benefits for providers and users of genetic resources. Most of these benefits should be reinvested in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the above country. This would also contribute to fulfilling the three objectives of the CBD.

Context:

Albania is a Party to the Nagoya Protocol since its entry into force (accession) on October 12, 2014. The Biodiversity Protection Act of 2006 has some provisions related to access to genetic resources in Albania, but those provisions should be further developed in a bylaw to be fully effective. Albania has not yet established the necessary measures in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol related to the monitoring of genetic resources and related user-compliance measures. Albania has approved its reviewed NBSAP 2012-2020. The updated NBSAP reflects the relevance of ABS for the country with explicit references to the Nagoya Protocol under Target 8 (“Foster and Contribute to an Equitable Access and Sharing of Benefits (ABS) arising from the Use of Genetic Resources).

In that regard, public awareness and the development of the national legislation on ABS in line with the Nagoya Protocol are referred to as priorities for the country, as well as the establishment of an information system to promote access to Albanian genetic resources.

The NBSAP also refers to the preservation and sharing of TK (Traditional Knowledge) and the integration of those elements into the development or scientific cooperation projects that target local communities as primary stakeholders.

The country has also developed several national reports related to genetic resources used for food and agriculture. The main national document in that regard is the “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Agricultural Genetic Resources in Albania.” The “Inter-sectoral strategy for agriculture and rural development in Albania,” adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water Management in May 2014, also refers to the relevance of “the promotion of conservation and use of plant and genetic resources for food and agriculture” not only in agro-environmental terms but also in terms of economic opportunity for promoting “traditional products.”

Support for long-term on-farm conservation of diversity of genetic resources of wild (medicinal and aromatic plants) and cultivated plants, the promotion of on-farm local livestock breed production, and the management and improvement of genetic resources for food and agriculture should be considered. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is the designated institution where the Nagoya Protocol on ABS focal point is hosted.

Duties and Responsibilities

The international consultant will work with a national consultant in the following tasks:

Task 1: Identify high value GR/ aTK ( associated Traditional Knowledge)  and priority ABS value chains:

  1. Which socio-economic and ecological criteria to consider in identifying high value GR/ aTK within specific sectors and between different sectors? (economic potential, importance for conservation and ecosystems, socio-culture value…etc.)
  2. What is the methodology to select the top priority value chains within specific sectors and between different sectors?

Task 2: Undertake a detailed analysis of the socio-economic potential for each of the selected value chains

  1. Which sectors are directly/indirectly dependent on GR/ aTK? and what are their current socio-economic value /potential?
  2. What are the contributions of GRs and aTK in the national economy? What is the estimated economic value of such contributions?
  3. What is the business model of the key industries operating in the identified value chains? What are the global market trends and predictions for these value chains?
  4. What is the potential socio-economic value of GR/aTK? How can ABS through the valorization of GRs and aTK contribute to achieving national SDG targets?
  5. What is the conservation status of the selected high economic value GR?

Task 3: Provide strategic guidance with regards to the drafting of national ABS valorization strategies and facilitate the initiation of research and biodiscovery partnerships.

  1. Who are the current/potential users of GR/aTK in the identified priority value chains?
  2. How to approach and structure existing/new research and bioprospecting partnerships?
  3. How to proactively engage the private sector to promote the development of ABS compliant value chains?
  4. How to associate researchers and private sector to promote the development of ABS compliant value chains?

Expected deliverables and payment schedule:

  • Deliverable 1- 30% - September 30th 2019- Methodology for the identification of high value GR/aTK and the selection of priority ABS value chains.
  • Deliverable 2- 50%- November 15th 2019- Socio-economic analysis of selected ABS value chains.
  • Deliverable 3 -20%- December 20th 2019 - Strategy for initiating research and biodiscovery partnerships and engaging the private sector in ABS complaint value chains.

The consultant shall perform any other related tasks, which are instrumental for the implementation of the above activities and deliverables, as it may be required. The international consultant will work together with a national consultant on the task. 

Competencies

Corporate competences:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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.

Functional competences:

  • Ability to provide guidance on valuation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge within priority ABS compliant value chains;
  • Knowledge of the science-policy-business interface related to ABS and the ability to apply it to strategic and/or practical situations;
  • Ability to contribute to strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting;
  • Demonstrates practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Thorough understanding of disability issues, human rights, social inclusion and social services
  • Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
  • Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Advanced University degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, environmental finance, or another related field.

Work Experience

  • At least 5 years of experience in environmental economics or a similar field of expertise.
  • Experience in valuing natural resources;
  • A good understanding of the main challenges facing the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and ABS regimes;
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and other stakeholders from relevant institutions;

Language

  • Excellent knowledge of both written and spoken English

Evaluation of Applicants

  • Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated;
  • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on Combined Scoring method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal;
  • Combined weighted scoring: Technical (70%); Financial (30%).

30 % or 30 points: - Education Background

20% or 20 points: - Relevance of work experience

20% or 20 points: - A good understanding of the main challenges facing the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol and ABS regimes

Application Procedure

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.
  • Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form... www.un.org.al/sites/default/files/IC_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx
  • Latest personal CV, including past experience from similar projects or completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SC) and Individual Contracts (IC) – Blank form Download here.
  • Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for completion of the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal should indicate an all-inclusive fixed total contract price and all other travel related costs (such as flight ticket, per diem, etc), supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template attached to the Letter of Confirmation of Interest template.  If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. http://www.un.org.al/doc/Financial%20Offer%20template.doc 
  • Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport.

How to Submit the Application:

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

  • Merge your CV or P11, 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.

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

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.

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
This vacancy is now closed.
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