2242 International Sludge Management Consultant - re-advertisement

Consultant Environment

Contract

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Background

Purpose

Review existing draft policy documents concerning sludge management in the Republic of Serbia, and assess the sludge management options, including sludge treatment, recovery and re-use.

Objective

To revise existing draft national policy concerning sludge management in the Republic of Serbia and based on the analysis prepared under the EISP2 project, formulate operational public policy document with clear and effective strategic directions for sludge management, to be legally adopted and used by national and local authorities.

Background Information

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), acts as an implementing agency for the “Climate Smart Bio-Waste Management Challenge” project financed by Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida). The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) if final beneficiary of the project activities. The project objective is to reduce the quantities of biodegradable waste disposed on landfills that leads to the reduction of greenhouse gases emission and consequently reduction of environmental pollution (through the reduced contamination of soil, air and waters). In addition, this result is expected to contribute to the extension of the landfills lifetime. The project uses the competitive process in the form of “Challenge calls” for sourcing low-carbon technological solutions and innovative projects that contribute to creative ways of reduction, reuse and recycling of bio-waste in the Republic of Serbia. The call was open for local self-governments, public utility companies, business sector, research, and scientific community and food and non-alcoholic beverage industry.

Moreover, the Project assists the Government of the Republic of Serbia to divert a bio-waste fraction of communal waste from landfilling and boost local economies and businesses that are based on circular economy. This can represent significant potential for the creation of new circular economy business markets. Besides investments into creative solutions for reduction, collection, and treatment of bio-waste, this Project will support further implementation of policies on improved bio-waste management.

Sludge management is an important part of the waste and wastewater treatment processes. The sludge management framework includes National Sludge Management Strategy and Implementation Plan and Guidance document on good operational practices for sludge management. In 2015, the Preparatory Study for Development of National Sludge Management Strategy assessed the potential of other sludge management options, covering issues such as sludge use in land rehabilitation, forestry, municipal parks and energy recovery. A final draft NSMS report was prepared in December 2018 through an EU Framework Contract, and the final report received approval from MEP and MAFWM in February 2019 and from the Ministry of Finance in June 2019. Based on the Review of the Draft National Sludge Management Strategy prepared under EISP2 project, some of the shortcomings were identified, such as: the short-term sludge management challenges and solutions were not considered, and potentially important sludge management options are not evaluated.

Since the draft Strategy and follow-up report were prepared, the EC has launched the European Green Deal and new Circular Economy Action Plan as well as a consultation for revision of the Sludge Directive. Also, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans was endorsed in December 2020 setting new ambitions of the green transition.

Draft Directive specific Implementation Plan (DSIP) for Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWTTD) describes the current situation in the water sector, requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, identifies legal, institutional and technical gaps, specifies the implementation of necessary technical measures, provides cost assessments and identifies possible financial sources to close the gaps, and presents recommendations on the investment schedule and transition period for the implementation of the Directive. Significant reform of the water utility sector is expected, which will equalize and improve the quality of service and lead to more efficient management of public water supply and collection and treatment of wastewater systems in service areas. Serbia is planning to construct new wastewater treatment plants and rehabilitate and upgrade existing ones. However, the Draft National Sludge Management Strategy has to be updated related to different available sludge management options, including technical recommendations.

The process of revision of the draft NSMS requires inclusive stakeholder consultations involving competent institutions, local self-governments, public companies, businesses, academia, CSOs etc. This may be done through the Working Group/Task Force on Sludge Management (WGSM/TFSM), once established by the MoEP as main responsible entity. Also, the revision should be based on dialogue with relevant companies about the acceptance of sludge, the quality standards that sludge must achieve and the charges that would be made for receiving sludge. In parallel, LSGs which are developing or having local sludge strategies for new WWTPs, as well as EPS and the cement factories should be consulted to reflect their needs concerning sludge management. Other potential opportunities for sludge use/disposal (excluding agriculture and landfill) must be considered in the revision.

The revision of the NSMS must take into consideration need for development of future local and regional sludge management strategies, and whether this outlet can form a short/medium term option at the national level, or even long-term if this proves to be a more practicable and economical option to the NSMS.

UNDP is seeking short-term consultancy positions to assist UNDP Portfolio Manager and the MoEP in the revision of the draft NSMS and preparing an operational Public Policy Document on Sludge Management for Serbia.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Consultant shall conduct a detailed analysis of the existing strategic and legislative framework of relevance to sludge management in Serbia and revise the draft NSMS.

More specifically, the tasks should include:

Task 1 – Ex- ante analysis of the current situation regarding sludge management in Serbia

• Provide Ex-ante analyses report accompanying the Public Policy Document on Sludge Management in line with National Waste Management Strategy (2019-2024) and in line with national legislation including the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.
• Review the existing strategic and legislative framework related to sludge management in Serbia
• Analyze the legal implications of the EU Acquis of relevance to the EU Green Deal Agenda on Serbia’s economy with the focus on wastewater treatment and sludge management;
• Provide summary of economic, environmental and social aspects of different technological solutions for sludge management.

Task 2 – Revise the existing draft National Strategy for Management of Sludge (in line with the recommendations from the Review of the Draft National Sludge Management Strategy prepared under EISP2 project)

• Analyze and follow up on recommendations provided by the Review of the National Sludge Management Strategy, prepared under EISP2 and submitted to the MoEP in December 2020;
  • Note: draft documents will be provided by the MoEP.
• Analyze EU policy and examples of good practices from the EU member states on sludge utilization and perspectives on new approaches of sludge management and incorporate applicable solutions for Serbia;
• Support national authorities to consult with key stakeholders (e.g.: EPS and Cement companies) on the use of sludge in co-incineration.
• Consider sufficiently the short-term sludge management challenges and solutions in the revised NSMS;
• Analyze the Directive Specific Implementation Plan (DSIP) for the UWWTD, operational and planned WWTPs and other recent wastewater and waste development. Make recommendations for updates to key documents (DSIPs, investment plans and facility design approaches) based on the revised NSMS.
• Evaluate some potentially important sludge management options, such as, but not limited to: sludge treatment and recovery technologies, sludge use in land rehabilitation, agriculture, forestry, municipal parks and energy recovery;
• Provide guidance for the development of regional sludge management strategies/plans so as to take the NSMS onto the next logical developmental step;
• Provide cost implications of the revised NSMS, based on the recommendation for improving draft NSMS;
• Provide annex with extensive description of sludge processes;
• Prepare executive summary of the revised NSMS with key findings and recommendations
• Participate in stakeholders’ consultation event.

The revised NSMS should be restructured and streamlined to incorporate at least elements of the Preparatory Study, either within the text or as an annex, including updating of the data particularly with regards to legislation and the newly commissioned and planned WWTPs. It must reflect stakeholders’ comments and interests and feasible solutions:

• Ensure that the revised NSMS provides the planning framework around which municipalities (and donors) that are currently planning WWTPs can develop their sludge management strategies and plans;
• Produce guidance document on good operational practices for sludge management (as annex to the revised NSMS);
• The revised NSMS, as new Public Policy Document on Sludge Management, must be prepared in line with requirements of national legislation, including the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.

Based on the content of the revised NSMS, deliver training on sludge management to ensure knowledge transfer, particularly to the responsible institutions, municipalities and PUCs.

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Portfolio Manager, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Consultant shall conduct a detailed analysis of the existing strategic and legislative framework of relevance to sludge management in Serbia and revise the draft NSMS.

More specifically, the tasks should include:

Task 1 – Ex- ante analysis of the current situation regarding sludge management in Serbia

• Provide Ex-ante analyses report accompanying the Public Policy Document on Sludge Management in line with National Waste Management Strategy (2019-2024) and in line with national legislation including the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.
• Review the existing strategic and legislative framework related to sludge management in Serbia
• Analyze the legal implications of the EU Acquis of relevance to the EU Green Deal Agenda on Serbia’s economy with the focus on wastewater treatment and sludge management;
• Provide summary of economic, environmental and social aspects of different technological solutions for sludge management.

Task 2 – Revise the existing draft National Strategy for Management of Sludge (in line with the recommendations from the Review of the Draft National Sludge Management Strategy prepared under EISP2 project)

• Analyze and follow up on recommendations provided by the Review of the National Sludge Management Strategy, prepared under EISP2 and submitted to the MoEP in December 2020;
  • Note: draft documents will be provided by the MoEP.
• Analyze EU policy and examples of good practices from the EU member states on sludge utilization and perspectives on new approaches of sludge management and incorporate applicable solutions for Serbia;
• Support national authorities to consult with key stakeholders (e.g.: EPS and Cement companies) on the use of sludge in co-incineration.
• Consider sufficiently the short-term sludge management challenges and solutions in the revised NSMS;
• Analyze the Directive Specific Implementation Plan (DSIP) for the UWWTD, operational and planned WWTPs and other recent wastewater and waste development. Make recommendations for updates to key documents (DSIPs, investment plans and facility design approaches) based on the revised NSMS.
• Evaluate some potentially important sludge management options, such as, but not limited to: sludge treatment and recovery technologies, sludge use in land rehabilitation, agriculture, forestry, municipal parks and energy recovery;
• Provide guidance for the development of regional sludge management strategies/plans so as to take the NSMS onto the next logical developmental step;
• Provide cost implications of the revised NSMS, based on the recommendation for improving draft NSMS;
• Provide annex with extensive description of sludge processes;
• Prepare executive summary of the revised NSMS with key findings and recommendations
• Participate in stakeholders’ consultation event.

The revised NSMS should be restructured and streamlined to incorporate at least elements of the Preparatory Study, either within the text or as an annex, including updating of the data particularly with regards to legislation and the newly commissioned and planned WWTPs. It must reflect stakeholders’ comments and interests and feasible solutions;

• Ensure that the revised NSMS provides the planning framework around which municipalities (and donors) that are currently planning WWTPs can develop their sludge management strategies and plans;
• Produce guidance document on good operational practices for sludge management (as annex to the revised NSMS);
• The revised NSMS, as new Public Policy Document on Sludge Management, must be prepared in line with requirements of national legislation, including the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia.

Based on the content of the revised NSMS, deliver training on sludge management to ensure knowledge transfer, particularly to the responsible institutions, municipalities and PUCs.

Deliverables and Timeline

Deliverables

Deadline

1

Ex-ante analysis on the National Public Policy Document on Sludge Management, prepared and accepted

01 October 2021

2

Draft National Policy Document on Sludge Management (revised NSMS), including annexes, in English language, prepared and accepted

15 October 2021

3

Final National Policy Document on Sludge Management (revised NSMS), including annexes, in English language, prepared and accepted

01 December 2021

All deliverables shall be submitted in English language. Each deliverable shall be quality reviewed and approved by UNDP Portfolio Manager.

Competencies

• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling ethical standards.
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
• Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet.
• Compliance with UNDP rules, regulations and policies of financial activities ensured.
• Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• MA in waste management, technology, environment and other relevant areas.

Work experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in policy development and project implementation related to sewage sludge, waste and wastewater management;
• Knowledge of EU policies and legislation on environment, in particular on wastewater, waste management and sludge.
• Familiarity with the policy and legislation in the field of environment, waste and wastewater treatment and sludge in Serbia.
• Experience in preparation of policy documents, reports, work plans, procedures and guidelines.

Language:

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Serbian would be an asset.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Application Procedure:

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit their applications via UNDP Web site: UNDP in Serbia under section “Jobs” no later than Monday, 18th July 2021.

Application should include:

• CV in English language containing date of birth, contact information (home address, phone number, e-mail) and timeline of work experience (including description of duties).
• Offeror’s Letter (only PDF format will be accepted) confirming Interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) Assignment. Can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.undp.org.rs/download/ic/Confirmation.docx. The Offeror’s Letter shall include financial proposal specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement with a breakdown of costs. Offeror’s Letter must also include the methodology concept containing a preliminary plan of work (no more than two pages). Please include with your application proof for Criteria B and C listed under evaluation criteria.

In order to apply please merge above listed documents into a single PDF file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.

Any request for clarification must be sent by standard electronic communication to the e-mail vacancy.rs@undp.org. The procuring UNDP entity will respond by standard electronic mail and will send response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants.

The shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide copies of diplomas and any other certificates providing evidence of their education and experience in relevant fields.

Financial Proposal:

Lump sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

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, and

b) 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 would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria

Weight

Max. Point

Technical – desk review

70 points

Criteria A

Knowledge of EU policies and legislation on environment, in particular on wastewater, waste management and sludge

30 points

Criteria B

Experience in preparation of policy documents, reports, work plans, procedures and guidelines

25 points

Criteria C

Demonstrable experience in training and capacity building of national stakeholders and institutions

15 points

Financial

30 points

Additional Information:

• An Individual Contract (IC) will be applicable for individual consultants applying in their own capacity. If the applicant is employed by any legal entity, an IC will be issued upon the submission of a consent letter from the employer acknowledging the engagement with UNDP. Prior to submitting their offer, the applicants should get familiar with General Conditions for Individual Contractors which be found at: https://rs.undp.org/content/dam/serbia/downloads/General%20Conditions%20for%20Individual%20Contracts.pdf.
• A Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) will be applicable for applicants employed by any legal entity. A template of RLA with General Terms and Conditions can be found at: http://www.rs.undp.org/download/RLA%20with%20General%20Terms%20and%20Conditions.doc. . In the case of engagement of Civil servants under an IC contract modality a no-objection letter should be provided by the Government entity. The ‘no-objection’ letter must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status (if applicable), and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. If the previous is not applicable ‘leave-without-pay’ confirmation should be submitted.

Engagement of Government Officials and Employees

• Government Officials or Employees are civil servants of UN Member States. As such, if they will be engaged by UNDP under an IC which they will be signing in their individual capacity (i.e., engagement is not done through RLA signed by their Government employer), the following conditions must be met prior to the award of contract:

(i) A “No-objection” letter in respect of the individual is received from the Government employing him/her, and

(ii) The individual must provide an official documentation from his/her employer formally certifying his or her status as being on “official leave without pay” for the duration of the IC.

• The above requirements are also applicable to Government-owned and controlled enterprises and well as other semi/partially or fully owned Government entities, whether or not the Government ownership is of majority or minority status.

UNDP recognizes the possibility that there are situations when the Government entity employing the individual that UNDP wishes to engage is one that allows its employees to receive external short-term consultancy assignments (including but not limited to research institutions, state-owned colleges/universities, etc.), whereby a status of “on-leave-without-pay” is not required. Under such circumstance, the individual entering into an IC with UNDP must still provide a “No-objection” letter from the Government employing him/her. The “no objection” letter required under (i) above must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. The said document may be obtained by, and put on record of, UNDP, in lieu of the document (ii) listed above.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: jobs.undp.org