National Consultant- Technical Inception Specialist

Contract

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Background

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) comprises some 607 islands, including its four High Island states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae that span a distance of some 2,700 km. Its oceanic islands are home to some of the most biologically diverse forests and coral reefs in the world, rich in species and many of which are endemic. Globally significant features include: the world’s deepest trench (Marianas); among the world’s most endangered rainforests on Mt Winipot (Chuuk State); the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookery in insular Pacific; globally rare montane cloud forests at just 450 m on Pohnpei and Kosrae; and a diversity of marine ecosystems from high volcano islands with fringing and barrier reefs to coral atolls including Chuuk Lagoon, among the world’s largest (3,130 km2) and deepest (60 m).

Invasive alien species (IAS) are the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pacific Islands. They are the largest cause of extinction of single-country endemics in the Pacific, as well as contributing to the loss of traditional crop varieties, and they also impact on food security and tourism. Moreover, the threat is increasing as island nations develop, resulting in greater mobility among people, goods, and supplies. Introduced plant species, for example, account for 22% of plants in Kosrae, 40% in Pohnpei, 37% in Chuuk and 39% in Yap. In addition to established IAS are others of significant concern (e.g. Brown Tree Snake, Little Fire Ant and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle) because they occur in Pacific countries that trade with FSM. Indeed, Little Fire Ant was detected in Yap in August 2017.

The project is designed to safeguard biodiversity in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including agricultural and fisheries production systems, from the impacts of IAS by strengthening the institutionalization and enforcement of biosecurity measures across all sectors of government (federal and state), the private sector and civil society. Given that natural barriers to the spread of invasive species are thwarted by the movement of people, their goods and supplies, everyone (governments, citizens, visitors and traders) has a shared responsibility to safeguard natural and production ecosystems from the impacts of IAS. Hence, inadequate institutional policy and regulatory frameworks, lack of IAS awareness and understanding, and very limited operational capacity are the key barriers to be addressed under the project’s three components

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The Safeguarding biodiversity from invasive alien species in the Federated States of Micronesia Project was approved in 2021. There is a need for a Project inception consultant to provide technical support and back stopping for Department of Resources and Development (DRD) during the start- up phase of this project. Under the overall guidance of the Department of Resources and Development and the UNDP, the consultant will provide technical advice and support to the implementation of the Project. The specific duties are as follows:

• -Facilitate lead role in assisting with the preparations for workshop specifically focused on finalizing project indicators
• -Compiling finalized inception workshop report
• -Lead the preparation of post inception workshop consultations presentations for consultations with stakeholders at national and state levels. Includes preparation of agendas and documenting of minutes.
• -Identify and promote collaboration with state, national, regional and international stakeholders
• • Support Project Implementation Unit finalize ToRs for consultants and other staff who are based in the four states

Key responsibilities include:

It is critically important for the consultant to carry out these tasks while keeping DRD and UNDP fully involved but at the same time taking a technical (and sometimes managerial) lead.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following product by the end of the consultancy:

• Final project inception workshop report
• Provision of technical support to DRD and Project Implementation Unit

Competencies

The following competencies are required:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work well as part of a multi-cultural team and displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability for team working;
• Self-management, emotional intelligence and conflict management;
• Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation;
• Experience in participating and following the project cycle, creative capacity solving problems;
• Computer literacy (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point) is a prerequisite;
• Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders;

Demonstrates strong commitment and patience to deal with competing deadlines, demands, and interests.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

• Minimum degree in natural or environmental sciences, conservation, biology and/ or other related expertise areas and/or 10 years of relevant experience

Experience

• Previous experience undertaking consultancies for development agencies
• Experience in producing technical reports, and meeting deadlines;
• At least 10 years relevant professional experience in environmental conservation and community-based conservation
• Experience in project management with invasive alien species prevention and management;
• Strong networks working with government, as well as, civil society/private organizations, communities
• Experience in training and advising teams in the implementation of awareness/engagement activities;
• At least 5 years’ experience of project management

Language requirements

• Fluency of English language is required (verbal and written).
• Understanding of local language is advantageous.