Provision of services of a Mushroom Field Specialist- IC-254-22

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

The UNDP “STEPping up Nature Reserves Capacity – STEP4Nature” project aims at directly tackling 7 targets in full or in part although a number of others are targeted indirectly through NBSAP 2030 targets: (target 5) the total percent coverage of nature reserves is increased to reach at least 5% of Lebanon’s area; (target 9) rehabilitation plans are implemented in at least 20% of degraded sites that they can safeguard the sustained delivery of ecosystem services; (target 14) vulnerable ecosystems to climate change are identified and adaptation plans are developed and implemented; (target 15) research on biodiversity is improved in Lebanon, and research outputs and biodiversity related reports are shared through a centralized platform (from both public and private institutions), which is updated and made accessible to the public (CHM); (target 16) traditional knowledge, uses, and practices of local communities relevant to biodiversity and sustainable use of resources are documented, preserved and shared/published; (target 17) the relevant institutional and legal framework and government policies are reviewed, updated and reinforced where necessary to ensure effective biodiversity conservation and sustainable use; and (target 18) Lebanon has developed and is implementing a robust resource mobilization strategy with a sustainable mechanism to finance biodiversity initiatives.

To this end, the project will strengthen MOE legal and institutional NR framework, improve NR management, monitoring and evaluation plans, assess the NR vulnerability to climate change and disaster risks, set up a knowledge platform, carry out needed natural capital valuation and scientific research while formulating and implementing inclusive participatory and gender equality green and grey investments where communities living surrounding the official NR boundaries will be targeted.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affair and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment of Lebanon.

Nature Reserves in Lebanon harbor relatively high concentration of endemic/threatened/rare species and is vulnerable to biodiversity loss due to catastrophic events and long-term human induced habitat changes or Climate Change. Current knowledge of Nature Reserves’ biodiversity lacks accuracy given the fact that documented inventories are either nonexistent for some nature reserves or outdated for some others and that over the last decade there has been several climatic events and anthropogenic activities that have probably impacted the Lebanon’s biodiversity habitats in a significant way.

The ecological assessment ought to validate and update existing biodiversity surveys and shed the light on species of important biological and patrimonial value, namely endemic species, rare species at the national level and endangered species and ways to conserve them.

It is in this context that the Step4Nature project is seeking the services of a specialist to support the project in carrying out, in close coordination with the Mushroom Senior Expert, a mushroom assessment within Nature Reserves in Lebanon and develop priority conservation and site-specific monitoring plans.

This assignment is expected to allow the project team, for each of the eighteen (18) nature reserves, to validate and update previous mushroom surveys (whenever available) otherwise establish first time checklists based on a standardized methodology and develop priority conservation and site-specific monitoring plans.

This consultancy is divided into the following tasks:

- Task 1 - Desk Review

- Task 2 - Methodology/ies and work plan

- Task 3 - Field work

- Task 4 - Integrated Monitoring Plan

Duties and Responsibilities

The tasks mentioned in the next section shall be performed in close cooperation with the UNDP-STEP4Nature team and in close coordination and consultation with concerned stakeholders.

It is understood that the Consultant shall perform all the services/work as necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Consultancy Contract.

Competencies

• Good analytical and report-writing skills
• Proficiency in the use of computer and related software.
• Commitment to team and cross-disciplinary work
• Emphasis on delivery of results and reacts well to constructive criticism
• Proficiency in English and Arabic languages;

Required Skills and Experience

• Academic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in biology, ecology, biodiversity, or related fields.

• Years of experience:

At least 5 years of proven relevant experience in ecological and biodiversity assessments, surveying and/or related fields at a local and regional level, preferably related to mushrooms

• Technical experience:

• Knowledge, understanding, and practical implementation of mushrooms’ survey methodologies (at least 3 projects in Lebanon and the region).

• Experienced in, or extensive knowledge of, biodiversity related issues and conservation management solutions in terrestrial ecosystems, preferably in Mediterranean ecosystems.
• Experience in working with UNDP or other local or international non-governmental organizations on similar contracts is an asset.

Note :

The application must include all of the following Mandatory documents:- Please refer to the link : https://procurement-notices.undp.org/ to reach the above documents

1. P11,
2. Technical Proposal****,
3. Annex 3 (Offerors Letter) and
4. Financial proposa