Procurement Notices

Project Title: “Scaling Up Risk Transfer Mechanisms for Climate Vulnerable Agriculture – Based Communities in Mindanao (WIBI Mindanao Project)”

Background:

UNDP in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) is implementing the project, “Scaling Up Risk Transfer Mechanisms for Climate Vulnerable Agriculture-Based Communities in Mindanao”. The project aims to reduce poverty by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable agriculture-based rural communities in Mindanao through climate risk transfer mechanisms and productivity enhancement measures. The project was designed to address two types of climate risk: (1) increasing variability in climate and (2) climate-changed induced natural disasters. Weather index-based insurance (WIBI) which has been pilot tested by PCIC on a small scale in the last 3 years will be expanded to at least 2,000 households. Disaster Risk Management will also be introduced, disseminated and strengthened at a community level in the same locations where WIBI will be delivered. The provision of climate change adaptation options for the abovementioned types of climate risks in a synchronized manner will increase the adaptive value of such options and reduces vulnerability of small-holder farmers.

The services of the Weather Index-Based Insurance (WIBI) Indexing Consultant will provide assistance to the National Project Coordinator (NPC) in ensuring that the project produces the results under Outcome 1 (Regulatory and fiscal incentive structures adjusted to stimulate private sector engagement in climate risk reduction and transfer for agriculture-based rural households) specifically Output 1.2 in the development of guidelines for indexing process for WIBI.

The WIBI Product Design Consultant is expected to coordinate with identified collaborators and responsible parties of the project in all components, i.e. Department of Agriculture, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRR), Department of Science & Technology (DOST) - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Farmers Associations/Cooperatives, Local Government Units (LGUs) and relevant scientists (if needed). In addition, WIBI Product Design Consultant is expected to work closely with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) and other consultants hired for the project to ensure relevance and value of their contracted work assignments.

Scope of Work: 

The WIBI Indexing Consultant is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of planned activities under Output 1.2. She/He will work with other consultants to ensure complementation of works and smooth implementation of approved activities. Specific tasks are as follows:

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the project being implemented by the Philippine Rice Research Institute;
• Develop the project protocol for the Efficiency analysis of the pre-developed Rainfall-Soil Water (RSW) Model via monitoring of reference field plots in the pilot study
• Lead and supervise the implementation of the target experiments as well as the project staff hired by the implementing agency (PhilRice) to assist in the project;
• Manage project funds in accordance with the accounting rules of the Responsible Party (PhilRice);
• As consultant, represent the project in meetings, workshops and other conventions called by parties to the WIBI Mindanao Project
• Supervise the development of a software (optional) that will facilitate the indexing process as well as the assessment for breached indices;
• Assistance to Project Management Office of the PCIC-UNDP;
• Other activities essential for the delivery of the listed outputs
• Perform other duties/functions as may be deemed necessary for project implementation and coordination.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

1. One android and IOS application for the WIBI product for site-specific indexing and payout calculation;
2. Comparative analysis of indices and payout calculations between the ILO and PhilRice procedures;
3. Simulation studies for the UNDP-PhilRice method in sites other than the WIBI Mindanao project areas;
4. Research design for indexing of Crops other than rice and corn;
5. Efficiency analysis of the pre-developed Rainfall-Soil Water (RSW) Model via monitoring of reference field plots in the pilot site

Institutional Arrangement:

For the duration of the contract, the WIBI Indexing Consultant will report to the Project Management Office, and shall work in close coordination with the identified Responsible Partner particularly the Philippine Rice Research Insitutute. The IC shall directly liaise with other IP’s team of experts and shall provide technical guidance on the on the outputs of relevant project component. 

Duration of Work: 

The Consultant shall be engaged for the 150 days spread over eight (8) months commencing from the effectivity of the contract

Duty Station:

Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The position is Nueva Ecija-based for accessibility and availability to allow for discussions/reporting on progress of activities as may be required by the Philippine Rice Research Institute. Domestic travel is contingent on project requirements. The Consultant will not be required to report to office regularly but status report on the outputs shall be expected from time to time

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

The cost of the contract shall cover professional services rendered only, travel costs and necessarily expense at the project sites will be covered by the project. As remuneration for services rendered, the consultant shall be paid based on satisfactory submission and acceptance of the following outputs based on the schedule of tranches:

• 1st payment - 10% upon signing of contract;
• 2nd payment - 25% Upon submission and acceptance of android and IOS application for the WIBI product for site-specific indexing and payout calculation;
• 3rd payment - 20% Upon submission and acceptance of the report on comparative analysis of indices and payout calculations between the ILO and PhilRice procedures;
• 4th payment - 25% Upon submission and acceptance of the report of Research designs for indexing of Crops other than rice and corn and/or weather parameters (e.g. wind speed, temperature)
• 5th payment - 20% Upon submission and acceptance of the report on the Simulation Studies and Efficiency analysis of the pre-developed Rainfall-Soil Water (RSW) Model via monitoring of reference field plots in the pilot site

Qualifications: 

Education

• University degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science or closely related field

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture sector, research & project management
• Experience in dealing with different government and private agencies;
• License Agriculturist/Scientist (recognized by DOST) is an advantage;
• Experience in development of macro and micro programs on crop indexing is necessary

Language

• Has excellent communication skills, such as: oral and written communication in English and Filipino;
• Effective communication of relevant project information to the project team;
• Delivery of engaging, informative, well-organized presentations; and timely resolution of issues.

Functional and technical competencies

• Extensive experience in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, horticulture, rice or other related sciences
• Knowledgeable on Index insurance
• Working knowledge on concepts and theories in the area of agriculture, crop insurance, economic development, climate change risk, and vulnerability assessment
• Good understanding of the governance and traditional institutions
• Someone who can persuade, convince or influence others in order to have a specific impact or effect
• Good ICT skills
• Works with variety of stakeholders and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
• Results orientation