Procurement Notices

Consultancy Title

  Native Iguana Surveys Consultancy

Location

Fiji

Application deadline

10 June, 2019

Type of Contract

Individual Contractor/Institution Contractor

Post Level

 Consultant (National Consultant)

Languages required:

English. Ability to converse in local language is advantageous.

Duration of Initial Contract:

80 Days (starting no later than June 24, 2019 and, completion by July 30, 2020)

Consultant expected to conduct at least 2 field missions to  Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala (each mission of 30 days each)

Consultancy Proposal should be sent via email to etenderbox.pacific@undp.org no later than 24th June  2019 (Fiji Time) clearly stating the title of consultancy applied for. Any proposals received after this date/time will not be accepted. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to procurement.fj@undp.org. UNDP will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Incomplete, late and joint proposals will not be considered and only offers for which there is further interest will be contacted. Failure to submit your application as stated as per the application submission guide (Procurement Notice) on the above link will be considered incomplete and therefore application will not be considered.

NOTE: Proposals must be sent to the designated email (etenderbox.pacific@undp.org).

Please do not copy or directly email applications to UNDP staff.

If the selected/successful Candidate is over 65 years of age and required to travel outside his home country; He/She will be required provide a full medical report at their expense prior to issuance to contract. Contract will only be issued when Proposed candidate is deemed medically fit to undertake the assignment.

A. Background:

Brief project description: Invasive alien species (IAS) are the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pacific Islands. Numerous IAS have been introduced to Fiji, with significant impacts on natural landscapes and biodiversity, as well as impacting human health, economics, trade, sustainability, quality of life, etc. Preventing the establishment of additional IAS, preventing the further spread of already established IAS and improved management of existing pests are all key elements which need to be further addressed.  Protecting Fiji through improved pre-border, border and post-border systems for the prevention of IAS establishment is necessary.  Additionally, improving similar biosecurity protections within Fiji at various levels including divisions, islands and island groups is also important.    Reducing threats from IAS arrival and establishment as well as spread are all key elements to be addressed by this project.  As a key part of the project, a four-island group in the northern division will be the focus for developing specific internal biosecurity and IAS management activities, which can then be (as needed) used as a model for improving biosecurity and management activities in other areas within the country.

The introduction of Giant Invasive Iguana – GII (Iguana iguana) – to this four-island area within Fiji represents the first established population of this species in the Pacific and is a potential bridgehead to some of the world’s most isolated island ecosystems. GII have already caused harm throughout the Caribbean where they are spreading fast and have significant detrimental effects, including on native biodiversity, agriculture and tourism.  Management and possibly eradication of this species from its current established range in Fiji is a high priority to prevent the types of impacts seen in the Caribbean from occurring within the Pacific region.   Although there are several national and local-level initiatives to address IAS in Fiji, these efforts, lack adequate capacity and an overall comprehensive strategy to ensure a systematic and effective protection of biodiversity-rich and important areas. An effective, systematic and comprehensive eradication effort against GII, before populations grow beyond the point where they can be controlled is currently lacking and urgently needed.

The Building Capacities to Address Invasive Alien Species to Enhance the Chances of Long-term Survival of Terrestrial Endemic and Threatened Species on Taveuni Island, Surrounding Islets and Throughout Fiji project is a 5-year initiative executed in Fiji by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). It aims to improve the chances of the long-term survival of terrestrial endemic and threatened species on Taveuni Island, the surrounding islets and throughout Fiji by building national and local capacity to reduce the risk of new IAS establishment and to improve the management of existing IAS. Improving IAS prevent and management in Fiji will require a suite of preventative measures that will be introduced by this project, including: (i) Strengthened IAS policy, institutions and coordination at the national level to reduce the risk of IAS entering Fiji, including a comprehensive multi-sectorial coordination mechanism to ensure the best possible use of resources and capacities for prevention, management, eradication, awareness and engagement, restoration, and capacity building; (ii) Improved IAS prevention and surveillance operations at the island level on Taveuni, Qamea, Matagi and Laucala to reduce potential for pest species to enter and establish within the four-island group and move between these islands; (iii) Implementation of a comprehensive eradication plan for GII based on detailed survey work and public outreach on Taveuni and an increase in removal effort of GII on the islands of Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala (and other islands, such as Taveuni if they are found to be established); and (iv) Strengthened knowledge management and awareness raising that targets the general public, tour operations and visitors, so as to safeguard the nation from IAS.

B. Component 3 of the IAS Project focusses on long-term measures for the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and their biodiversity on Taveuni, Qamea, Laucala and Matagi.  In particular, indicator 3.3:  focuses on Status and trends in native banded iguana populations (Brachylophus bulabula) in areas occupied by the GII. A consultant is required to specifically facilitate this activity.

Scope of Work

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing a survey methodology to census populations of native iguanas on Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala
•  Training a field team to assist in conducting nocturnal surveys of native iguanas in accordance with that methodology
• Collating and analyzing survey data;
• Compiling a technical report by June 2020 detailing numbers, distribution, and population structure of native iguanas discovered.

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

D.      Expected Outputs and Deliverables

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

• A final report of all technical support provided, achievements, lessons learnt and recommendations
• Pre -mission reports

E.       Payment Schedule

• Ten percent (10%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following signing of this Agreement and submission of a work plan by July 8 2019;

• Twenty percent (20%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission and acceptance of a survey methodology and pre-mission report by July 22, 2019;

• Ten percent (10%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission of a progress report (including outcomes of training for field team and initial results of surveys) by August 30;

• Ten percent (10%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission of a progress report of results from the first month of survey effort (including outcomes of presentation of findings to key stakeholders including taskforce established in the north) by November 30;

• Ten percent (10%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission of a progress report of results from the second month of survey effort during dry season (including outcomes of presentation of findings to key stakeholders including taskforce established in the north) by March 30, 2020

• Ten percent (10%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission and acceptance of a draft technical report by May 3, 2020 

• Thirty percent (30%) of the consultancy fee will be paid following submission and acceptance of a final technical report by June 30, 2020;

F.       Institutional Arrangement

• The consultant will be monitored, overseen and supervised by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in close cooperation with the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and the reptile eradication expert for the GII eradication operation. The consultants will be home based and expected to conduct surveys on three islands. Consultants is expected to also spend time with IAS project. BAF to provide office space.
• The consultant is expected to produce a final report upon successful completion of activities according to the agreed schedules.
• The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer.

G.      Duration of the Work

The consultancy is for 80 days commencing no later than June 24, 2019 and completion no later than June 30, 2020.

• The consultant shall be engaged to undertake the consultancy working concurrently according to a planned schedule to be completed by the latest June 30, 2020.
• The consultant company is expected to propose a work plan, budget and timelines to achieve the expected outputs with the appropriate methodology.

H.      Duty Station

The consultant will be home based but expected to travel to field (Qamea, Matagi, and Laucala) which will include travel to ports of entry and other field visits as required by the Project. The Consultant is expected to supply their own computer/including camera.

Supervision / Reporting

1. The Consultant will report directly to UNDP Head of Resilience and Sustainable Development Unit and/or her/his representative and UNDP Regional Technical Specialist/Advisor based in Bangkok, Thailand.
2. The Consultant will support, supervise, train and mentor the PIU staff.
3. The Consultant will provide regular reporting to BAF and any other relevant government stakeholders together with the Project Coordinator and the reptile eradication expert for the GII eradication operation.
4. The Consultant will supervise, guide, manage and monitor progress and deliverables of the team members comprising national and international experts.
5. The Consultant is expected to produce a final report upon successful completion of activities according to the agreed schedules. The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer.

I. 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.

J. Following is the required qualifications and experience:

Educational Qualifications:

• Minimum Master’s degree in natural or environmental sciences, conservation and/ or other related expertise areas

Experience

• Familiarity with ecological survey methods, with reference to lizards. At least 4 years’ experience in supporting such surveys
• At least 4 years of experience with native Fijian iguanas is essential;
• Ability to analyze survey data,
• Experience in producing technical reports, and meeting deadlines;
• Experience working among Pacific cultures; ability to supervise people and monitor field staff.
• Proven track record of project management and experience working with government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise people and monitor field staff.
• Work experience in the Northern Division is advantageous

Language requirements

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

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Individual consultants / Company will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant/company whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview which will be used to confirm and/or adjust the technical scores awarded based on documentation submitted.

Offerors must send the following documents.

• A detailed CV including names of at least 3 referees
• Cover letter setting out:
• How the proposer meets the qualifications and experience required.

iii) Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal

Consultant must send a financial proposal based on a Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.

In general, UNDP shall 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

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

The P11 form and Template for confirmation of interest and Submission of Financial Proposal is available under the procurement section of UNDP Fiji website (www.pacific.undp.org)

Interested Candidates must accept UNDP General Terms and Conditions for Individual Consultants 

Successful candidate will be required to complete the BSAFE course prior to undertaking any travel related to this consultancy ( online security awareness training). https://training.dss.un.org/course/category/6

Women Candidates are encouraged to apply

*The Fiji Office covers Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu