Procurement Notices

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM CONTENTS OF TOR FOR AN IC

A.Project Title:

Strengthening institutional and technical capacities of National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification

B.    Project Description:

In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia and Middle East Green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species and managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical, and technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively and efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology and digital capabilities, establishing cooperation and strengthening its network internationally, and promoting forest conservation practices, and increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level and on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery and seed bank with a road map for establishing a large-scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy and standards of tree planting and creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle and beyond. This project will build upon the long-standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom and the UNDP in 1975. 

The project expected outputs are:

Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation and network.

Output 2: Promoting conservation practices and strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy and outreach.

Output 3: Model tree nursery design and ecosystem conservation.

Output 4: Transformation of information technology and digital infrastructure.

Output 5: Strengthening institutional and technical capacity.

C.    Scope of Work

The Senior Forest Advisor will be responsible for the following:

1. National Forest Strategy Development:

• Review, analyze, and propose improvements to all relevant documents associated with the National Forest Strategy.
• Assist in the evaluation of outcomes from ongoing projects to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Attend and contribute to pertinent workshops, bringing expertise to the discussions.
• Recommend actionable solutions addressing forest-related challenges in KSA.

1. Establishment of Forest Monitoring System:

• Furnish technical advice determining the scope and breadth of the project.
• Aid the project team in clarifying expected outputs and devising an effective implementation strategy.

1. Establishment of Forest Research Center:

• Offer specialized advice for the initiation of the Al Baha Forest Centre and other decentralized forest regional units.
• Develop precise technical specifications for the Forestry Research Center's laboratories, ensuring alignment with global standards.
• Support in formulating a 10-year operational strategy for the Forestry Research Center.
• Provide auxiliary advisory assistance as deemed necessary.

1. Forest Strategic Plan:

• Facilitate the drafting of Concept Notes or Scope of Work for identified projects when required.

D.    Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Senior Forest Advisor will be responsible for delivering the following:

1. National Forest Strategy Development:

• A comprehensive report that assesses current documents related to the National Forest Strategy and suggests areas of improvement.
• Evaluation documents highlighting the outcomes and efficiency of ongoing projects.
• Attendance and contribution records from relevant workshops.

1. Forest Monitoring System Establishment:

• A technical advisory report detailing the scope of the forest monitoring project.
• Documentation outlining the expected outputs and the devised implementation strategy.

1. Establishment of Forest Research Center:

A 10-year operational plan for the Forestry Center, highlighting objectives, expected outcomes, and milestones.

• Additional reports or documents on any auxiliary matters as they arise.

1. Forest Development Plan:

• A series of Concept Notes or Scope of Work drafts for the projects identified for mid-to-long-term implementation.

It's important to note that the expected outputs and deliverables may be subject to adjustment and refinement during the project based on evolving needs and priorities.

E.     Institutional Arrangement

The Senior Forest Advisor will work at the General Directorate of Forests under the overall supervision of National Project Coordinator at NCVC and indirectly to the National Project Officer at UNDP.

F.     Duration of the Work

• The expected duration of the work is 12 months, the candidate will work 72 days only: 52 days remotely (one day weekly) and 20 days in KSA across up to 4 visits (5 days each).
• The project is anticipated to start on [1 October 2023] and end on [1 October 2024].
• The completion of deliverables and milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
• The timeline for review and feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
• Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Forest Advisor and the NCVC, considering the project's progress and requirements.

G.    Duty Station

• This assignment will be NCVC Riyadh and home-based.
• UNDP will cover the around ticket to/from the duty station. 
• If unforeseen travel outside the consultant’s duty station city is requested by UNDP and not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by UNDP in line with applicable rules and regulations and upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s). 

Note: A written approval from UNDP and relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant's travel to any locations than stated on this TOR on official missions where necessary. 

H.    Qualifications of the Successful Individual Contractor

Competencies:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

I.     Recommended Presentation of Offer

1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials.

J.     Annexes to the TOR

Existing literature or documents that will help Offerors gain a better understanding of the project situation and the work required should be provided as annex/es to the TOR, especially if such literature or documents are not confidential.