Assignment Title: National consultant supporting Stakeholder Engagement, Gender Analysis, and Spatial Prioritization in the NBSAP Revision

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Individual Contractor

1. Background

This Global Programme helps countries update their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to match the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This update will improve how countries implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The project assists Somalia’s federal government in preparing and submitting its revised 7th National Report on the implementation of the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It follows CBD guidelines for developing NBSAPs and completing the 7th National Report, including recent decisions from COP15. It also builds on previous work through the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS).
The project’s goal is to help countries update their NBSAPs to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and effectively implement the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It also supports countries in preparing and submitting their 7th National Report on the implementation of the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The project has two main outcomes:

A. Updating NBSAPs to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This involves engaging stakeholders, using tools and strategies for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, and ensuring gender mainstreaming in the consultation process.

B. Addressing gaps and inconsistencies between the existing NBSAP and the changes needed to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework, building on the results of the GBF-EAS.
Somalia’s federal government is committed to completing the 7th National Report on Biodiversity, following CBD COP Decision 15/6 on planning, monitoring, reporting, and review. Somalia is receiving support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to do this work according to COP15 guidance, using indicators to measure and report progress on national targets, NBSAPs, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) is revising and updating its NBSAP to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, integrate national biodiversity targets, address policy gaps, and strengthen implementation strategies. To ensure the successful update of the NBSAP, MoECC is hiring National technical lead consultant supporting the NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports to provide the technical support throughout the process.

2. Objectives / Scope of Work

The primary objective of this assignment is to support the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in identifying potential National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) priorities through stakeholder engagement, gender analysis. This involves a) developing a stakeholder engagement plan that ensures broad and meaningful participation of relevant actors. b)Conducting a gender analysis and formulating a gender action plan for mainstreaming gender in biodiversity policies and actions. c) developing spatial conservation priorities for Target 1 and action plans for other area-based targets of the KM-GBF.
These documents should align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and incorporate the necessary changes to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework, building on the results of the GBF-EAS.

3. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The consultanat is expected to meet the below three outcomes
1. Stakeholder Engagement Plan Conducting a Gender Analysis and Developing a Gender Action Plan.
– Assess the gender dimensions of biodiversity management in Somalia, focusing on barriers to participation and decision-making.
– Identify gender-specific challenges and opportunities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
– Develop a gender action plan with clear recommendations for integrating gender into the NBSAP.
– Engage women’s organizations and gender experts in the consultation process.
Deliverable:
• National Gender Analysis and Action Plan
2. Spatial Prioritization and Action Plan Development for Area-Based Targets
– Identify and map spatial conservation priorities for Target 1, including other area-based conservation targets (Targets 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12).
– Develop a spatialized action plan for biodiversity conservation.
– Develop an action plan for eliminating or phasing out harmful subsidies.
– Conduct spatial analysis to determine priority landscapes and seascapes for protection and restoration.
– Engage key stakeholders to validate priority areas and proposed actions.
Deliverable:
First Approximation of Spatial Priorities and Specialized Action Plan for Area-Based Targets and Harmful Subsidy Elimination.

4. Schedule of Payments

Payments will be made upon submission and joint approval of deliverables and upon submission of the certificate of payment in line with the expected deliverables.

5. Timeframe / Duration

The initial duration for this assignment is for nine months subjected to the performance.

6. Qualification

Advanced master’s degree in science, Environment, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation or a related field.

7. Minimum years of relevant work experience

At least 5 years of professional experience working with multiple stakeholders in the development, coordination or implementation of United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) strategies, policies, plans or projects.

8. Technical Expertise

– Proven experience in biodiversity policy development and strategic planning.
– Expertise in policy coherence analysis and mainstreaming biodiversity into sectoral policies.
– Experience in economic analysis of subsidies and incentives for environmental sustainability.
– Strong knowledge of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
– Previous experience in developing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), biodiversity finance mechanisms, or conservation strategies.
– Experience working in Somalia or similar contexts is an asset.
– Excellent technical writing and communication skills in English and Somali.
Experience:
• Biodiversity Policy Development: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement biodiversity policies and strategic plans.
• Policy Coherence Analysis: Proven track record in analyzing and ensuring coherence among various sectoral policies to integrate biodiversity considerations.
• Economic Incentives: Experience in evaluating and designing economic incentives and subsidies aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
• KM-GBF Familiarity: In-depth understanding of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its application in policy development.
• NBSAPs and Finance Mechanisms: Hands-on experience in crafting NBSAPs, establishing biodiversity finance mechanisms, and formulating conservation strategies.
• Regional Experience: Practical experience in working within Somalia or similar environments, understanding local challenges and opportunities.
• Language Proficiency: Proficient in technical writing and communication in both English and Somali, ensuring clear and effective dissemination of information.

9. Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
10. Institutional arrangement and
Reporting Location: The national consultant will be based at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Federal Government of Somalia, in Mogadishu under the direct supervision of the Director of Biodiversity.

Deadline: 24/04/2025

To apply for this position, please submit your application and updated CV to:
admin.finance@moecc.gov.so
CC: dg@moecc.gov.so

Kindly ensure the subject line of your email clearly states the position you are applying for.