National consultant supporting for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Capacity Gap Analysis, and 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 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 environmental and social impacts associated with the implementation of the updated NBSAP. This involves assessing capacity gaps and available resources required for effective implementation of biodiversity conservation strategies and revising and updating the NBSAP to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This will enable the federal government of Somalia to produce a thorough and accurate updated NBSAP and the 7th national report. 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

Conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
– Identify potential environmental and social risks associated with the implementation of the updated NBSAP.
– Assess mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts on ecosystems, local communities, and biodiversity.
– Develop an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) to guide biodiversity interventions.
– Engage stakeholders, including local communities, to gather perspectives on possible environmental and social challenges.
Deliverable: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report
– A comprehensive report detailing identified environmental and social risks, proposed mitigation measures, the developed ESMF, and stakeholder engagement outcomes.
Assessing Capacity and Resource Gaps
– Conduct a capacity needs assessment for government institutions, NGOs, and local communities involved in biodiversity conservation.
– Identify gaps in technical expertise, financial resources, and institutional frameworks required for effective NBSAP implementation.
– Develop a Capacity Development and Resource Mobilization Strategy with recommendations for strengthening biodiversity governance.
Deliverable: Capacity Development and Resource Mobilization Report
– A detailed report outlining the findings of the capacity needs assessment, identified gaps, and the developed strategy with actionable recommendations for capacity building and resource mobilization.
Revising and updating the NBSAP
– Integrate findings from the gap analysis, ESIA, and capacity assessment into the updated NBSAP.
– Align the NBSAP with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) and Somalia’s national policies.
– Revise and develop implementation strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and policy recommendations to ensure a robust and actionable NBSAP.
– Organize validation workshops with key stakeholders to review and finalize the revised NBSAP.

Deliverable: Revised and Updated NBSAP

– An updated NBSAP document that incorporates the findings from the ESIA, capacity assessment, and gap analysis, aligned with the KM-GBF and national policies, including revised implementation strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and policy recommendations. Additionally, documentation of the validation workshops and stakeholder feedback.

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 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 Experience

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA):
– Experience in Environmental Science and Social Studies: Proven expertise in conducting comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, including risk identification and mitigation strategies.
– Knowledge of Environmental Regulations: Familiarity with national and international environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
– Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and NGOs, to gather insights and address concerns.
– Framework Development: Ability to develop Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) to guide sustainable biodiversity interventions.

Capacity Gap Analysis:
– Capacity Needs Assessment: Experience in conducting capacity needs assessments for various institutions involved in biodiversity conservation.
– Resource Mobilization: Expertise in identifying gaps in technical expertise, financial resources, and institutional frameworks, and developing strategies to address these gaps.
– Strategic Planning: Ability to develop comprehensive Capacity Development and Resource Mobilization Strategies with actionable recommendations.

NBSAP Revision:
– Biodiversity Conservation: In-depth knowledge of biodiversity conservation principles and practices.
– Policy Alignment: Experience in aligning national biodiversity strategies with international frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
– Document Revision: Proven ability to integrate findings from various assessments into updated strategic documents, ensuring they are robust and actionable.
– Workshop Facilitation: Experience in organizing and facilitating validation workshops with key stakeholders to review and finalize strategic documents.

General Skills:

– Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex environmental and social issues.
– Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare detailed reports and engage effectively with stakeholders.
– Project Management: Proven project management experience to ensure timely and efficient completion of tasks.
– Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts, respecting local customs and practices.
– Excellent technical writing and communication skills in English and Somali.

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.