National consultant supporting Gap Analysis, Policy Alignment, and Incentives Action Plan Development NBSAP

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 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This involves a) Assessing and prioritizing essential gaps and inconsistencies between the existing NBSAP and the updates required to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). b) Developing NBSAP sections that address policy alignment and coherence with Somalia’s national policies and sectoral strategies and c) Creating a subsidies and incentives action plan to phase out harmful subsidies and promote biodiversity-positive incentives.
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
• Comprehensive understanding of gaps and inconsistencies: Gain a thorough insight into the deficiencies of the current NBSAP.
• Clear and actionable recommendations: Obtain specific suggestions for aligning the NBSAP with national policies and the KM-GBF.
• Strategic plan for subsidies and incentives: Formulate a plan to phase out harmful subsidies and promote biodiversity-positive incentives.
1. Gap and Inconsistency Assessment Report: Identify and prioritize gaps and inconsistencies between the current NBSAP and the requirements of the KM-GBF.
• Overview of the current NBSAP: Provide a summary of the existing National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
• Detailed analysis of gaps and inconsistencies: Examine the discrepancies and shortcomings in the current NBSAP.
• Prioritization of gaps: Rank the identified gaps based on their impact on biodiversity and alignment with the KM-GBF.
• Recommendations for addressing gaps: Suggest actionable steps to bridge the identified gaps.

2. Policy Alignment and Coherence Sections: Develop sections of the NBSAP that ensure alignment and coherence with Somalia’s national policies and sectoral strategies.
• Review of relevant national policies and sectoral strategies: Analyze existing policies and strategies relevant to biodiversity.
• Analysis of policy intersections with NBSAP: Evaluate how these policies and strategies intersect with the NBSAP.
• Recommendations for policy adjustments: Propose changes to ensure coherence between the NBSAP and national policies.
• Draft sections for updated NBSAP: Create draft sections to be included in the revised NBSAP.

3. Subsidies and Incentives Action Plan: Create an action plan to phase out harmful subsidies and promote biodiversity-positive incentives.
• Identification of existing harmful subsidies: List current subsidies that negatively impact biodiversity.
• Analysis of subsidy impacts: Assess the effects of these subsidies on biodiversity.
• Recommendations for phasing out harmful subsidies: Provide strategies to eliminate harmful subsidies.
• Identification of biodiversity-positive incentives: Suggest incentives that promote biodiversity.
• Action plan for implementing incentives: Develop a detailed plan to implement these incentives.

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.