National technical consultant supporting the Preparation of Somalia’s 7th National Report on Biodiversity

Assignment Title:  National technical consultant supporting the Preparation of Somalia’s 7th National Report on Biodiversity
Project Umbrella Programme to Support NBSAP Update and the 7th National Reports.

Type of Appointment: Individual Consultant National
Duty Station: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu
Deliverable:  Yes
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Deadline: 24/04/2025

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 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 lead the technical support throughout the process of the Preparation of Somalia’s 7th National Report on Biodiversity in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD).
This involves collaborating with national stakeholders to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of milestones, enabling the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of 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

Deliverable 1: Draft Section I – Overview of the Report Preparation Process
1.  Analyze the status of the updated NBSAP in the context of the KM-GBF, ensuring policy coherence.
• Review the alignment of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
• Identify areas where the NBSAP supports or diverges from the KM-GBF goals and targets.
• Ensure that national policies are coherent with international biodiversity commitments.
2. Develop Section II: Status of the Revised NBSAP, integrating national biodiversity strategies, targets, and implementation challenges.
• Summarize the status of the revised NBSAP.
• Highlight key national biodiversity strategies and targets.
• Discuss the challenges faced in implementing these strategies and achieving the targets.

3. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Somalia’s progress towards national biodiversity targets.
• Evaluate the progress made towards achieving the national biodiversity targets set in the NBSAP.
• Use available data and indicators to measure progress.
• Identify any significant achievements or setbacks.
4. Develop Section III: National Target Progress Assessment, identifying key achievements, gaps, and constraints.
• Provide a detailed assessment of progress towards each national target.
• Highlight key achievements and successful initiatives.
• Identify gaps in implementation and constraints that hinder progress.
Deliverable 2: Draft Section II – Status of the Revised NBSAP
1. Draft Section III – Assessment of Progress Towards National Targets
• Assess Somalia’s progress towards the goals and targets of the KM-GBF, aligning with CBD indicators.
• Evaluate Somalia’s progress towards the goals and targets of the KM-GBF.
• Use Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) indicators to measure progress.
• Identify areas where Somalia is on track and areas needing improvement.

2. Develop Section IV: Assessment of Progress on KM-GBF Goals and Targets.
• Summarize the findings from the assessment of progress towards KM-GBF goals and targets.
• Highlight key achievements and areas needing further attention.

3. Prepare an overall implementation review, summarizing challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned.
• Provide a comprehensive review of the implementation of the NBSAP and KM-GBF.
• Summarize the main challenges faced during implementation.
• Highlight opportunities for improvement and lessons learned from the process.

4. Develop Section V: Conclusions on the Implementation of the CBD and KM-GBF.
• Draw conclusions on the overall implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and KM-GBF.
• Provide recommendations for future actions and improvements.

Deliverable 3: Draft Section IV – Assessment of Progress Towards KM-GBF Goals and Targets
1. Organize a validation workshop with key stakeholders to review and refine the draft 7NR.
• Plan and conduct a workshop with key stakeholders to review the draft 7th National Report (7NR).
• Collect feedback and suggestions for improvement.
2. Incorporate feedback and finalize the report.
• Integrate the feedback received from stakeholders into the draft report.
• Ensure that all sections are complete and coherent.
3. Submit the finalized 7th National Report to the MoECC.
• Prepare the final version of the 7NR for submission.
• Submit the report to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry (MoECC).
Deliverable 6: Final 7th National Report on Biodiversity
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.