The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Government of India along with four state governments and UNDP is implementing a GEF funded project: SECURE Himalaya (securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems) in Union Territory of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. The project aims to support the government of India and state governments to effectively promote sustainable land and forest management in alpine pastures in high range Indian Himalayan ecosystems that secure sustainable livelihoods and ensures conservation of globally significant biodiversity. It demonstrates a new approach of landscape-based conservation, which focuses on working with various sectors and partners in areas within and outside protected areas, to effectively reduce threats to biodiversity of local, national, and global significance.

The project builds up on the existing socio-economic development efforts in the region, for evolving innovative and participatory models for sustainable use of natural resources. It aims to achieve the objective of conservation by engaging local communities and collaborating with government and non-government agencies for conservation and promotion of sustainable resource use and livelihood.

The project has the following major outcomes: (1) Improved management of high range Himalayan landscapes for conservation of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats and sustaining ecosystem services; (2) Improved and diversified livelihood strategies and improved capacities of community and government institutions for sustainable natural resource management and conservation; (3) Enhanced enforcement, monitoring and cooperation to reduce wildlife crime and related threats; (4) Effective knowledge management and information systems established for promotion of sustainable management practices in the high range Himalayan ecosystems. In Himachal Pradesh the project is being implemented in Lahaul-Pangi landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti District and Chamba District respectively.

UNDP seeks to engage the services of a consultant, to support in implementation of activities and achieve best outcomes by forging links with the other line department at landscape and state level. S/he will work under the supervision of State Project Officer and State Nodal Officer, SECURE Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh. It is expected from the consultant to coordinate with the district administration, line departments, and field/landscape team for implementation of activities, facilitate convergences and synergies with ongoing schemes and programmes of Govt.

Objectives and Overall Scope of work

The consultant will be responsible for implementation livelihoods and conservation activities in Pangi landscapes of Himachal Pradesh in close coordination with Divisional Forest Officer and State Project Officer.

The specific tasks of the consultant would be:

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will be responsible for providing services to the project which would include enhancement of income of communities through promoting sustainable livelihoods and promote conservation initiatives in coordination with Government. This assignment requires travel to the project states/landscape to facilitate the activities and achieve the targets.

Support the Landscape Level Project Management Unit in implementation of improved cook stove initiative with 15 number of beneficiaries
Support in implementation of technological interventions (ANIDERS, fox lights, predator proof corral and smart sticks to combat human wildlife conflicts and assessment of pre-intervention baselines).
Facilitate implementation of temporary watcher facility to reduce crop raiding incidences by the wildlife species.
Support in implementation of community fodder bank initiative started in year 2021 at Dharwas village under the project
Provide technical support in developing herbal garden and café in Sural Valley
Provide technical support in designation and declaration of atleast one area under conservation categories (conservation/community reserve or community conserved area)
Provide technical support in establishment of portable sales outlet at FRH Manali and establishment of Interpretation center (SECURE Mitra Kendra)
Provide technical support in degraded land restoration activities through promotion of multi-purpose species plantation and community engagement
Provide technical support for implementation of key livelihood interventions including Dhoop making engaging community groups, dairy development pilot with atleast 45 beneficiaries/Households and value chain development of walnut and hazelnut

Functional Competencies:

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Sound understanding of current issues related to environment, conservation and livelihood in High Himalayan ecosystems.
Hands-on experience in implementation and monitoring of biodiversity conservation projects.

Management skills

Ability to guide the technical experts and project team in implementing project activities at the landscape level to achieve the overall objective of the project.
Ability to facilitate consultative meetings at landscape level with government stakeholders to identify priorities and assist in the timely delivery of project activities and achievement of physical and financial annual targets.

Communication Skills

Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and other communication material for providing progress updates to government, donor and implementing partner.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately; demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Required Skills and Experience

Duration of the Assignment

The duration of the assignment is for six months. Payment will be deliverable based and subject to the approval of the deliverables by the UNDP supervisor.

Project Location:

The assignment will be based in Pangi subdivision of Chamba distt of Himachal Pradesh and will involve frequent travel to the project villages.

Kindly note: Only outstation travel with prior approval, boarding & lodging expense will be reimbursed as per actuals in line with UNDP rules or will be arranged by UNDP.

RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in the field of social sciences/Economics/Social Work/ Sociology/Rural Development/Natural Resource Management/Environmental Science/ Biodiversity Conservation or related field.

Language Requirements:

Excellent oral and writing skills in English and Hindi, Familiarity with local languages will be desirable

Reporting requirements:

The Consultant will report to the State Project Officer, SECURE Himalaya Project.

Relevant Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in implementation of community based natural resource management projects, especially in high Himalayan landscapes.
Close familiarity with the roles, activities and priorities of the State Forest/Wildlife Department and other relevant line departments and agencies, with regard to livelihood promotion/community empowerment, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services or sustainable livelihood promotion/ community empowerment.
Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills, writing research papers.
Experience of working in externally aided projects.
Experience of coordinating with state and landscape level government agencies.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages
Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

The consultant would be selected based on the following criteria:

Technical: 70 points

Financial: 30 points

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Criteria for Technical Evaluation would be as under:

Educational Qualification – 20 Marks;

Relevant Experience – 50 Marks;

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive
Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Financial Proposal:

Technically qualified consultants will be requested to submit their lump sum rate i.e. consultants who score more than 70% i.e. 49 marks with respect to the above-mentioned evaluation criteria. Consultant should not specify their consultancy fee on their CV or with the submission. The CV will not be evaluated further in case the consultant submits the same.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.undp.org.