Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697800458353.pdf (Dominica)
EMERGENCY AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROJECT Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security (EALCRP) NOTICE CONSULTANCY FOR PROJECT WRITING TEAM LEADER CONSULTANT-GEF 7 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION) COUNTRY – Commonwealth of Dominica NAME OF PROJECT – GEF Leveraging Eco-Tourism for Biodiversity Protection in Dominica (P170846) P170846 Credit No.
TF-B2858 Assignment Title: Project Writing Team Leader Consultant-GEF 7 Reference No.

: DM-MOERMKU-203274-CS-INDV The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP).

EALCRP is part of an overall developmental partnership initiative supporting medium and long-term recovery in Dominica after the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria on September 18th 2017.
A core component of the EALCRP is Component B1 which speaks to Restoration of Forest related livelihoods.

This objective will be met through some minor project activities under the EALCRP, but more broadly through the adoption of the GEF 7 Strategy which seeks to ‘Leverage Ecotourism Services for Biodiversity Conservation’.

A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) with a Forestry Specialist has been set up to oversee the forest related restoration activities of the EALCRP.
The PIU is established within the Ministry of Blue Green Economy Agriculture & National Food Security (MoBGEANFS) to coordinate the day to day management and execution of the project.

This PIU works in close coordination with an Implementation Support Team (IST) established within the Ministry of Finance (MOF), which will be responsible for fiduciary aspects of the project and advisory responsibility for safeguards aspects.
The PIU will report directly to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Blue Green Economy Agriculture & National Food Security (MoBGEANFS) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment (MERMKU), on all matters pertaining to the GEF 7 Strategy.
A Project Writing Team Leader Consultant-GEF 7 responsible for developing and producing the full project proposal entitled “Leveraging Eco-tourism for Biodiversity Conservation” including a work plan and detailed budget to comply with Word Bank and GEF requirements will be required.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.

(See Annex A) below.


The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica now invites eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the Services.

Interested individuals should provide information demonstrating that they have the minimum required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

Required Skills and Experience The Project Writing Team leader must be in possession of the following training and work experience.
Education • Holds a university degree (preferably at MSc or PhD level) in agricultural sciences, engineering, natural resources management, economics, project management, project writing development studies Experience • Have at least 5 years’ experience working in project writing and management with multiple implementing partners and preferably external donors such as the World Bank (WB) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) • Have good knowledge and experience in the Agriculture, and related natural resources management sector.
• Have practical experience working with local organizations and/or NGOs particularly in the rural sector • Excellent understanding of Financial Management (budgets, financial processes and financial reporting and compliance with donor requirements).

• Preferable good knowledge of procurement methods and/or familiarity with the World Bank fiduciary arrangements.

• Strong report writing skills • Strong leadership skills and ability to respond effectively to deadlines and high-pressure situations.
• Previous experience working with international donors and similar projects will be desired.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Good command of Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Excel, Project, Word, Power Point).

DURATION OF SERVICES The estimated period of the services will be five (5) months and Contract Extension will be based on performance, and will be determined by both parties.
DUTY STATION The Project Writing Team Leader will work in the project office (PIU) where adequate space and supporting clerical support staff will be provided to perform his/her work.
REPORT TO The Project Writing Team Leader will work in close coordination with PIU Manager, Forestry Officer, the IST, the technical staff at the various related government Ministries (Agriculture, Tourism, Environment and Planning) MAF Technical Divisions and will report to the PIU Manager and to the Steering Committee as requested.
Expression of Interest Interested applicants should submit their CV and a letter of motivation / application stating suitability for the position on or before December 2, 2020 @ 4:00p.m.

East Caribbean Time to: Manager, Project Implementation Unit, Ministry of Blue & Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security, First Floor, First Domestic Building, 19-21 King George V Street, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica.

Or email dealcrp@dominica.gov.dm.

cc.


ealcrpprocurement@gmail.com attn., Mr. Kervin Stephenson.

Please include the names and contact information for three professional references.

The attention of interested Individuals is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 and August 2018 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment (i.e.

3.17 of the Procurement Regulation).

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection Method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information can be obtained at EALCRP- Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the First Floor, First Domestic Building, 19-21 King George V Street, Roseau, Dominica at Tel: (767) 266-3998/275-1948 during office hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Fridays.
(Annex A) TERMS OF REFERENCE Component B1- GEF 7 Preparation of Project Document C.X.X - Position: Project Writing Team Leader Consultant-GEF 7 Procurement Plan -Selection Method: IC (IND) Reporting to: PIU Manager/GEF 7 Steering Committee Coordinator Duty Station: MoBGEANFS-PIU Office in Roseau 1.

General Description 1a.

Introduction The Commonwealth of Dominica is a small upper-middle-income country in the Caribbean Sea, with a population of 73, 543, predominantly dependent on agriculture and tourism.
With annual gross domestic product (GDP) of US$581.48 million, Dominica’s economy depends predominantly on agriculture and tourism.

Climate change has significantly affected the country’s economic and fiscal stability as well as the population’s well-being.

Dominica is home to biodiversity of world significance.

The island’s geography and complex geology have created unique habitats and high species diversity.
Key biodiversity habitats are part of Dominica’s forest system, one of the richest and most extensive ones in the Lesser Antilles.

The ‘Nature Island’ has the most extensive natural forests in the Eastern Caribbean of around 43, 000 ha and is home to the most diverse assemblage of wildlife among the smaller Caribbean islands.

Biodiversity, however, is threatened by habitat loss due to tourism and agriculture, compounded by a relatively weak legislative framework for biodiversity management.
Poorly regulated tourism could emerge as a threat to Dominica’s biodiversity, due to weak environmental controls and inadequate integration of protected areas.

Dominica has not had major Caribbean-style tourism developments over the last decade but is now in the process of planning an international airport and has received interest from major hotel groups for development.

The tourism growth has met a side-lined economic and political position of the protected areas.
Yet forests are a central part of the “Nature Island’s” touristic appeal, are vital for the protection of domestic water supplies, and support agriculture and are close to the region’s only remaining indigenous community (the Kalinago community).

Due to their relatively low economic contribution as well as capacity and budget constraints, protected areas are poorly managed.
Proper management plans for the three major national parks (all nearly completely forested) have either not been prepared, are out of date, or have never been formally approved and put into effect.

Planning and management of public forests outside of parks (approximately 30,000ha, 60% of forest area) is minimal, and works, such as tree planting, timber harvest, stand tending, etc.

is extremely limited and only conducted on an ad hoc basis as emergency needs and resources permit.
While the tourism sector is currently placing pressures, it can be leveraged to create economic value for biodiversity through nature-based tourism, thus strengthening the conservation of biodiversity.

Turning biodiversity into an economic asset requires, first, better management of parks and trails, and, second, an increase in the contribution of biodiversity to the economy through improvement in the eco-tourism activity portfolio.
Eco-Tourism can support a much larger number of visitors, create greater opportunities for associated businesses and enterprises, provide a more appealing and satisfying visitor experience, and generally be a more valuable and Dynamic resource.

The value of biodiversity and protected areas to the economy can be increased through eco-tourism, which can incentivise biodiversity protection in the long run.
The goal of the GEF 7 Project- ‘Leveraging Eco-tourism for Biodiversity Conservation’ is to transform tourism from a potential threat to an opportunity for biodiversity conservation by strengthening the management of protected areas and the trail network and by expanding their sustainable eco-tourism use.
It is an opportune time to support Dominica in leveraging its planned tourism investments to reap additional local economic returns through sustainable eco- tourism use of its protected areas particulary in the rural communities bordering the national parks and other protected areas.

The eco-tourism planning for the Pas (Protected Areas) in Dominica needs to identify potential sites of interest and create short and sustainable value- chains benefiting the local communities.
The Project will have positive social and environmental benefits at local, national, regional and global levels.

At the local level, direct project beneficiaries include communities and their members in targeted landscapes, and particularly: individual entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), community-based organizations (CBOs), such as cooperatives, communal property associations (CPAs), and community trusts.

1b.

Project Context 1.


Hurricane Maria hit the island of Dominica on September 18, 2017, with catastrophic effects.

Hurricane Maria made landfall as a category 5 storm (Saffir-Simpson scale), with winds exceeding 170 miles per hour (mph).

Hurricane Maria was one of the most rapidly intensifying storms in recent memory, strengthening from a Category 2 to Category 5 hurricane in less than 12 hours.

According to official sources, thirty persons lost their lives and 34 persons were declared missing1.
The Prime Minister declared a State of Emergency on September 20, 2017.

2.

The proposed Project builds on World Bank’s immediate response activities and post-disaster support following Hurricane Maria and COVID 19 pandemic.
Shortly after Maria, the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) of the ongoing World Bank-supported (US$38 million) Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) was triggered, channelling US$10 million to unconditional cash transfer programs to provide immediate support to commercial and small farmers and to aid in the recovery of small and micro enterprises.
The proposed Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP- US$29.5 million ) complements the role of partners in addressing the first phase of the agricultural sector’s recovery and leverages the Bank’s global experiences in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction in the Caribbean (e.g., Haiti, Grenada), as well as post-hurricane emergency recovery loans in small island states.

3.
3.

A core component of the EALCRP is Component B1 which speaks to Restoration of Forest related livelihoods.

This objective will be met through some minor project activities under the EALCRP, but more broadly through the adoption of the GEF 7 Strategy which seeks to ‘Leverage Ecotourism services for Biodiversity Conservation’.

This will involve the development of the GEF 7 Strategy Paper during the months of May to August 2020.

4.
4.

A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) with a Forestry Specialist has been set up to oversee the Forestry related restoration activities of the EALCRP.

The PIU is established within the MoBGEANFS to coordinate the day to day management and execution of the project.

This PIU works in close coordination with an Implementation Support Team (IST) established within the MOF (Ministry of Finance), which will be responsible for fiduciary aspects of the project and advisory responsibility for safeguards aspects.
The PIU will report directly to the PS MoBGEANFS and PS Ministry of Kalinago Affairs, Environment and Rural Upliftment (MoKAERU), on all matters pertaining to the GEF 7 Strategy.

Additionally, a GEF 7 Working Group/Steering Committee has also been set up to coordinate the activities of the Strategy Document Preparation.
The Steering Committee comprises of the following individuals and agencies; Forestry Officer, PIU Chair; Head/Manager PIU Member; Monitoring and Evaluations Officer, PIU; Member; Safeguards Officer, PIU Member; Procurement Officer, PIU Member; GEF Focal Point, Dominica; Member; Representative of Institutional Support Team Member; Representative DHTA - a private sector association of businesses, organisations and individuals involved in the hotel & tourism sector in Dominica..., Discover Dominica Authority Member; Director of Forestry, Wildlife and National Park 1 Information as of November 8, 2017 representative Member; Representative, Ministry of Kalinago Affairs, Environment and Member; Representative, Kalinago Council Member; Marie-Jose’ Edwards, Natural Resources Management and Policy Specialist, World Bank.
Objective The Team Leader will be responsible for developing and producing the full project proposal entitled “Leveraging Eco-tourism for Biodiversity Conservation” including a work plan and detailed budget to comply with Word Bank and GEF requirements.

The Team Leader will report to the PIU Manager and will provide at least five months of support to the project.
The amount of time spent working in Dominica and the amount of time spent working from home will be determined by both parties before the implementation of the project.

Contract terms and conditions with clear deliverables will be determined by both parties.
He/she will support the effective functioning of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), provide strategic information to the Technical Coordinating Committee and will establish a close working relationship with the Head of the PIU, support staff and other staff of the Implementation Support Team (IST) within the Ministry of Finance, (MOF) to support their role.
At the same time, he/she will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the work of the Social and Environmental Safeguards consultants, AgriBusiness/Economist - cost recovery consultant and the IT consultant; and to work with the technical and specialists staff at the PIU, IST and the technical staff of the Ministry of Environment, Urban Renewal and Kalinago Upliftment (MoEURKU) and other key stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
Key Responsibilities All outputs and deliverables must be consistent with government, World Bank, and GEF requirements.

The preparation and finalization of the outputs and deliverables will require iterative, ongoing engagement with the government, World Bank, and GEF, including meetings, phone and video conferences, participation in missions (virtual or in-person), written communications, and regular updates.
The process for preparing outputs and deliverables will actively inform the design of the project and the consultant will be requested to engage with the PIU and PSC, as well as the World Bank and GEF, on topics directly related to or intersecting with the outputs and deliverables described below.

The Team Leader shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: Activities a.

Coordinate the preparation of the Full Project Proposal b.
Coordinate the preparation of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Instruments, with the support of Environmental and Social Specialists.

c. Coordinate the preparation of the Economic Analysis for Revenue Generation and the IT requirements supporting sustainable Cost Recovery Systems.

d. Work closely with technical staff of the PIU and IST and the World Bank Task Team to define the Project activities that will allow to achieve the project objectives in the most efficient and effective way.
e. Work closely with the Technical Coordinating Committee to prioritize sustainable activities that will allow the project to achieve goals in an sustainable manner.
f. Promote aligned work and participation of other key institutions, including the Ministry of the Blue & Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security MoBGEANFS, and the Ministry of of Kalinago Affairs, Environment and Rural Upliftment (MoKAERU), and the Implementation Support Team, IST, of the Ministry of Finance g. Provide advice on the implementation arrangement for the project.
h. Hold meetings with relevant stakeholders, the Kalinago Council and community and other local communities, NGOs, local governments, among others.

i.

Hold consultations workshops in coordination with the World Bank ESF team.

j.

Write the Full Project Proposal Document (PRODOC/PAD) and GEF datasheet and annexes with support of the PIU technical team and the IST, following the World Bank and GEF guidelines, and incorporate comments and revision provided by the World Bank and the GEF.
k. Prepare the results framework of the Project.

l. Write the Operational Manual of the Project.

m. He/she will support the effective functioning of the Project Steering Committee, (PSC), provide strategic information to the Committee n. Ensure that project objectives and targets are properly described in compliance with World Bank policies and procedures and are observed and followed during implementation.

o.
o.

Under the guidance of the Finance Officer at the PIU ensure that the framework for proper budget control systems are integrated into the project document by reviewing and monitoring the relationship between the project’s activities, budget, disbursements and expenditures on a monthly basis.
p. Coordinate and lead the preparation and approval of the Terms of Reference for engaging staff for specific components/activities, and coordinate with the IST team with respect to the hiring of the consultants / service providers q.

In coordination with the Steering Committee ensure that all deliverables under the project are in keeping with the relevant TOR.

r. Develop functional, operating and organizational structural arrangements.
s. Coordinate activities with the Financial Officer, the Procurement Officer, the M&E Officer, the Safeguard Officers and the Technical Officers of the PIU to ensure integration with results-based project implementation process.

t. Provide periodic reports of progress to the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) and Project Steering Committee (PSC).

u.
u.

Overall project coordination • Coordinate the overall implementation of project activities within the Ministry of Blue & Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security, the Ministry of Environment and Rural Development & Kalinago Upliftment (MoEURKU), in close coordination with the PIU and IST.
• Ensure that the requirements, criteria, policies, procedures and organizational arrangements set forth in the World Banks POM and the Financing Agreement are incorporated into the project document • Provide technical guidance to the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) and PSC to facilitate the oversight function of the PSC and to coordinate the process of review and approval of the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) • Coordinate closely with the Procurement Officer at the PIU, the Implementation Support Team (IST) established within the MOF with regard to all aspects linked to the implementation of procurement processes, financial management, social and environmental safeguards procedures and overall monitoring of the project progress.
• Coordinate and ensure that the Project Operational Manual for the Agriculture Project is updated where necessary to reflect the objectives and operating procedures for the GEF7 project.

Required Skills and Experience The Project Writing Team leader must be in possession of the following training and work experience.
Education • Hold a university degree (preferably at MSc or PhD level) in agricultural sciences, engineering, natural resources management, economics, project management, project writing development studies Experience • Have at least 5 years experience working in project writing and management with multiple implementing partners and preferably external donors such as the World Bank (WB) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) • Have good knowledge and experience in the Agriculture, and related natural resources management sector.
• Have practical experience working with local organizations and/or NGOs particularly in the rural sector • Excellent understanding of Financial Management (budgets, financial processes and financial reporting and compliance with donor requirements).

• Preferable good knowledge of procurement methods and/or familiarity with the World Bank fiduciary arrangements.

• Strong report writing skills • Strong leadership skills and ability to respond effectively to deadlines and high pressure situations.
• Previous experience working with international donors and similar projects will be desired.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Good command of Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Excel, Project, Word, Power Point).

DURATION OF SERVICES The estimated period of the services will be five (5) months and Contract Extension will be based on performance, and will be determined by both parties.
DUTY STATION The Project Writing Team Leader will work in the project office (PIU) where adequate space and supporting clerical support staff will be provided to perform his/her work.
REPORT TO The Project Writing Team Leader will work in close coordination with PIU Manager, Forestry Officer, the IST, the technical staff at the various related government Ministries (Agriculture, Tourism, Environment and Planning) MAF Technical Divisions and will report to the PIU Manager and to the Steering Committee as requested.
CONSULTANT BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE Interested applicants should submit their CV and a letter of application stating suitability for the position and methodology for undertaking the assignment, on or before (xxxxxxxxxxinsert a date for submission) to (insert an address where application should be directed) and 3 professional references The Project Writing Team Leader is expected to be a highly visible individual in the conservation sector.
Is someone who understands the complexities of developing a mulit- disciplinary development program with ecological, social, political, cultural, and economic complexities particularly in small rural communities that are dependent on the natural resource base for their socio-economic livelihood.
Deliverables: Specific Deliverable Timetable Remarks % Allocated Contract Inception Report Three (3) weeks after 20 Commencement Initial Draft of ESC Two (2) months after start of consultancy Submission of draft of Four (3) months after start of project document consultation Submission of final Project Five (5) months after start of document document 20 40 20