Result of Service
DELIVERABLES Under the supervision of the Programme Manager (Marine Environment), the consultant will produce the following outputs: Output 1. Inputs into two workshops organized to advance regional environmental management plans (REMPs) in the Area, including the preparation of background documents (participants list, workshop programme and background document) and logistical support. Output 2. Identification of web-based platforms and/or software to facilitate efficient submission of stakeholder comments on draft REMP and other policy/technical documents, and inputs to compilation of stakeholder comments. Output 3. Inputs to the design and delivery of capacity development activities related to REMPs, including one five-day training workshop and preparation of material for one web-based training lecture. Output 4. Compile latest scientific information and publications, with a view to updating the REC for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, as appropriate. Output 5. Compilation and review of scientific information related to existing and proposed management measures in areas where there are exploration contracts (western Pacific, Indian Ocean, Clarion-Clipperton Zone and Mid-Atlantic Ridge), and update the RECs for priority areas, as appropriate; and Output 6. Inputs to 1-2 knowledge product(s) such as policy briefing and fact checks (up to 10 pages in total for each knowledge products), on topics related to REMPs and/or biodiversity in the Area. TIMELINE The work to be undertaken will start upon the signature of a contract by both parties and expire on 30 December 2027 or upon successful completion of all deliverables, whichever the sooner. Extension of the contract will be subject to the availability of funds. SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS The range of the fee for the individual contractor shall be applied according to ISBA/ST/AI/2021/1. For this consultancy, the required services fall within Level B. The agreed amount payable for this consultancy will be paid in instalments as outlined below. The total payment will include all costs incurred in undertaking all tasks with the exception of travel related costs. The cost for each output is estimated to be: • Output 1: 25% of the total payment • Output 2: 20% of the total payment • Output 3: 15% of the total payment • Output 4: 15% of the total payment • Output 5: 15% of the total payment • Output 6: 10% of the total payment
Duties and Responsibilities
BACKGROUND The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Authority is the organization through which States Parties to the Convention shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. The ISA is required to take the measures necessary to ensure effective protection for the marine environment from harmful effects, as set out in the Convention. In line with the strategic directions as identified in the ISA’s Strategic Plan and High-level Action Plan, efforts are to be invested in a number of areas including inter alia: • Compile newly available environmental data and update the regional environmental characterization (REC); • Enhance the collection, compilation, analysis and synthesis of research results and analysis, when available, in particular from contractors; and • Ensure the dissemination of research results and analysis, when available, in a timely manner. • Promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research with respect to activities in the Area, with particular emphasis on research related to the environmental effects of activities in the Area. To implement these priorities, a number of actions are being undertaken, including the compilation and synthesis of environmental data and information, convening of expert workshops, and preparation of workshop reports and other publications to disseminate information and research outputs. OBJECTIVE Working under the direct supervision by the Programme Manager (Marine Environment), and overall supervision of the Director of the Office of Stewardship, Environment and Resources (OSER), this consultancy will provide scientific and technical inputs to OSER in its activities related to regional environmental management in the Area, in order to ensure the activities are planned and implemented according to organizational goals and that the outputs from workshops and related activities are produced in a timely manner and meet a high scientific and technical standard. SCOPE OF WORK Under the supervision of the Programme Manager (Marine Environment) and overall guidance from the director of OSER, the consultant shall undertake the following tasks: • Provide technical and administrative support in the organization of ISA workshops and other events. • Support stakeholder consultation related to environmental issues. • Provide inputs to the capacity development activities related to environmental management in the Area. • Assist in other knowledge products including proposals for technical studies and briefing papers. • Update regional environmental characterization reports for the Mid-Atlantic Ridge based on the scientific information received from workshop participants; and • Compile information and conduct research on area-based management in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Qualifications/special skills
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS The consultant/individual contractor should possess the following qualifications/skills: • Advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in deep sea biology, ecology, marine spatial planning or a related discipline is required • Demonstrated knowledge of the Authority’s work, especially the work related to regional environmental management plans, is required • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English I required • A minimum of two years working experience related to marine environmental planning in the high seas or/and the Area is required, preferably with an international organization or national government; • Experience in writing workshop reports or other technical reports for inter-governmental or governmental bodies is preferred. • Advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in deep sea biology, ecology, marine spatial planning or a related discipline is required. • Demonstrated knowledge of the Authority’s work, especially the work related to regional environmental management plans, is required. • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English I required. • A minimum of two years working experience related to marine environmental planning in the high seas or/and the Area is required, preferably with an international organization or national government. • Experience in writing workshop reports or other technical reports for inter-governmental or governmental bodies is preferred.
Languages
Language English and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Additional Information
SELECTION/EVALUATION All proposals will be reviewed by a committee. Selection will be based on the following criteria with the respective weight: • the skills and relevant experience of the applicant (70 per cent) • the financial proposal (30 per cent) Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. MODALITIES OF WORK The work shall be performed at the Consultant's home base with scheduled virtual meetings with ISA Secretariat staff as required. Where travel is deemed necessary, a round-trip airline ticket (economy) as per prevailing ISA policies on official travel and DSA at the prevailing ICSC rates established on the travel days would be provided to the Consultant. In an effort to facilitate timely and accurate outcomes by the Consultant, the Secretariat will make reasonable and practical efforts to respond promptly to the Consultant's queries and to provide the necessary reference material as identified by the consultant, where feasible. MONITORING The Consultant will report to and receive guidance from the Programme Manager (Marine Environment), who will review and approve the outputs following close consultation with the Director of the OSER.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
