Published 02.09.2021 On December 3, 2019, a Financial Agreement was signed between the Executive Committee of IFAS and the International Development Association (hereinafter IDA) according to which EC IFAS was provided with a grant (grant number D356-7C) to finance Regional Component A of the Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project (CAHMP) to be implemented by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC-IFAS) with support from the Regional Center of Hydrology for day-to-day regional coordination and implementation.
The Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project (CAHMP) aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness of hydromet services in Central Asia, with particular focus on Kyrgyz Republic and Republic of Tajikistan. The additional financing (AF) of CAHMP will not trigger involuntary resettlement as there is no involuntary land acquisition or negative impact on assets. CAHMP will provide positive social benefits by increasing the volume and quality of hydrometeorological information and early warning services. The AF will directly support both the public and critical economic sectors with hydrometeorological service providers.
To carry out work on this project, one Consultant is involved, who must meet the attached term of references.
A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures outlined in the World
Bank Guidelines on the Selection and Recruitment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers
(edition: september 2011, revised and revised July 2014).
Interested consultants can obtain additional information at the address indicated at the end of the document during working hours from 9.00 to 17.00 (Nur-Sultan time).
The originals of the documents (resume) must be delivered to the e-mail address below no later than 12:00 (Nur-Sultan time) September 24, 2021:
Corporate Fund "Regional Center of Hydrology" (CF RCH)
050022, Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, 32 Abai avenue, office # 410 Zhaniya Khaibullina
Tel .: +77015200580
Address: cahmpec@gmail.com
Terms of Reference
for a Consultant of the Corporate Fund "Regional Center of Hydrology" on Liaison and Information Exchange
Background:
On December 3, 2019, a Financial Agreement was signed between the Executive Committee of IFAS and the International Development Association (hereinafter IDA) according to which EC IFAS was provided with a grant (grant number D356-7C) to finance Regional Component A of the Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project (CAHMP) to be implemented by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC-IFAS) with support from the Regional Center of Hydrology (RCH) for day-to-day regional coordination and implementation.
The Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project (CAHMP) aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness of hydromet services in Central Asia, with particular focus on Kyrgyz Republic and Republic of Tajikistan. The additional financing (AF) of CAHMP will not trigger involuntary resettlement as there is no involuntary land acquisition or negative impact on assets. CAHMP will provide positive social benefits by increasing the volume and quality of hydrometeorological information and early warning services. The AF will directly support both the public and critical economic sectors with hydrometeorological service providers.
Given its mandate to coordinate cooperation on improving the environmental and socio- economic situation in the Aral Sea Basin as well as using existing water resources more effectively, EC-IFAS will serve as the implementing agency for the Project's regional, cross- cutting activities. EC-IFAS provides a platform for dialogue among the countries of Central Asia, as well as the international community. A Project Management Unit (PMU), hosted by Regional Center of Hydrology and permanently based in Almaty, will support EC-IFAS in the implementation of CAHMP.
To strengthen EC-IFAS’s technical capacity and facilitate day-to-day liaison with the PMU, one expert will be financed by CAHMP. This is in addition to the PMU implementation personnel in Almaty and this expert will be under the direct authority of EC-IFAS (and contracted by the PMU). When EC-IFAS chairmanship rotates to a new Central Asian country, this expert will relocate to that country or be replaced by newly-hired expert in the country.
Scope of Work:
The EC-IFAS’s expert will be responsible for information exchange and management on those activities that relate to EC-IFAS mandate and CAHMP project in particular. In some cases, he/she will undertake administrative and logistic tasks such as assist with the organization of events at EC-IFAS’s premises in the context of the CAHMP project. In his/her activity, this expert shall be guided by the Project Operational Manual (POM) as well as Financing Agreement signed between the World Bank and EC-IFAS and Operating Agreement signed between EC-IFAS and Regional Center of Hydrology. The EC-IFAS’ expert should be dynamic and resourceful with excellent organizational and communication skills. He/she will be
responsible for providing operational support to EC-IFAS and the PMU in the following activities:
To assist in development and promotion of transboundary programs and initiatives on improvement of hydromet services including climate change adaptation and mitigation, utilizing existing regional platforms (e.g., IFAS meetings, regional organizations discussion platform, etc.);
To review all documentation, including contracts concluded within the framework of the project, terms of reference, reports and other documentation related to the implementation of the project, for their consistency with the national legislation of the countries participating in the CAHMP and compliance with the rules of the World Bank, as well as to prepare comments and proposals of RCH and EC-IFAS on the submitted documents;
To prepare summary reports for EC-IFAS on the progress achieved and gaps in project implementation (on a regular basis). To provide assistance and methodological assistance to the staff of the PMU of the Component A in the preparation of reporting documentation for the Project;
To ensure proper reflection of the progress made by the project in the reports and printing materials of the EC-IFAS;
To prepare recommendations for EC-IFAS and RCH on better coordination and implementation of the project;
To assist in awareness raising about the project by preparing information materials (flyers and brochures) about the mission of the WB in the region and the progress made in addressing the issues related to hydromet services (in English and Russian);
To accommodate the information materials about the project on the EC-IFAS website and regularly update;
To ensure integration of the CAHMP project and its proceedings into joint and
transboundary programs led by EC IFAS and other regional organizations, such as prospective ASBP 4 program, Regional Environmental Action Plan, Environment for Central Asia process, etc;
To keep the RCH informed about other relevant projects and/or activities, including updates and decisions made throughout regular meetings of the regional organizations under auspices of IFAS;
To organize regular meetings between EC-IFAS and RCH to discuss the progress made and gaps of the project and ensure better coordination and implementation of the project;
To facilitate cooperation of the project with Regional Organizations (under auspices of IFAS and others) on the activities related to the modernization of the National Hydrometeorological Services of the region;
To communicate with Regional Organizations (under auspices of IFAS and others) in order to coordinate their activities on relevant subjects and ensure better integration with the CAHMP project;
To assist PMU in organization of thematic events under the auspices of the CAHMP project;
To communicate and deal with logistical issues related to the organization of thematic events under the auspices of the CAHMP project;
To support EC-IFAS and RCH in participating at regular Steering Committee meetings and update EC-IFAS about progress made against the protocols/decisions of the meetings by PMU;
To perform any other duties as agreed with PMU Coordinator;
The work of the Consultant will be assessed on a monthly basis taking into account the submitted report on the work performed, which should reflect a description of the work done in accordance with the tasks set, reporting documents and additional materials.
The reports must be submitted in electronic format. The reports should reflect the completeness of the work performed on the tasks set. All financial documents must be submitted on paper. After approval of the report by the PMU of the Component A, the report is submitted for approval by the head of the Regional Center of Hydrology.
Assignment Duration
The Consultant will perform the Services during the period that starts from the moment of signing the contract and will continue until the end of the year. The decision to extend/postpone the contract will be made by the PMU Coordinator and EC-IFAS in agreement with the Bank. Thereafter, it is possible - but not guaranteed - annual extension of the assignments with a deadline of 31 December 2022, depending on the quality of the consultant's work.
Reporting
EC-IFAS Technical Specialist will report directly to the PMU Coordinator who has an overall responsibility for the project management. The Specialist is expected to work closely with the EC-IFAS and his/her work program will be jointly agreed between EC-IFAS Chairman and the PMU Coordinator.
Assignment Location
In agreement with WB, the Specialist shall be based at EC-IFAS premises in Dushanbe with some travel to the Program sites.
Client’s input
Regional Center of Hydrology will provide the following:
Program documents and office equipment (IT and furniture set) with access to office technology facilities
Qualifications
Bachelor's/Master's degree in the field of business administration, international relations or other relevant academic discipline on environment, natural resource management
At least 3 years of work experience in coordination within international or regional projects or organizations. Work experience in National Hydrometeorological Services is preferable.
At least 3 years of work experience in administration and logistic
Excellent organizational, communication skills at all levels, especially report writing skills and email communications
Strong computer skills: MS Word, MS Excel, Email, and Internet;
Fluent Russian (verbal and written). Good knowledge of English (written and spoken) is an advantage;
Good teamwork skills;
Work experience of collaboration with Ministries, agencies and National Hydrometeorological Services of the Central Asia region is preferable.
Willingness to travel as needed to project sites (sometimes remote).