Biodiversity, and the benefits it provides, are fundamental to human well-being and a healthy planet. Despite ongoing efforts, biodiversity is deteriorating worldwide at unprecedented rates. Time is running out for the global community to create the transformative changes needed to address our planetary crisis. Responding to this existential need for stepping up biodiversity conservation efforts, nations must rapidly swing into action to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), our last best chance to safeguard the planet and those who live in it. The Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project of Eswatini is being led by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) with joint implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to provide financial and technical support for the country to align its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) with the GBF. An inclusive, whole-of-government and society approach will follow during this process that strives to account for gender equity, and the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and youth. GBF-EAS project is implementing the following components to achieve the project objective:

Rapid review of NBSAP for alignment with the post-2020 GBF;
Assessment of monitoring systems;
Policy and institutional alignment and review of policies for coherence with the GBF; and
Biodiversity finance.
The rapid review of the NBSAP and national targets will focus on identifying gaps required to align the national targets, goals, objectives and action plans within the existing NBSAP to the new GBF; the assessment of monitoring systems will focus on identifying gaps and promoting alignment between the NBSAP-related monitoring system and the GBF; the policy and institutional review will focus on identifying policy gaps and inconsistencies within the existing second (2nd) NBSAP and the GBF; and the biodiversity finance activities will focus on preparedness for developing and/or implementing a finance plan for implementing a GBF-aligned NBSAP.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Consultant will evaluate the alignment of existing policies, identify gaps, and examine the functionality of existing institutional frameworks for a successful implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework at the national level.

SPECIFIC TASKS

Working under the guidance of the Eswatini National Trust Commission, the Consultant will:

Identify national policies related to biodiversity and review the extent to which inter-institutional/sectoral processes and policies are in alignment with, and are effectively designed to deliver on, the GBF and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and Rio Conventions to which Eswatini is a party;
Identify opportunities for enhanced mainstreaming of biodiversity;
Ensure integration of gender mainstreaming, cultural and socio-economic factors into the process;
Identify and consult stakeholders relevant to Component 3;
Develop a prioritized set of actions to fill institutional gaps and advance the country toward policy coherence taking a whole-of-government approach, and
Provide legal and policy recommendations for modifying existing and/or creating new policies for GBF alignment.
PROPOSAL

1.Technical Proposal:

Submission of a technical approach, methodology and work plan for the abovementioned scope, specific tasks and expected outputs for the process of reviewing policy and institutional instruments, on identifying policy gaps and inconsistencies within the existing NBSAP and the GBF. This should highlight the following:

Outline an approach to be adopted when carrying out the task,
State and justify the methodology/tools that will be used,
Highlight risks and how they will be addressed during the process, and
Activities that will be undertaken and corresponding schedule to demonstrate how the allocated time will be utilized.
2. Financial proposal

3. Personal CV, and three (3) reference letters.

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will be responsible for following deliverables:

Inception report within 10 days of the signing of the contract. The inception report will give details on the literature to be reviewed, the work plan, the methodology and the stakeholder engagement plan.
A policy and institutional review report on the existing national policies, institutions and existing finance mechanisms related to biodiversity and their alignment with the GBF.
Stakeholder consultation report and attendance registers.
A prioritized action plan for policy coherence.
DURATION AND TIMELINE

September – November 2024

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES

The candidate should have the following qualifications, experience, and competencies;

Qualifications: A postgraduate degree (Master’s or higher) in Environmental Law, Development Studies, Natural Resources Management, Biodiversity Conservation, or related field.

Experience

At least 8 years’ experience in environmental management / biodiversity conservation/ policy research and institutional reform/ development
Experience and knowledge on policy analysis and development
Working experience with government ministries, institutions concerned with natural resources management or biodiversity management
Adequate knowledge of international conventions and national environmental legislation
Demonstrated strong analytical, research, report writing and presentation skills
Core Competences

Good understanding of environmental and climate change issues.
isplays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Sound judgment, strong client and results orientation.
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
Fluency in written English, and knowledge of SiSwati will be an added advantage.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested and qualified candidates may submit their application together with a letter of interest and pertinent documents to Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC). The expression of interest should be sent to the following addresses:

Additional Considerations:

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.