Final Review of the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihood (OPAAL) Project
Terms of Reference
for a Project-funded consultant
Re Final Review of the
OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihood (OPAAL) Project
1. Background
Biological diversity as defined by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
(UNCBD) is variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, marine
and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part, this includes
diversity within species, between species and within ecosystems. The present socio-economic
structures of the OECS islands are intrinsically dependent on its biodiversity through agricultural
productivity or exploitation of its aesthetic quality in attracting tourists, among others.
Consequently, the need for biodiversity management to provide a sustainable socio-economic
environment is well acknowledged in a number of government policy papers.
Currently, the OECS Secretariat through its Environment and Sustainable Development Unit
(ESDU), in partnership with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the
World Bank) acting as an Implementing Agency of the GEF; the Fonds Français pour
l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) of the Government of France; and the Organisation of
American States (OAS), is implementing the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Sustainable
Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project.
The objectives of the Project are to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity of global
importance in the Participating Countries by removing barriers to the effective management of
protected areas and increasing the involvement of civil society and the private sector in the
planning, management and sustainable use of said protected areas.
The project consists of four components: (i) Protected areas institutional framework; (ii)
Protected areas Management and Associated and new Livelihoods; (iii) Capacity building for
biodiversity conservation, protected areas management and increasing environmental awareness;
and (iv) project management, monitoring and evaluation and information dissemination.
OPAAL focuses on OECS Member States priorities of:
1. harmonization at the national and regional levels of the institutional, policy, and legal
frameworks relevant to biodiversity conservation;
2. identification and development of sustainable financing mechanisms to support PAs;
3. promotion of the collaborative management of PAs;
4. adoption of a strategy for conservation interventions, including the establishment of PAs
containing globally significant biodiversity while improving economic alternatives for local
communities; and
5. increasing institutional capacity in the region to manage and conserve biodiversity.
Specifically the project has supported
5.1. increased administrative efficiency in national institutions responsible for biodiversity
conservation and PA management; and
1
5.2. empowerment of local communities and increased effectiveness in participation in local
management decisions.
At this time, the project is in its final stages of completion and it is it is important that an
assessment be made of the achievements of the project and any lessons learnt. The pending
Final Project Review (FPR) is scheduled to take commence in March, 2011 and be completed by
July 15, 2011.
2. Overall Objective of the FPR
The FPR provides the opportunity to review the overall project objectives, vision, institutional
set-up and arrangements, project activities and all other relevant elements of the Project with the
aim of determining the extent to which the objectives of the project were met and assessing
lessons learnt to improve on the implementation of future projects executed by the Environment
and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) of the OECS Secretariat.
3. Tasks and Methodology
Based on project implementation, the consultant will be contracted to undertake an external,
independent review of the Project.
Organisational relationships
In designing and undertaking the Review, the consultant will work closely with the ESDU. The
consultant will be administratively managed and supported by the Project Director and the
Project Coordinator to provide an independent review of the Project. The ESDU will provide
key background documentation to the team/consultant (progress reports, special studies,
background information on the project areas, audit reports etc.). The ESDU staff will be
available as required for discussions and supplying information. This Terms of Reference
pertains specifically to the tasks to be undertaken by the consultant.
Project implementation
Task 1
The consultant will:
i. Become thoroughly familiar with the project (e.g., its objectives, outputs, activities,
expected outputs, budget, time schedule, context, etc.).
ii. Consult with ESDU and the Project Director and/or Project Coordinator and project
partners, as well as other staff of the OECS Secretariat on how the FPR will be best
conducted.
iii. Outline the review process to be undertaken and prepare a timetable detailing all
activities to be undertaken as part of the review and their timelines.
iv. Submit a draft plan for the review process, including timetable for review and approval
by the ESDU.
v. Finalise the plan and timetable based on comments from the ESDU and resubmit the final
plan.
2
Task 2
The consultant will:
i. Review (i) the relevance of the project to global and regional sustainable development,
sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction, and environmental management priorities and
needs; (ii) clarity and feasibility of project objectives; (iii) prospects for sustainability;
quality and adequacy of project strategy.
ii. Assess physical progress, efficiency and adequacy, in terms of delivery of project inputs
and outputs.
iii. Analyse financial progress. Assess whether the use of project funds is commensurate
with the attainment of physical progress, efficacy and the timeliness of procurement and
disbursement activities.
iv. Assess the level of awareness about the Project and biodiversity conservation in the 6
implementing countries.
v. Assess the level of economic impacts in the context of the livelihoods subprojects.
Task 3
The consultant will further examine the project organisation and conduct a process review with
attention paid to the following areas:
i. Assess the efficiency of project organisation and management.
ii. Assess the quality and effectiveness of coordination mechanisms.
iii. Analyse which factors and constraints influenced project implementation.
iv. Consult independently with ESDU, national implementing agencies and other relevant
stakeholders and identify areas of convergence, limitations in coordination, areas of
divergence, etc.
Task 4
The consultant will also assess the project’s results and its impacts, focusing on:
i. Assessing project results in terms of actual development outcomes, based on the
established performance indicators and targets (inclusive of planned and unintended
results)
ii. Assessing the prospects for sustaining impacts after termination of the project.
iii. Assessing the sustainability of project activities.
iv. Assessing the overall cost effectiveness of the project.
v. Identifying where project design could have been adjusted/reoriented to towards
strengthening of the design and management of future projects.
vi. Producing a clear list of strengths and weaknesses and articulate lessons learnt that can
benefit future projects.
Task 5
Based on the above assessments (Tasks 2-4), the consultant will
i. Prepare a draft report of the findings, including suggestions for improving future projects
and submit draft report to ESDU for review.
ii. Present for review the report findings to the Project Steering Committee (which consists
of representatives from the participating States) and other relevant parties.
iii. Based on comments received from the review, prepare and submit a final draft report to
ESDU.
3
iv. Based on any further comments received by ESDU, prepare and submit a final report to
the ESDU for approval.
Methodology
The consultant will conduct desk reviews of the project document, work plans, progress reports,
audit reports, other relevant documentation to assess achievements and consult with project
partners, ESDU, national implementing agencies, relevant partners, and project staff to obtain
their views and to identify issues and lessons learnt.
During the FPR the consultant will undertake a visit to the project office and at least 3 of the
Participating Member States. Otherwise consultation may be conducted through telephone
interviews and electronic means.
4. Outputs
i. Plan for the review process, including timetable detailing all activities to be undertaken as
part of the review and their timelines.
ii. Draft report of the findings.
iii. Final report on Final Project Review. The final report will be submitted in the form of 3.
hard copies and 1 electronic version in MS Word on CD to be submitted to ESDU.
5. Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should possess the following professional expertise and methodological skills:
i. Have advanced qualifications in sustainable development/environmental management
with experience in project design and evaluation, and knowledge of protected areas and
sustainable livelihoods.
ii. Have at least 5 years of experience in project management and evaluation.
iii. Show evidence of having undertaken similar project reviews in the past
iv. Ideally have experience in GEF funded projects, with knowledge of environmental
management in the Eastern Caribbean and multi-country projects.
Selection will be based on the experience and competence of consultants as determined on the
basis of their corporate portfolio.
6. Administrative Framework
Travel to the PMSs will be a necessary part of this contract and the cost of such travel for aspects
such as transportation, accommodation, consultative workshops and all other consultative
activities (including venue rental, provision of refreshments, rental of audio-visual equipment,
where necessary), as well as other administration costs and per diem, etc., are to be incurred by
the Contractor as part of this Contract. Participants’ and other non consultant related cost for the
Project Steering Committee meeting (see Task 5) will be covered by the Secretariat.
4
All communications will be between the Contractor and the Head of ESDU (OPAAL Project
Director) or his designee for the assigned work.
The Consultant will manage time and responsibilities to ensure timely delivery of outputs
required under this Terms of Reference.
7. Timing
It is anticipated that the contract will commence as of [March 14, 2011] and be completed no
later than [July 15, 2011].
8. Reporting
All reports will be issued in Word format and will each take the form of three hard copies and
one electronic copy, submitted to the Head of ESDU/Project Director.
5
ANNEX B
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION OF CONTRACTED WORKS
Reports/outputs and Deliverables shall be submitted no later than the dates indicated in the
following table:
ITEM SCHEDULE
DELIVERY (dates)
1. Proposed work plan for work
(Task 1)
[March 21, 2011]
2. Draft report (Tasks 2, 3, 4, 5i, ii
and iii)
[June 17, 2011]
3. Final report re FPR (Task 5iv) [July 1, 2011]
6
Annex C
COST ESTIMATE OF SERVICES AND SCHEDULE OF RATES AND PAYMENTS
1. Remuneration US$ EC$
Contractor's fees
Payment Schedule:
The payment Schedule will be as follows:
i. 30% on submission and satisfactory acceptance of final work plan
ii. 40% on submission and satisfactory acceptance of the draft FPR report
iii. 30% on submission and satisfactory final FPR report
7
INDICATIONS OF INTEREST
Firms that wish to signify their interest in undertaking the prescribed work are to email or otherwise
submit:
1. an expression of interest,
2. information demonstrating the experience and competence of the Consulting Firm
relevant to the assignment (including Curriculum Vitae of key team members),
3. proof of incorporation,
4. information regarding participation of any representatives or members of the
Consulting Firm, that may give rise to a direct or indirect conflict of interest,
including identifying any current contractual works being executed for the OECS
Secretariat, donor agencies and/or end-users, and
5. a brief description of the activities (not including those outlined in Section 3) that
would be necessary to undertake the consultancy.
to:
Mr. Keith E. Nichols
Head
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU)
P.O. Box 1383
Castries
Saint Lucia
West Indies
Fax: 758 452-2194 Phone: 758 455-6367/6363/6365
At the following email address:
esdu@oecs.org
COPIED TO:
Susanna DeBeauville-Scott
sscott@oecs.org
Note that the Consultants Qualification Selection (CQS) procurement method is being employed for this
consultancy and as such a technical and financial proposal will only be requested from one consultant;
usually the highest ranking firm as it relates to this request for indications of interest.
Indications of interest and associated information are to reach ESDU no later than February 17,
2011.
for a Project-funded consultant
Re Final Review of the
OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihood (OPAAL) Project
1. Background
Biological diversity as defined by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
(UNCBD) is variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, marine
and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part, this includes
diversity within species, between species and within ecosystems. The present socio-economic
structures of the OECS islands are intrinsically dependent on its biodiversity through agricultural
productivity or exploitation of its aesthetic quality in attracting tourists, among others.
Consequently, the need for biodiversity management to provide a sustainable socio-economic
environment is well acknowledged in a number of government policy papers.
Currently, the OECS Secretariat through its Environment and Sustainable Development Unit
(ESDU), in partnership with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the
World Bank) acting as an Implementing Agency of the GEF; the Fonds Français pour
l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) of the Government of France; and the Organisation of
American States (OAS), is implementing the OECS Protected Areas and Associated Sustainable
Livelihoods (OPAAL) Project.
The objectives of the Project are to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity of global
importance in the Participating Countries by removing barriers to the effective management of
protected areas and increasing the involvement of civil society and the private sector in the
planning, management and sustainable use of said protected areas.
The project consists of four components: (i) Protected areas institutional framework; (ii)
Protected areas Management and Associated and new Livelihoods; (iii) Capacity building for
biodiversity conservation, protected areas management and increasing environmental awareness;
and (iv) project management, monitoring and evaluation and information dissemination.
OPAAL focuses on OECS Member States priorities of:
1. harmonization at the national and regional levels of the institutional, policy, and legal
frameworks relevant to biodiversity conservation;
2. identification and development of sustainable financing mechanisms to support PAs;
3. promotion of the collaborative management of PAs;
4. adoption of a strategy for conservation interventions, including the establishment of PAs
containing globally significant biodiversity while improving economic alternatives for local
communities; and
5. increasing institutional capacity in the region to manage and conserve biodiversity.
Specifically the project has supported
5.1. increased administrative efficiency in national institutions responsible for biodiversity
conservation and PA management; and
1
5.2. empowerment of local communities and increased effectiveness in participation in local
management decisions.
At this time, the project is in its final stages of completion and it is it is important that an
assessment be made of the achievements of the project and any lessons learnt. The pending
Final Project Review (FPR) is scheduled to take commence in March, 2011 and be completed by
July 15, 2011.
2. Overall Objective of the FPR
The FPR provides the opportunity to review the overall project objectives, vision, institutional
set-up and arrangements, project activities and all other relevant elements of the Project with the
aim of determining the extent to which the objectives of the project were met and assessing
lessons learnt to improve on the implementation of future projects executed by the Environment
and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) of the OECS Secretariat.
3. Tasks and Methodology
Based on project implementation, the consultant will be contracted to undertake an external,
independent review of the Project.
Organisational relationships
In designing and undertaking the Review, the consultant will work closely with the ESDU. The
consultant will be administratively managed and supported by the Project Director and the
Project Coordinator to provide an independent review of the Project. The ESDU will provide
key background documentation to the team/consultant (progress reports, special studies,
background information on the project areas, audit reports etc.). The ESDU staff will be
available as required for discussions and supplying information. This Terms of Reference
pertains specifically to the tasks to be undertaken by the consultant.
Project implementation
Task 1
The consultant will:
i. Become thoroughly familiar with the project (e.g., its objectives, outputs, activities,
expected outputs, budget, time schedule, context, etc.).
ii. Consult with ESDU and the Project Director and/or Project Coordinator and project
partners, as well as other staff of the OECS Secretariat on how the FPR will be best
conducted.
iii. Outline the review process to be undertaken and prepare a timetable detailing all
activities to be undertaken as part of the review and their timelines.
iv. Submit a draft plan for the review process, including timetable for review and approval
by the ESDU.
v. Finalise the plan and timetable based on comments from the ESDU and resubmit the final
plan.
2
Task 2
The consultant will:
i. Review (i) the relevance of the project to global and regional sustainable development,
sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction, and environmental management priorities and
needs; (ii) clarity and feasibility of project objectives; (iii) prospects for sustainability;
quality and adequacy of project strategy.
ii. Assess physical progress, efficiency and adequacy, in terms of delivery of project inputs
and outputs.
iii. Analyse financial progress. Assess whether the use of project funds is commensurate
with the attainment of physical progress, efficacy and the timeliness of procurement and
disbursement activities.
iv. Assess the level of awareness about the Project and biodiversity conservation in the 6
implementing countries.
v. Assess the level of economic impacts in the context of the livelihoods subprojects.
Task 3
The consultant will further examine the project organisation and conduct a process review with
attention paid to the following areas:
i. Assess the efficiency of project organisation and management.
ii. Assess the quality and effectiveness of coordination mechanisms.
iii. Analyse which factors and constraints influenced project implementation.
iv. Consult independently with ESDU, national implementing agencies and other relevant
stakeholders and identify areas of convergence, limitations in coordination, areas of
divergence, etc.
Task 4
The consultant will also assess the project’s results and its impacts, focusing on:
i. Assessing project results in terms of actual development outcomes, based on the
established performance indicators and targets (inclusive of planned and unintended
results)
ii. Assessing the prospects for sustaining impacts after termination of the project.
iii. Assessing the sustainability of project activities.
iv. Assessing the overall cost effectiveness of the project.
v. Identifying where project design could have been adjusted/reoriented to towards
strengthening of the design and management of future projects.
vi. Producing a clear list of strengths and weaknesses and articulate lessons learnt that can
benefit future projects.
Task 5
Based on the above assessments (Tasks 2-4), the consultant will
i. Prepare a draft report of the findings, including suggestions for improving future projects
and submit draft report to ESDU for review.
ii. Present for review the report findings to the Project Steering Committee (which consists
of representatives from the participating States) and other relevant parties.
iii. Based on comments received from the review, prepare and submit a final draft report to
ESDU.
3
iv. Based on any further comments received by ESDU, prepare and submit a final report to
the ESDU for approval.
Methodology
The consultant will conduct desk reviews of the project document, work plans, progress reports,
audit reports, other relevant documentation to assess achievements and consult with project
partners, ESDU, national implementing agencies, relevant partners, and project staff to obtain
their views and to identify issues and lessons learnt.
During the FPR the consultant will undertake a visit to the project office and at least 3 of the
Participating Member States. Otherwise consultation may be conducted through telephone
interviews and electronic means.
4. Outputs
i. Plan for the review process, including timetable detailing all activities to be undertaken as
part of the review and their timelines.
ii. Draft report of the findings.
iii. Final report on Final Project Review. The final report will be submitted in the form of 3.
hard copies and 1 electronic version in MS Word on CD to be submitted to ESDU.
5. Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should possess the following professional expertise and methodological skills:
i. Have advanced qualifications in sustainable development/environmental management
with experience in project design and evaluation, and knowledge of protected areas and
sustainable livelihoods.
ii. Have at least 5 years of experience in project management and evaluation.
iii. Show evidence of having undertaken similar project reviews in the past
iv. Ideally have experience in GEF funded projects, with knowledge of environmental
management in the Eastern Caribbean and multi-country projects.
Selection will be based on the experience and competence of consultants as determined on the
basis of their corporate portfolio.
6. Administrative Framework
Travel to the PMSs will be a necessary part of this contract and the cost of such travel for aspects
such as transportation, accommodation, consultative workshops and all other consultative
activities (including venue rental, provision of refreshments, rental of audio-visual equipment,
where necessary), as well as other administration costs and per diem, etc., are to be incurred by
the Contractor as part of this Contract. Participants’ and other non consultant related cost for the
Project Steering Committee meeting (see Task 5) will be covered by the Secretariat.
4
All communications will be between the Contractor and the Head of ESDU (OPAAL Project
Director) or his designee for the assigned work.
The Consultant will manage time and responsibilities to ensure timely delivery of outputs
required under this Terms of Reference.
7. Timing
It is anticipated that the contract will commence as of [March 14, 2011] and be completed no
later than [July 15, 2011].
8. Reporting
All reports will be issued in Word format and will each take the form of three hard copies and
one electronic copy, submitted to the Head of ESDU/Project Director.
5
ANNEX B
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION OF CONTRACTED WORKS
Reports/outputs and Deliverables shall be submitted no later than the dates indicated in the
following table:
ITEM SCHEDULE
DELIVERY (dates)
1. Proposed work plan for work
(Task 1)
[March 21, 2011]
2. Draft report (Tasks 2, 3, 4, 5i, ii
and iii)
[June 17, 2011]
3. Final report re FPR (Task 5iv) [July 1, 2011]
6
Annex C
COST ESTIMATE OF SERVICES AND SCHEDULE OF RATES AND PAYMENTS
1. Remuneration US$ EC$
Contractor's fees
Payment Schedule:
The payment Schedule will be as follows:
i. 30% on submission and satisfactory acceptance of final work plan
ii. 40% on submission and satisfactory acceptance of the draft FPR report
iii. 30% on submission and satisfactory final FPR report
7
INDICATIONS OF INTEREST
Firms that wish to signify their interest in undertaking the prescribed work are to email or otherwise
submit:
1. an expression of interest,
2. information demonstrating the experience and competence of the Consulting Firm
relevant to the assignment (including Curriculum Vitae of key team members),
3. proof of incorporation,
4. information regarding participation of any representatives or members of the
Consulting Firm, that may give rise to a direct or indirect conflict of interest,
including identifying any current contractual works being executed for the OECS
Secretariat, donor agencies and/or end-users, and
5. a brief description of the activities (not including those outlined in Section 3) that
would be necessary to undertake the consultancy.
to:
Mr. Keith E. Nichols
Head
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU)
P.O. Box 1383
Castries
Saint Lucia
West Indies
Fax: 758 452-2194 Phone: 758 455-6367/6363/6365
At the following email address:
esdu@oecs.org
COPIED TO:
Susanna DeBeauville-Scott
sscott@oecs.org
Note that the Consultants Qualification Selection (CQS) procurement method is being employed for this
consultancy and as such a technical and financial proposal will only be requested from one consultant;
usually the highest ranking firm as it relates to this request for indications of interest.
Indications of interest and associated information are to reach ESDU no later than February 17,
2011.
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