Consultant for Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives

The Ministry of Housing and Environment in collaboration with UNDP is implementing the first climate adaptation project, Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives (ICCRRIP) under the National Adaptation Programme of Action. The project is funded by the Least Development Country Fund and UNDP, and is co-financed by the Government of Maldives. The overall goal of the project is to increase the resilience of the Maldives in the face of climate change and improve the country’s capacity to respond effectively to climate related hazards. In addition, the project aims to ensure that climate change risks are integrated into resilient island planning and that national, provincial, atoll and island authorities, and communities are able to prioritize and implement climate change adaptation measures. Over 80% of the total land area of the Maldives is less than 1m above MSL. The coral islands that make up the Maldives are morphologically unstable and change in their size, shape, elevation and position on reef platforms over time. The total land area of the approximately 1200 islands is approximately 300 square kilometers. In all of the 194 inhabited islands, people are forced to live next to the sea, 42% of the population and 47% of all housing structures being within 100m of coastline. The small size of the islands contributes to densely packed settlements exacerbating vulnerability to severe weather events and storm surges. Housing designs, structures and materials and more importantly public spaces are are not adapted to flooding. 18% of all inhabited islands experience rainfall and/or ocean-induced flooding at least once a year. Groundwater is a scarce resource because of the hydrogeology of the country. The freshwater aquifer lying beneath the islands is a shallow lens, 1 to 1.5m below the surface and no more than a few meters thick. Surface freshwater is lacking throughout the country with the exception of a few swampy areas in some islands. Traditionally people depended on shallow wells to get access to the groundwater lens for drinking water. Thickness of the groundwater aquifer in the islands is determined by net rainfall recharge, size of the island and permeability of the soil column. The freshwater aquifers already stressed from over-extraction face the risk of total depletion with climate change and extension of dry periods. The annual average rainfall for Maldives is 2,124mm. Objective The objective of this consultancy is to assist the implementation of “soft” adaptation measures that are sustainable and require the least engineering in their designs to mitigate rainfall induced flooding and increase opportunities for infiltration and recharge of the aquifer through the use of innovative green infrastructure concepts in the islands of the Maldives. The Consultant will work on a full-time basis closely with the Ministry of Housing and Environment in providing technical knowledge, design and engineering of sustainable and long-term solutions to for managing (rainfall) flooding.

Duties and Responsibilities

Review and assess all available data related to civil works and drainage undertaken in the past and current development practices Carry out field visits or surveys as required Assist consultations with local communities and stakeholders to gather information on flooding related experiences and specific problems that need to be addressed in design and implementation Assist in creating awareness on the benefits of implementing green infrastructure or green streets approaches in addressing problems of flooding Detailed preparation of design for specific flood prone areas in approximately 2-3 islands and engineering options for low impact development of rainfall management Detailed preparation of design options, specific and replicable, for the management of stormwater Detailed plan for managing runoff at the source Writing of specifications and assisting in the preparation of tender documents and evaluation process Assist in the supervision of project implementation Work in collaboration with the project management unit to provide technical support as necessary for all projects TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant is expected to carry out two missions during the span of a 12 month contract. The first mission must be no less than 8 months. The second mission should be no less than 2 months in-country towards the end of the 12 month contract duration. The consultant is expected to carry undertake the following tasks: Preparatory stage: Preliminary desk study review of relevant documentation and data on civil works and drainage activities undertaken in the Maldives. The review will be based on reports, contracts, survey and project reports, and field visits and any other relvant material. Meetings with various parties: The consultant will undertake field visits to interview the stakeholders including the citizens, government officials (both at the national and regional levels), private sector and civil societies. All costs of domestic travel (only) will be borne by the Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives Project. Prepare a report based on findings from desk study and consultations including design and engineering options best suited for the specific conditions of the islands of the Maldives, including a long term plan for managing storm water, and runoff from sources. Facilitate meetings as required to create awareness and endorsement of the designs Develop and prepare detailed design options incorporating sustainable urban drainage principles. Designs must be optimized for the specific conditions of the islands of the Maldives. Detailed designs for specific islands or flood prone areas Prepare bills of quantities and assist in the preparation of tender documents and selection. Provide assistance in supervision of on-site implementation. Provide technical support as required to the project management unit. The consultant will report to the Assistant Resident Representative of Environment Unit, UNDP Maldives DURATION AND FEE The proposed duration of the consultancy is 12 months. The consultant will work under a UNDP Individual Contract at a fee to be negotiated within UNDP Rules and Regulations. All local travel relevant to the assignment will be covered by the Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning the Maldives Project. DELIVERABLES Summary of findings and design and engineering options Detailed designs for specific islands or flood prone areas Bill of quantities and tender documents Mission report to be submitted no later than two weeks of concluding a mission

Competencies

The Consultants should have demonstrated ability in developing and implementing designs for the management of storm water in urban small island situations. The Consultant should have regional/international experience in designing and implementing sustainable urban drainage systems The consultant should be a high level expert as S/he is expected to be non-partisan and impartial DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE Application Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications: Proposal: Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work Financial proposal Personal CV including past experiences FINANCIAL PROPOSAL Lump sum contract The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in instalments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days). Note on Data, Local Services, Personnel, And Facilities To Be Provided By The Ministry Of Housing And Environment All documentation listed in the targeted studies, assessments, laws and regulations and required technical input from staff will be provided. Data collected by the Maldives Land Survey Authority pertaining to land parcels All costs associated with domestic logistics and travel within Maldives to islands will be borne by the Building Capacity and Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management in the Maldives Project Administrative support in the organization of stakeholder meetings, consultations and workshops. Printing of reports and documents required for meetings and workshops. Consultants will be accommodated during office hours (0800-1600hrs) at the Maldives Land and Survey Authority’s premises. Consultants are expected to bring their own laptop and equipment to work with. DUTY STATION: Ministry of Housing and Environment, Male’, Maldives with travel to islands EVALUATION Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology: 1. Cumulative analysis When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: responsive/compliant/acceptable, and Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. Technical Criteria weight; 70% Financial Criteria weight; 30% Having received the highest score in the Interview process Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 50 point would be considered for the Financial Evaluation Criteria and Weight Technical Proposal aligns with the main purpose of the activity(10 Points) Duration of the activity is within the required timeline(5 Points) The practicality of the proposed implementation plan(15 Points) Methodology(15 Points) Candidate Meets the required qualifications stated in the TOR(10Points) Has the competencies stated in the TOR(10Points) The Individual’s record of successfully implementation of similar projects (15Points) Financial The proposed budget fits the allocated budget (10 Points) The proposed budget is realistic(5 Points) Details of the proposed budget is adequately provided(5 Points) Total:100 Points

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications and Experience: A post graduate academic degree in the fields hydrology, flood management, environmental engineering, preferably a PhD At least 10 years minimum working experience. Previous working experience in a similar geographical setting is desirable. Competencies: Have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. The expert shall also have a thorough understanding of flooding, assessment of flood forecasting and early warning system. The specialist should have good knowledge of climate modelling and downscaling and understanding of such results. Should have good knowledge and experience in hydrological modeling. Should have good knowledge of hydrological and water resources information systemsnd should be familiar with conventional and modern equipment and techniques for hydrological data collection, including up-to-date knowledge on remote sensing and data transmission technology.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Consultant for Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives