TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR GREEN CLIMATE FUND ENHANCED DIRECT ACCESS (GCF-EDA) PROJECT

CONSULTANCY TO UNDERTAKE SITE-SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GENDER ASSESSMENT FOR THREE PROJECTS UNDER THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND ENHANCED DIRECT ACCESS (GCF-EDA PROJECT, NAMELY THE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN THE KALINAGO TERRITORY, REHABILITATION OF THE SOUFRIERE /POINTE MITCHEL ROAD AND THE STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL FOREST AND WATERSHEDS RESILIENCE ON ISLAND

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1.0    BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

The Commonwealth of Dominica is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Eastern Caribbean Region located between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South, and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the West and East respectively. The island is volcanic in nature, with a mountainous terrain, which results in the majority of its approximately 70,000 people living along the coast. Dominica is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters and the negative impact of climate change is becoming more and more evident with each passing day.

Climate change is projected to result in increased temperatures, rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events.  Dominica is particularly vulnerable to climate change because so much of the population lives along the coast and the country’s income is dependent upon agriculture and tourism.  Threats to the health of the population include heat stress, food insecurity, vector-borne diseases, salt intrusion of fresh water aquifers, death and injury, and damage to environmental determinants of health from extreme weather events, and loss of marine and terrestrial habitats^.[1]

Dominica's agricultural productive base has been particularly vulnerable, suffering major setbacks directly linked to meteorological and geo-physical hazards.  Over the past fifty (50) years, these hazards have affected incomes, employment, livelihoods and economic activity in the agri-food system, with major cross-sectoral implications for other economic sectors.  The problematic terrain of Dominica presents a constant threat to roads and villages from landslides, flooding and rock fall among other issues. “Landslides along river courses are common, and the pooling of water behind landslides is a key contributor to flood risk.  Landslides and flash floods along the island’s steep terrain are also a common threat, especially during the wet season and hurricane events.  (World Bank, 2019)”^[2]

Climate change adaptation initiatives are therefore critical in enabling tenacity during and self-reliance following climatic events.  The Government of Dominica has commenced its transformation into the world's first climate resilient country, and steps have already been taken to enhance public knowledge on resilience as well as formulating this strategy which will govern the islands future attempts at building resilience.^[3]  

 
Three adaptation projects which align with the country’s National Resilience Development Strategy, have been selected through a pre-defined criteria for funding under the Green Climate Fund Enhanced Direct Access (GCF-EDA) Project of the Eastern Caribbean.  The GCF-EDA is providing this Climate Change Adaptation Funding to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) to assist in the implementation of the adaptation projects detailed below.

 

• BACKGROUND ON THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN ENHANCING DIRECT ACCESS (EDA) PROJECT

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved^[4] the sub-regional United States Dollar (USD) $20 million climate change project: The Integrated physical adaptation and community resilience through an enhanced direct access pilot in the public, private and civil society sectors of three Eastern Caribbean small island developing states or EDA project – “FP061”.  The EDA Project was approved by the GCF Board on March 1, 2018 and became effective on July 16, 2019, however the project implementation in Dominica only commenced in June 2020.

The purpose of the Enhancing Direct Access Project, or “EDA”, is to build the capacity and track record of financing structures that increase access to and direct benefits from the Green Climate Fund for households, small and medium businesses and low-income populations in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Dominica.

The Project will provide climate change financing via -

• grants to the public sector using the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP);
• through contractual agreement with a service provider to provide grants to the Non-Government Organization (NGO) sector; and
• through contractual agreement with a service provider to establish and operationalize a revolving loan facility with highly concessional small loans to homes and small businesses.

This Project and the EDA modality aim to maximize climate financing directly available to vulnerable populations in the public, private and civil society sectors so that these beneficiaries can be agents of change and build resilience to projected climate impacts.

The EDA Project will achieve the following outputs:

• Output 1: Enhanced capacity for climate adaptation planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation via direct access, including development of a Sustainable Procurement Policy and Plan;
• Output 2: Governments implement concrete adaptation measures using ecosystem-based approaches where appropriate;
• Output 3: Community resilience to climate impacts is enhanced through tangible adaptation benefits;
• Output 4: Privately owned physical assets of vulnerable populations are more resilient to climate variability and change through concessional microfinancing;

A Subsidiary Agreement was signed on July 4^th, 2019 between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Resilience, Disaster Management and Urban Renewal approving the implementation of the EDA Project in Dominica.

The goal of the Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) Project is defined as: institutionalizing transparent decision-making and financing mechanisms that will increase the amount of funding reaching the bottom of the pyramid to allow for rapid uptake of complementary and transformative adaptation actions to advance the global goal of the Paris Agreement[5], in a manner that supports stakeholders’ capacity for change.  The implementation timeframe for the Project is July 2019 to July 2023.

The Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago Upliftment (MoE) through the EDA Project Office will serve as the Executing Entity (EE) for this project.

2.1  Project Outputs

The objective of the project will be achieved through the implementation of the following Outputs:

1. Output 1: Enhanced capacity for climate adaptation planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation via direct access. This Output will build capacity across Outputs 2 – 4, as described below, to enable stakeholders in various sectors to develop a quality pipeline of sub-investments by identifying local champions in the respective sectors in each country and supporting them in developing the pipeline of sub-investments.
2. Output 2: Government implement concrete adaptation measures using ecosystem-based approaches where appropriate. This Output will solicit priority adaptation interventions in the public sector in each of the pilot countries targeting ecosystem services and drainage systems to cope with a 1-in-50-year flood event. National committees will evaluate the proposals using transparent criteria, as presented in the Funding Proposal.

• Output 3: Community resilience to climate impacts is enhanced through tangible adaptation benefits. This Output targets the building sector and will scale up funding from the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP). This Output will issue a call for proposals for community adaptation projects (<USD 250,000), which will be evaluated using transparent criteria, to be developed under Component 1. Successful applicants will receive a small (<USD10,000) preparation grant to develop the proposal, and communities will implement adaptation projects with tangible benefits.

1. Output 4: Privately owned physical assets of vulnerable populations are more resilient to climate variability and change through concessional microfinancing. This Output will scale up the initiative (i.e., the private sector Revolving Fund loan programme for adaptation currently piloted in Antigua and Barbuda) via launching an invitation for applications in all three pilot countries. The Project will finance adaptation in buildings and manage reflows into the Revolving Fund that are revolved and re-disbursed to beneficiaries, as described in the Funding Proposal.

3.0  BACKGROUND ON COMPONENT 2 AND 3 OF THE EDA PROJECT

3.1  GCF EDA Output 2: Governments implement concrete adaptation measures using ecosystem-based approaches where appropriate.

Output 2 of the EDA project will demonstrate enhanced direct access in the public sector through an on-granting mechanism that aligns GCF-finance to climate-proof government ongoing investments via the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) process.  Through the EDA project US$3 million will be programmed by the PSIP Unit with the goal of correlating grant aid directly to the central government budgetary process.  

Output 3 targets the building sector and will scale up funding from the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).  This Output will issue a call for proposals for community adaptation projects (<USD 250,000), which will be evaluated using transparent criteria, to be developed under Component 1. Successful applicants will receive a small (<USD10,000) preparation grant to develop the proposal, and communities will implement adaptation projects with tangible benefits.

As part of the capacity building plan and to facilitate the PSIP process and track climate financing, am EDA Project Office was established within the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment.  The Ministry Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment is the Executing Entity for the EDA Project in Dominica and is represented by the Permanent Secretary.

3.2  Objectives

Solicit priority adaptation interventions in the public sector in each of the pilot countries targeting ecosystem services and drainage systems to cope with a 1-in-50-year flood event. The National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) has evaluated and approved the project proposals using transparent criteria, as presented in the Funding Proposal.

Project 1 - Strengthening of National Forests and Watersheds Resilience

The Project seeks to sustain national reforestation efforts, for most watersheds, especially at the elevation of some river riparian forests, some waterfalls, estuaries and freshwater lakes, swamps and ponds.

It also aims to re-establish forest that was lost by climate change actions, watersheds & riparian zones affected by un-controlled farming practices, illegal settlements, popular floral invasive alien species, namely: lemon grass, African tulip, mimosa pigra, etc., pest & diseases, and any-other means.  Also, through the project the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica hopes to encourage local germplasm plantations, re-establish natural habitats and forest of national endemic flower, and re-establish damaged and over-utilized forest plantations (mahogany spp., blue mahoe, Caribbean pine, red cedar, teak, others).

Lemon grass was brought into the country for crop mulching and the extraction of citronella oil.  However, the spread of lemon grass has occurred for a number of years around the entire island, and is more visible and widespread on the west coast. Lemon grass is burned annually to clear land for crop productions (slash & burn method) and to control the spread of the grass which has invaded residential zones.  The growth of lemon grass and attempts at controlling its spread has resulted in:

• a combined loss of forest cover, soils, and deterioration of dry scrub and seasonal deciduous forest ecosystems;
• an increasing threat to human life and properties.

Reforestation of the west coast dry scrub forest utilizing sustainable land management and agro-forestry techniques will be used to control the spread of floral invasive alien species and the annual bush fires and soil degradation they generate.

The identified National Reforestation Zones are -

1. Roseau Range: Coulibistrie Valley, Kanawi River, Belfast River, Loubiere River, Donkey Beach, Cockrane road, Lower Checkhall River, Upper Trafalgar River, Bagatelle River, Laudat Forest Plantation, Soufriere Sulphur Springs, Scotts Head, Tarreau and Jimmit;
2. Central Range: Concord River, Belles River, Castle Bruce River, Gaullette River, Mahaut River, Crayfish River, Castle Bruce Beach, Hatten Garden Beach, Entwisle River, Waynika River, Basin Torne;
3. Northern Range: Hampstead River, Melville Hall River, Heritage River, Syndicate;
4. Eastern Range: Laroche Heights, Laronde River, Calis Bridge, Morne Juaune, Tranto, Bibiay, Terre Fem.

All these communities have been significantly affected by past climate change related events, such as Tropical Storm Erica and Hurricane Maria.  The focus will be on the management of the national reforestation by the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division for the next two (2) years.

Project 2 - Drains and Culverts from Pointe Mitchel to Soufriere

Presently, along the main road from Pointe Michel to Soufriere there are several clogged culverts and road edge failures.  After investigation, it was recommended that most of the existing culverts were inadequate and would need to be replaced. In some instances, the construction of new culverts was proposed to mitigate against the risks posed by the increased rainfall that are currently being experienced.

The objective of the project is to restore and improve the drainage capacity of the section of road between Pointe Michel and Soufriere which sustained damage, including clogged culverts and road edge failure, because of numerous landslides during the passage of Hurricane Maria.

This will be attained by clearing landslides and blocked earth drains, constructing and replacing new culverts and clearing and building drains to meet the requirements of Dominica’s road safety standards.  If not addressed in the near future will result in the area remaining susceptible to future landslides and severe flooding during climatic events.

The project will undertake a series of infrastructural improvements and upgrades which include the -

• mechanical re-establishment of 10km of earth drains and the cleaning of the concrete drains;
• construction/installation of twelve (12) box culverts, wing walls and catch pits;
• construction of 550m of slipper drains;
• construction of a 60m covered box drain;
• construction of three (3) retaining walls (110m long).

Project 3 - Disaster Risk Management (DRM) - Re-introduction of Vetiver Grass Barriers as an Ecosystem Based Approach in further enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector.  

The Ministry of Blue and Green Economy, Agriculture and National Food Security has recognized the need for reducing the underlying risk of disasters and supporting Dominican farmers in increasing their resilience to climate change impacts such as nutrient loss, soil degradation and erosion.  This is particularly important because crop production is undertaken under open field rain-fed conditions, rendering them very vulnerable to adverse climatic conditions.   

The project has a strong focus on reducing the impacts of natural disasters, improving disaster preparedness and integrating disaster risk management in the agricultural programme planning and execution exercise.  The project will identify priorities for enhanced risk reduction in the agriculture sector with a focus on prevention, mitigation, and preparedness, including, but not limited to, response and recovery efforts.  The project will also focus on farm intervention through land stabilization and conservation based on impacts incurred during Hurricane Maria.

The overarching objective of this project is the mainstreaming of DRM and Climate Change Adaptation into the agricultural sector by December 2022 through -

• 30-40% of the Kalinago Territory will be exposed to DRM through a community series of training over a period of 18 months;
• building of capacity of forty (40) individuals to include extension officers, producers, and non-traditional clients (civil works) and students in DRM including but not limited to hillside farming technology and soil conservation approaches;
• slope stabilization by planting of 3-4 acres grass barrier systems (e.g. vetiver) and also creation of 2 ½ acre plots demonstrating contours and terracing systems;
• reintroduction of windbreak systems and agro-forestry models in four (4) hamlets and agro-forestry models;
• re-introduction of drainage systems (storm/diversion) in thirty (30) farms; and
• strengthening the capacity of twenty (20) small business owners on the concept of Green Business opportunities.

4.0  SERVICES REQUIRED

The services of a suitably qualified Consultancy Firm is being sought to undertake the following tasks (the terms of which are defined below). 

 

The main objective of this consultancy is to –

• conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA);
• develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP); and
• develop a Gender Action Plan (GAP);

for projects under the GCF-EDA Project being implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, through the EDA Project Office/PMU.

 

 

5.0  SCOPE OF WORK

The Consultancy Firm is expected to undertake this assignment by reviewing existing Project documents and engaging key stakeholders including the local communities at the proposed sites in order to gain a thorough understanding of the existing conditions and to make recommendations regarding the implementation of the three approved adaptation projects listed below –

 

Project 1 - Strengthening of National Forests and Watersheds Resilience

Project 2 - Drains and Culverts from Pointe Mitchel to Soufriere

Project 3 - Disaster Risk Management (DRM) - Re-introduction of Vetiver Grass Barriers as an Ecosystem Based Approach in further enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector. 

The Consultancy Firm is required to undertake comprehensive field visits and collect all the necessary data which will form the basis of relevant recommendations. The Consultancy Firm is also required to review the Environment and Social Screening (ESS) assessments conducted by GCF and relevant Ministries and come up with appropriate ESMP measures that are compliant to standards established by the Government of Dominica and GCF.

5.1    Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

The indicative tasks to be undertaken to realize the expected objectives and output of this assignment shall include but is not limited to -

5.1.1 Preliminary Tasks

• Submit a detailed work-plan including a time schedule, budget, the names, professional status and biographic data of all professional staff to be deployed on this assignment, along with a description of the duties to be performed by each expert;
• Review all relevant documentation pertinent to the conduct of this assignment;
• Conduct wide ranging consultations with key stakeholders and other relevant parties, and review pertinent background information in order to gain an insight/understanding of the requirements of the assignment.

5.1.2 Principal Tasks

An indicative listing of the activities to be undertaken and issues to be studied and reported on, and recommended approaches (Methodology) for the conduct of this assignment shall include but is not limited to the issues listed hereunder.

• Conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA),
• develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP); and a
• Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the three (3) projects under Component 2 the GCF-EDA Project.

Overall, the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) involve detailed assessment of the institutional and managerial, regulatory and policy, environmental, socio-cultural and socio-economic implications of the proposed Projects.  This must necessarily encompass analysis of, and the presentation of findings/recommendations in respect of the subject areas listed hereunder.  Since the ultimate aim of the assignment is to utilize GCF funding to implement the identified projects mentioned above, particular attention has to be paid to requirements of the criteria defined in the GCF’s Enhanced Direct Access Project Implementation Plan and other relevant documents. Moreover, the Consultancy Firm is obliged to ensure that the assignment is conducted in a manner that will result in the preparation of the ESMP in a seamless manner.

Conduct a preliminary Environmental and Social Screening (ESS) Assessment of the expected environmental and social risks and impacts of proposed activities as part of these Projects.  This ESS screening must be conducted in accordance with GCF’s Guidelines for the Environmental and Social Screening of proposed activities. The results of the screening form the basis for assigning the environmental and social risk category of activities and to inform decisions on the extent and depth of environmental and social due diligence that will be undertaken. On the basis of the projected environmental and social footprint of the project, the Consultancy Firm is required to undertake an ESIA and produce an ESMP as part of Deliverables I & II for which indicative activities are outlined below.

5.4    Deliverable I - Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

Task 1 -  Programme Description, Diagnosis and Characterization

Program Description Detailed description of any proposed infrastructure, if any, to be financed, built and rehabilitated under the Project including, among other relevant aspects -

•  project activities including detailed scheduling and cost;
•  infrastructure such as buildings, roads and lands associated with the Projects;
•  personnel to be hired temporarily and permanently during the stages of construction and operation of the Projects; and
•  how and if "Sustainable Infrastructure" principles have been included in the Projects with focus on: energy efficiency and use of renewable resources, conservation of resources such as water and energy, internal air quality, and community involvement.

Location Where appropriate describe and present schematically, the administrative, political and geographical location of all envisaged infrastructural works of the Projects as well as the areas of both direct impact (DIA) and indirect (IDA).  Provide definition and description of the Projects’ areas including associated facilities and activities.

 

 

Environmental characterization of the area of influence where the Projects will be carried out, describing the current environmental conditions, and detailing the characteristics of the area where the Projects will be implemented.  This characterization must include the appropriate definition of both the Area of Direct Influence (ADI) and the Area of Indirect Influence (AII) of the Projects.  This information should for the most part be based primarily on quantitative data.  The factors to be considered should include inter alia:

•  land characteristics and use (i.e., topography, soil characteristics, terrain stability and susceptibility to erosion or landslip, existing land uses occurring at the proposed site, and existing surface characteristics of the surrounding area). Further, existing land uses occupying the surrounding area should be delineated; particularly for those land uses which would be sensitive to industrial development or other types of uses, and which could contribute to cumulative effects on local and regional resources.

 

•  landscape character and existing views (i.e., existing character of the landscape both on the development site and in the surrounding area; and views of the site from adjoining properties and public areas, particularly where these are sensitive, e.g., residential, recreational or tourist areas, etc.).

 

• air quality including: (1) meteorological data, particularly on prevailing wind direction and speed, rainfall, and temperature; (2) occurrence of extreme weather events such as tropical storms and droughts, and their location and duration; (3) existing ambient air quality, particularly dust loading and existing sources of gaseous air emissions in the local and extended area of the Projects and (4) risk related to inversion conditions. Existing air quality cannot be determined with precision without sampling over an extended period. This may not be practicable, and a descriptive approach based on prevailing weather conditions and identification of the main local emission sources affecting air quality (e.g., traffic and heavy industries with multiple stacks) is often a better approach;

 

• noise levels are relatively easy to measure, and this may be undertaken at the nearest sensitive receptor locations; e.g., residential areas or schools which are nearby the proposed Projects, activity, or action. Existing sources of elevated noise levels, which might result in nuisance conditions even if they are located a considerable distance from the source, should be considered;

 

• geology and soils-related information, with particular attention given to the presence of erodible soils and/or contaminated soils;

 

• natural and manmade hazards (seismic, faults, sink holes, flooding, hurricanes, chemicals or hazardous materials, etc.);

 

•  description of potential natural disasters on Project facilities including associated facilities;

 

• description of prevailing waste management practices of the communities;

 

• water, including hydrology, surface runoff, groundwater and water quality. Topics which should be addressed include: (1) existing drainage, including the location and capacity of sensitive receptors such as canals, drains and rivers; identification of areas prone to flash floods; and depth to groundwater; (2) surface water and groundwater movement patterns, including groundwater hydrology, the range of water levels and daily flushing regime in canals, drains and rivers, tidal ranges and wave climate in coastal areas and sediment transport processes; (3) the quality of waters, both surface water and groundwater; and (4) abstraction of waters including abstraction of groundwater, reservoirs and intakes of surface waters, the usage of the waters for irrigation, public water supply or watering of animals, industrial plant water supply, and the quantities abstracted, etc.;

 

•  habitats – terrestrial and aquatic. As appropriate, two types of habitats may be relevant; namely, natural habitats and critical natural habitats;

 

• flora (especially tropical rain forests, wetlands, or unique or sensitive habitats);

 

•  fauna;

 

• if applicable, endangered and threatened species (including sensitive species, economically important species, and critical habitats) -
  • national parks or protected areas;

 

• traffic flows and transport infrastructure aspects.

Social Characterization

An overview of the existing social and cultural conditions should be provided in order to place the Project in context. The baseline information considered important for the ESMP should be presented.  This should include:

• towns/communities surrounding the area, and their population and socioeconomic characterization by age, gender, ethnicity, language, literacy/education, income and occupation;
• sources of livelihood (level/availability of employment by gender/occupation and income patterns);
• land tenure/titling;
• migration and settlement patterns;
• health and education levels (including disease patterns and endemic diseases);
• archeological/cultural sites and monuments, including sacred sites such as caves, lakes, quarries, etc.;
• services and infrastructure (i.e., existing utility infrastructure including water supply, sewage, wastewater treatment works, power lines and transformer sub-stations; and existing capacity of and load on utilities infrastructure);
• access to basic healthcare, education (i.e., existing clinics/hospitals, capacity of healthcare system; existing schools’/training centers, and daycare facilities);
• social organizations and dynamics;
• access to infrastructure/roads or network of existing transportation modes to/from the proposed development Projects activity, or action;
• vulnerable populations (elderly, poor, disabled, and young);
• identification and description of indigenous peoples or communities that may be potentially affected by the Projects; and
• identification of any communities or households that will need to be resettled or compensated arising out of implementation of the investment.

 

Task 2 - Legal and Institutional Framework

•   description of legislative and institutional norms, systems and environmental licensing requirements, and other necessary requirement for the implementation of the Project;
•   description of any specific and applicable local regulations and requirements relating to the energy sector and other pertinent sector/sub-sectors, and in respect of issues such as water and the food sector, solid waste, wastewater, air pollution, labor, and health and safety. In addition, the consultant will include a description of the requirements, which are applied for the activities of the Projects of other institutions such as the, World Bank / IFC, World Health Organization, and other entities;
• identify compliance required in accordance with the Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy of GCF, and where applicable, compliance with policies of Access to Information, Disaster Risk Management, Gender in Development and Involuntary Resettlement;
• identify international and regional legislation, policies, norms, standards, guidelines, and current initiatives relating to social and environmental impacts in the energy and related sectors, in the Caribbean, and ascertain how these legislative tools, policies, norms, standards, guidelines and initiatives relate and apply to the activities proposed/envisaged for the Project;
• examine alignment with national and international strategies and plans including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Climate Resilience and Recover Plan (CRRP) and National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS);
• describe, if applicable, mechanisms of Public/Civic Participation and Consultation to include information related to public consultation processes and citizen participation as requirements for the construction and operation of the Project;
• determine the applicability of any proposed activities within the context of GCF ESS Standards (IFC Standards);
• examine the extent to which implementation of environmental safeguards and controls might be hindered (for example policy overlaps). This will provide an overview of the existing environmental management regimes and the extent to which these are applicable to this proposed undertaking;
• assess the contractors and/or executing entities capacity to manage the safeguard requirements of the Project; and
• assess the capacities of the stakeholders to support and carry out identified arrangements to deliver the envisioned benefits or mitigate negative impacts. Where constraints are identified and characterized, the ESIA shall describe measures to develop the capacities/capabilities of the stakeholders.

Task 3 - Assessment of the Environmental and Social Impacts (ESIA) of the Project

• Identification and assessment of environmental and social impacts of the projects including those impacts related to occupational safety and health in the stages of construction, operation and maintenance should be done. Consideration should be given to all potential direct and indirect negative impacts.  The ESIA should:
• consider the supply chain impacts, example, the supply of wood/concrete needed to keep the project on schedule;
• outline how the project would comply with the AE's and GCF's ESS standards;
• address any national regulatory issues related to the environmental and social assessment of the project, for example, the license permits from the national regulator;
• identify, describe and assess all potential environmental and social, direct and indirect, short and long-term, temporary and permanent impacts, indicating their importance level and their probability of occurrence. The importance level may be assessed on the basis of the nature, extent, intensity and duration of the impact, as well as on the sensitivity of the concerned environmental and social components and perceptions of the public;
• highlight ALL impacts including irreversible or unavoidable impacts. Cumulative and scale effects shall also be addressed taking into account ALL planned activities or actions in the project area;
• identify, describe and assess impacts on the biodiversity of surrounding areas, including:
• protected areas proximate to the plantation sites;
• weed risk assessment, risk of genetic invasion and its impacts on the native vegetation, biodiversity and ecological services; and,
• assess, against national and international standards, the air quality and emissions.
• The identification and evaluation of socio-environmental impacts must be based on the characterization of the area of influence. This characterization outlines the general conditions of the area without the effects of the Project and constitutes the basis for analyzing how the Project will impact the area.
• The assessment of the environmental and social impacts should be done by identifying and describing impacts and overall impact by the proposed investment on the environment as a result of the interplay between the different stages and activities as well as with other projects and facilities.
• Describe the evaluation method used, indicating the criteria for assessment and pointing out its limitations, according to the environmental characteristics of the area of influence of the Projects and its activities. Such assessment should have their respective categories so as to facilitate the qualitative and quantitative weighting of impacts.
• Recommend methodologies for the assessment of the risks and impacts and the significance criteria and definition.

Task 4 - Assessment of Alternatives

• Identification of alternatives considered for the Projects including sites, technologies, approaches, etc. With each alternative, assess the environmental implications, and social risks and potential impacts.

 

5.5    Deliverable II - Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

Task 5 - Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

The Consultancy Firm is required to prepare an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Projects that include the following components:

• Detailed description of all proposed environmental and social control and mitigation measures that are needed based on risks arising out of the Projects as a whole, the type of activity undertaken or actions during construction (e.g., air quality management plan, and landscape management plans) and operation (e.g., hazardous materials and fuel management, waste disposal, transport and packing management, maintenance and site security plans, and emergency evacuation and contingency plans). The ESMP must:
  • Identify mitigation measures to prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate for adverse environmental and/or social impacts;
  • Develop enhancement measures to improve project environmental and social performance.
  • Present initiatives proposed to complement the enhancement and mitigation measures.
  • Include a biodiversity management plan, if supplying the feedstock will involve growing out other plants.
• Detailed description of a planned environmental and social monitoring program for both construction and operation and a discussion of how the information will support management practices.
• Description of planned worker health and safety plan, procedures and controls.
• A management plan covering the transport, handling, storage and disposal, with associate management and reporting practices including preventive and contingency measures, in consultations with potential workers and communities (if applies).
• Description of planned environmental contingency plan and procedures.
• Description of a proposed environmental, health and safety management system (including personnel, training, documentation, auditing, etc.).
• Where applicable description of a plan to manage population influx into the Project site or controlled land use area (e.g., contracting requirements to manage potential worker expectations).
•   Description of a plan to manage regeneration and cultivation of vertiver to mitigate the spread to vulnerable habitats. The recommended actions and indicators should suit the Dominican context but must be guided by the IFC Performance Standard 6 on alien invasive species.
•   Enhance, where necessary, the actions identified in the environment and risk management plan for piloting the cultivation of the vetiver.
• Description of a plan/mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of affected community concerns and grievances about the Project, activity, or action and its negative impacts. Develop a mechanism for project-level grievance redress including the Accredited Entity's (AE’s) institutional level grievance redress mechanism.  The mechanisms should provide a user-friendly medium/process by which people affected by the project can bring their concerns to the attention of the AE.
• Description of a plan to protect, reduce, and manage the negative impacts on any sacred/archaeological and historic sites/monuments if applicable.
• Description of Project, activity, or action-specific supervision and evaluation actions to be implemented.
• Public awareness, communication and training programs for operational staff.
• Indicators of compliance with licensing and approval requirements.

For each component listed above, the proposed time schedule (i.e., when initiated, when completed, and frequency), responsibility (i.e., who will implement), and the estimated cost should be provided. As appropriate, this information should also be provided for the individual actions within a component.

More specifically, monitoring/evaluation parameters which may be relevant include:

• Performance indicators in relation to critical operational issues (i.e., water quality -- marine and freshwater, shoreline morphology and sediment budget, soils and sediments, noise and air quality, public health indicators, land surface and hydrology, flora and fauna, etc.);
• Waste management performance indicators in relation to recycling and reuse;
• Documentation of complaints received;
• Monitoring procedures to cover:

o  the key conditions that will be monitored and their criteria and reason for monitoring such as noise, dust (particulate matter), wastewater (volume, suspended solids, pH, toxic substances, etc.), waste (solid waste and hazardous waste) and odor;

o the monitoring of locations, the property boundaries: noise, odor, outdoor storage areas for raw materials (dust fall from the areas), intervals and duration;

o actions to be undertaken if the monitoring indicates a noncompliance condition or abnormality; and,

o internal reporting and links to management practices and action plans.

• Reporting to relevant authorities and, if appropriate, to the consent authority or the community on matters such as reports on interruptions of operations, operational journals, list of used raw materials, protocol on stored raw materials, dust-fall reports from the storage areas for raw materials, and noise documentation.
• Grievance reports and complaints received, non-compliance reports.

In executing the surveys and assessments, the Consultancy Firm will be required to undertake the following specific duties and responsibilities:

• conduct an assessment of potential significant environmental and social impacts (including a gender assessment) and the associated mitigation and monitoring measures required for successful implementation of the proposed project activities. It should include an assessment of baseline environmental and social conditions as they relate to the proposed locations of major works as well as relevant policies, legislation and regulation which have implications for successful implementation of the proposed works;
• prepare a demographic profile and detail the socio-cultural characteristics of the resident population in the project areas – disaggregated by sex, age and socially vulnerable groups^[6];
• conduct consultative and participatory meetings with stakeholders, in particular, community representatives, landowners, residents and business owners who will be directly impacted by the project;
• assess the impact of the works on stakeholders, recommending risk mitigation measures, and monitoring indicators – disaggregated by sex, age and socially vulnerable groups;
• develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to monitor and mitigate risks identified;

(vi)  explore how the economic opportunities generated by the civil works can benefit socially-vulnerable groups; and

(vii) convene stakeholder workshops to discuss the findings of this consultancy and to seek clarification and validation on issues from participants for incorporation in the final reports.

6.0 RELEVANCE

The Consultancy Firm will undertake an assessment/verification of the extent to which the proposed Projects are coherent with the country’s macro- economic environment, and addresses economic or social demands through the examination of various options and alternatives.  Among other things this will involve an examination of:

• the nature and number of beneficiaries potentially affected by the proposed project;
• all organizations and agencies affected by or involved in the proposed project;
• all major problems/opportunities related to the proposed project, experienced by the beneficiaries and other parties involved, the causal inter-relationships of these problems/opportunities, and the inter-sectoral linkages;
• other interventions or priorities of ministries, agencies and donors which may affect or be affected by the proposed Project;
• information from previous studies and evaluations relevant to the proposed Project;
• overall objectives: Why are the projects important to the target groups and beneficiaries, the region and the Government? What is the desired economic, social and environmental development/impact, as possibly expressed in the Indicative Programme?
• Projects purposes: Why do the target groups and beneficiaries need the projects?
• Projects results: What products and services will the projects deliver to the target groups and beneficiaries? What assumptions are required to achieve the projects purposes?
• Projects activities: What is the precise scope of activities to be undertaken and what are the associated assumptions for achieving the projects results. The projects purposes and results should be measurable by indictors, and projects activities should be quantified wherever possible.

7.0 SUSTAINABILITY

The Consultancy Firm will assess the sustainability of the proposed initiative using applicable sustainability factors in that assessment including but not limited to:

•   policy and coordination;
•   demand and economic sustainability;
•   financial sustainability;
•   institutional and management sustainability;
•   environmental and sociocultural sustainability;
•   regulatory and operational sustainability.

8.0  PRE-REQUISITE CONDITIONS

• The Consultancy Firm will advise of any preconditions/pre-requisites for undertaking the investment that is imperative for project viability and sustainability.
• The Consultancy Firm is required to propose an efficient project organization and any phasing of project activities considered necessary for the success of the undertaking. Cost estimates are to be provided for all project activities.

The lists of issues set out above are not exhaustive.  The Consultancy Firm is required to use professional judgement, experience and competence to review all relevant/pertinent factors and to table these for consideration in the conduct of the studies and the preparation of the report.

 

9.0  DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

9.1  Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Gender Action Plan (GAP).

      

Report Due	Description	Week due
Inception Report	To be submitted at the end of Week 2 of contract signing that includes a Workplan with timelines for completing the assignment;	Week 2
Environmental and Social Screening Exercise	For the proposed Project(s) under Component 2 of the EDA Project in Dominica	Week 4
Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)	For the Proposed Projects being implemented under Component 2 of the EDA Project in Dominica	Week 5
Draft Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)	For the Proposed Projects being implemented under Components 2 of the EDA Project in Dominica	Week 7
Final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report	·           A Final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), incorporating suggestions and feedback from the project core team during the review of the draft, and including an executive summary that highlights the most important findings (maximum 2 pages). This document is one of the principal outputs of the assignment and shall provide a basis for future decision making in respect of the projects. It is required to be comprehensive and based on the scope of works and specific activities outlined and must conform to the following minimum requirements within three (3) months.  A document that can be used in non-technical discussions with potential partners, the wider society public and private sector officials, service providers and others to prove/provide evidence of the feasibility/viability of and obtain support for the development of the project. o    it must/should contain a time-bound roadmap/blueprint for pursuing recommendations emanating from the assignment; o    data and information in the report must be presented in an analytical manner and address the issues highlighted above; A draft copy of the Final Report and Plan must be prepared by the Consultancy Firm and submitted to the PSIP/MoE for approval and agreement prior to finalization.	Week 12

All background reports shall be submitted to the Ministry of
Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment and the EDA Project Office as soon as completed.

10.0  QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY EXPERTISE

The Consultancy Firm is expected/required to propose a team of consultants that should ideally comprise the following mix of competencies:

• Proven expertise and in-depth knowledge of sustainable energy and climate change policies and practices in the Latin America and the Caribbean context;

• At least ten (10) years of experience conducting environmental impact assessments, environmental analyses or research in the field of environmental life cycle impacts and climate change;
• Track-record of participating in the engineering, execution, operation and/or maintenance aspects of at least five (5) similar projects.  Experience with conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies would be an asset;
• Must have at least ten (10) years proven experience in renewable energy projects especially conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments at national, regional and international levels;
• Consultants/employees should hold advanced degrees in their respective areas of expertise (social sciences, engineering, energy, environmental sciences, energy law, environmental policy, sustainable development, or other relevant fields);
• Familiarity with the GCF procedures and prior experience in preparing a GCF Funding Proposal would be an asset.

The following indicative subject matter specialist are considered as a minimum requirement for the composition of the Consultancy team:

Expert I/Team Leader: Master’s Degree or equivalent in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Specialist with expertise preferably in the field of environmental sustainability, environmental science, environmental engineering, eco-system services management, environmental and social sciences or other field relevant to environmental sustainability and climate change.

Expert II: Master’s Degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Civil Engineering, renewable energy or related fields. 10 years’ experience working in the areas of mechanical or civil engineering, renewable energy or related fields.

Expert III: Master’s Degree or equivalent in Agricultural Science, Agronomy Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Extension or related fields. 5 years’ experience working in the areas of agriculture, agronomy natural resource management, agricultural extension or related fields.

• Qualifications and Experience of Consulting Team/Key Specialists

It is the Consultancy Firm’s responsibility to ensure that the team has an appropriate mix of key and non-key experts required to satisfy the full requirements of the ToR. The consulting team should be multi-disciplinary and as a guide only, is likely to need the following key experts, from which a Team Leader shall be selected and proposed:

The Consultancy Firm will present detailed CVs for each member of the core Consulting Team, and their corresponding level of effort/expertise. The Consultancy Firm shall also indicate if additional specialists will be required, the expected roles and the aggregated level of effort.

    The Consultancy Firm must be able to prove direct experience in all the required fields of knowledge.

 As a guide only, it is considered that the consulting team should include the following key experts, from which a Team Leader shall be selected and proposed. The consulting team should be multi-disciplinary and comprise specialists with expertise in the following areas:

 

• Environment
• Social and Community development
• Gender
• Civil Engineering
• Evaluation and impact analysis

       

 

Part 2 - Consultancy to Design and Conduct a Gap Analysis/Assessment for the EDA Project in the Commonwealth of Dominica

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference and Guidelines for the Submission of Expressions of Interest for this consultancy are provided below -

Design and Development of a Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the EDA Projects to be implemented in Dominica

11.0 GENDER ACTION PLAN (GAP)

11.1  Objective of the Consultancy

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Gender Assessment, which will inform the design and implementation of the EDA Project.  The Consultancy Firm will also provide recommendations for mainstreaming gender into the project in a specific Gender Action Plan (GAP).  This may entail new activities in the workplan, with relevant indicators, targets, means of verification and potential partners for implementation.  The consultancy will also help determine how to define and measure success in the areas of implementation of the project.

11.2  Consultant Tasks

Under the overall supervision of the MoE/EDA Project Office and the direct supervision of the Country Coordinator, the consultant will research, write, and produce a Gender Action Plan given the priorities listed above and complying with a wide range of gender equality and empowerment of established principles. Specifically, the consultant will perform the following activities:

• Carry out a robust gender analysis on the two main target groups:

1)    the direct beneficiaries of the project - the stakeholders/institutions, agencies that will receive direct support and benefits from the EDA support/project; and

2)    indirect beneficiaries of the project – the communities and people in the communities    who will benefit from increased investment through the implementation of the projects, under PSIP and shelters, houses, businesses and community centers to be implemented under the various components of the EDA Project.

In addition, the Consultant Firm will look at the socio-economic and gender issues beyond these two target groups.  Understanding the gender dynamics at the national level is critical as they may influence the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project in the long run depending on political, economic, environmental changes and other factors.

• Design and conduct through Gender Analysis a specific GAP in the context of a pilot project, prior to its development and implementation;
• Collect sex-disaggregated data concerning the regional and national agents in charge of monitoring and reporting and data management in the countries and partners of the project;
• Consult National Gender Mechanisms (e.g. women’s ministries, national women’s council), women’s civil society organizations, or women/girls in the targeted region of the project;
• Define concrete measures aimed at reducing gender disparities and inequalities included in the project will be revisited and strengthened through technical consultations with the stakeholders during the inception phase:

1. Identify gender disparities and inequalities at the local and national levels;

1. Undertake technical consultations with stakeholders at the local and national levels to collect inputs and to define concrete measures aiming at eliminating gender inequalities in the areas of implementation of the project;

• Estimate the cost for these measures as well as for monitoring adequately considered within the project budget;

• Define measures to ensure the highest priority to promote equal participation and benefits to all gender groups;
• Assess the risk that the projects potentially limits women’s ability to access, use, develop and protect (natural) resources, land and services taking into account different roles and positions of women and men in accessing land, (environmental) goods and services.

11.3 Deliverables and Timeline

Key deliverables  

• A Gender Action Plan based on the gender assessment with a clear set of recommendations and once the Gender Assessment Report is finalized, organize a consultation bringing together various stakeholders to review and validate the recommendations and agree on the set of activities for mainstreaming gender into the project.
• Updated project documents (or workplan) including new activities, indicators, etc.

11.4  Contractual Terms

• This Contract shall run for three (3) months starting March 1^st 2022. This consultancy is homebased.  All products resulting from this contractual arrangement are the exclusive property of the MoE.

 

 

11.5  Evaluation Criteria

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field relevant to the assignment, for example in gender studies, social sciences, or another relevant field.
• At least five (5) years of proven ability and solid experience in the substantive area, at the national, regional and international level.
• Extensive knowledge on gender analysis, gender action plan development and gender mainstreaming into projects and programs.
• Proven experience of working in Dominica or the region and/or regional partner agencies.
• Excellent demonstrated understanding of the workings of international conventions and experience in working with stakeholders in the country would be an asset.
• General knowledge of gender transformative project design with substantial experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of gender projects.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.
• Fluency in English language is required.

12.0  DURATION

The total duration of the consultancy is expected to be twelve (12) weeks. The consultative process should be undertaken within a period of six (6) weeks, with an additional six (6) weeks for finalization and submission of final reports.

13.0  PROJECTED SCHEDULE

• Draft Gender Action Plan - by Week 8;
• Final Gender Action Plan by Week 12;
• All background reports shall be submitted to the Ministry of
  Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment and the EDA Project Office as soon as completed.

14.0  IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Consultancy Firm will report to the Project Country Coordinator (CC) or her designate within MoE’s Project Management Unit, who will have overall responsibility for the management and implementation of the consultancy and facilitate the work of the Consultant/s. The CC will make available all studies, reports and data relevant to the completion of this exercise and will act as liaison between the Consultant/s, MoE officials and stakeholders. The CC will make arrangements for the introduction of the Consultant/s to the key stakeholders.

 

 

15.0  LOCATION AND DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The following is the location and duration of the project –

Location – Commonwealth of Dominica

Duration – Three (3) months    

16.0  MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultancy will be commissioned by Ministry of Environment, Rural Moderisation and Kalinago Upliftment (or MoEA/Finance) who is the Contracting Authority for the purpose of the assignment.  The Consultants will report directly to Country Coordinator of the EDA Project for contractual and administrative purposes. The MoE will constitute a project core team to provide additional technical advice and inputs, overall coordination and oversight for this assignment.  The Consultants will liaise with everyone from the project core team but will ultimately report to the MoE. Changes in the TORs can be made subject to and only after written mutual agreement between the Consultants and MoE.

17.0  APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

Applications should be submitted by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  with a CV and cover letter, specifying the Reference number: FP061-DOM.

Submissions must be clearly marked Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Gender Action Plan (GAP).

The deadline for the submission of Proposals is on or before mid-night (GMT4), on January 31, 2021. Only applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

Electronic Submission Permitted

Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal must be submitted as two (2) separate PDF files via email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

The deadline for the submission of proposals is on or before mid-night (GMT4), on January 31, 2021. Only applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

For queries regarding the procurement documents and submission process, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually.  Please address your application as indicated above and please do not address or copy your application to an individual at the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment or the EDA Project Office.

Candidates who do not receive any feedback within a two-weeks of the deadline should consider their application as unsuccessful.

18. 0 REFERENCES/APPENDICES

The Consultant Firm is required to consult and review all the background information which has contributed to the evolution of this Project in its present form, since important reference data and information will be required to inform on the conduct of the assignment.

An indicative List of the project documents and/or previous studies conducted [not exhaustive] include:

1. Project Proposal;
2. Project Implementation Manual (PIM);
3. Project Concept Notes (CN) and Proposals;
4. Environment and Risk Management Plan;
5. Term Sheets for Components 2, 3 and 4 of the EDA Project;
6. Risks Register.

 

 19.0  EVALUATION CRITERIA

Description of Required Expert Experience

Main (Technical) Criteria

Expert I/Team Leader - should possess at least a Master’s Degree or equivalent ranging in environmental sustainability, environmental science, environmental engineering, eco-system services management, environmental and social sciences or other field relevant to environmental sustainability and climate change; Expert II: Master’s Degree or equivalent ranging in Mechanical, Civil Engineering, renewable energy (bio-mass) or related fields; Expert III: Graduate qualifications/expertise in Agricultural Science, Agronomy Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Extension or related fields
Expert I/Team Leader: at least 10 years of experience conducting environmental impact assessments, environmental analyses or research in the field of environmental life cycle impacts and climate change at the national, regional and international levels. Expert II: 10 years’ demonstrated experience working in the areas of mechanical or civil engineering, renewable energy (bio-mass) or related fields; Expert III: 5 years demonstrated experience working in the areas of agriculture, agronomy natural resource management, agricultural extension or related fields.
Proven expertise and in-depth knowledge of sustainable energy and climate change policies and practices in the Caribbean context.
Must demonstrate at least 10 years proven experience in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments at national, regional and/or international levels;
Previous experience and qualifications with biomass-based conversion technologies (gasification, direct combustion) exceeding 7 years and ideally with innovative technologies such as torrefaction and gasification.
Track-record of participating in the engineering, execution, operation and/or maintenance aspects of at least 5 similar projects; experience with conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies is an asset.
Conversance with the GCF procedures and prior experience in 5 preparing a GCF Funding proposal would be an asset
Competitive fee rates and expenses in relation to the market and 15 demonstrations of Value for Money.
Clear and effective financial plan to deliver output based 5 deliverables and key performance measures
Financial approach and methodology for ensuring the requirements will be delivered on time and in line with agreed costs, highlighting any financial risks.

 

 

 

 

Commercial criteria (30 marks total)
Competitive fee rates and expenses in relation to the market and demonstration of Value for Money.
Clear and effective financial plan to deliver output based 5 deliverables and key performance measures Financial approach and methodology for ensuring the requirements 10 will be delivered on time and in line with agreed costs, highlighting any financial risks.

 

 

 

Major Criteria	Details & Sub-Criteria
Firm’s Experience and presence	·         At least 5 years of experience assisting sovereign governments in the development and/or implementation of   ESIA, ESMP and Gender Action Plan; ·         Experience and knowledge of the Caribbean environmental, social and climate finance landscape and network demonstrated by the delivery of similar assignments is a strong asset; ·         Prior experience working with the Government of Dominica would be a strong asset; ·         Prior experience in the development of GCF Concept Notes and Funding Proposals would be a strong asset; ·         Presence in Dominica or the Caribbean region would be a strong plus.
Proposed Methodology	·         The methodology clearly describes how the Consultant (s) intends to maximize collaboration with and validation by local stakeholders; ·         The methodology and workplan is aligned with the TOR’s time table; ·         The methodology demonstrates how the firm intends to maintain sufficient representation of the project team in Dominica during the length of the project; ·         Project personnel has a combined minimum of at least ten (10) years experience in conducting ESIA and preparing related ESMP and Gender Action Plan

Qualification of key personnel

Team Leader ·       Master´s degree or equivalent professional qualification in environmental management and/or related field…. ·       Minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience related development and/or implementation of ESIA, ESMP and Gender Action Plan (GAP) ·       Experience and knowledge of the Caribbean environmental, social and climate finance landscape and network demonstrated by the delivery of similar assignments is a strong asset; ·       In- depth knowledge of international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), Experts The Service Provider is expected to leverage the experience and knowledge of a team of experts.  Team members shall satisfy the following qualification requirements: ·       Degree in qualification in environmental management and/or related field…. ·       Minimum 5 years of experience in development and/or implementation of ESIA, ESMP and Gender Action Plan (GAP); ·       Prior experience working with the Government of Dominica or other Caribbean governments.

 ^[1] Health and Climate Change Country Profile 2020 Small Islands Developing States  Initiative, World Health Organization, United Nations, Pan American Health Organization

^[2] World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/dominica [Accessed 6 Nov, 2019]

^[3] Dominica 2030 The National Resilience Development Strategy

^[4] GCF Board approves over USD 1 billion in funding for climate mitigation and adaptation https://www.greenclimate.fund/-/gcf-board-approves-over-usd-1-billion-in-funding-for-climate-mitigation-and-adaptation?inheritRedirect=true&redirect=%2Fhome

[5] The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts. ... The agreement includes commitments from all major emitting countries to cut their climate pollution and to strengthen those commitments over time.

[6] Socially Vulnerable Groups can include youth, adolescent mothers, working class men, homeless, disabled, elderly etc.