Government of Saint Lucia

Department of Sustainable Development

Terms of Reference for 

Preparation of the Project Implementation Plan (PIP)  for the “Initial Biennial Transparency Report Project (BTR1)”

A. Background:

Saint Lucia, as a signatory to the United Nations Environment Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is required to periodically prepare and submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) to the Conference of Parties (COP) and the Paris Agreement (PA), under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). 

In the context of the ETF, countries are expected to track and report progress towards achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and communicate adaptation actions, including good practices, priorities, needs and gaps, in order to inform the Global Stocktake under Article 14 of the Agreement.  In addition to submitting their National Communications (NCs) every four years, signatory countries will be expected to submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), including a National Inventory Report, every two years, starting from December 2024.

The Financial Mechanism of the UNFCCC, which includes the Global Environment Facility

(GEF), has provided funding to facilitate the preparation of Saint Lucia’s Initial Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its Umbrella Programme, will function as the Implementing Agency. At the national level, the Department of Sustainable Development, a division of the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, will function as the Executing Agency for the duration of the project. 

The main output from the project is the preparation and submission of the first BTR to the UNFCCC by December 2024.  This is inclusive of:

1. National inventory report of anthropogenic emissions by source and removal by sinks of greenhouse gases;
2. Information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving nationally determined contributions under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement;
3. Information related to climate change impacts and adaptation under Article 7 of the Paris Agreement;
4. Information on finance, technology development and transfer, and capacitybuilding support needed and received under Articles 9–11 of the Paris Agreement and, 
5. Other relevant information (e.g. gender). B. Scope of Services/Duties: 

The consultant will be responsible for the overall coordination, development and management of the PIP and will serve under the guidance of the Climate Change team at the Department.      

The specific tasks to be undertaken include:

1. Identify relevant individuals and institutions and develop and organise stakeholder engagement and consultation exercises 
2. Preparation of the Project Implementation Plan, by referring to:
   1. the UNEP draft PIP template for BTR,
   2. approved PIP for the Fourth National Communications,
   3. existing national reports and policy documents,
   4. the UNFCCC guidelines for preparation of BTRs and any other relevant information.

Timeframe and Deliverables:

The Consultant will be contracted for a period of four (4) months and is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report: to be submitted one week after contract signature and should include the following:
   1. A proposed methodology in undertaking the scope of works;
   2. A proposed work plan with time frames for outputs; and,
   3. feedback on the TORs and any other recommendations to enhance the process
2. Draft Project Implementation Plan: to be submitted twelve weeks after contract signature. The draft plan must be circulated to relevant stakeholders for review and feedback.
3. Final Project Implementation Plan: to be submitted sixteen weeks after contract signature. The final plan must incorporate relevant feedback from reviews and consultations.

The PIP will be validated by a national workshop, with approval by UNEP. C. Relevant Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

▪      A Master’s degree (MSc.) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Climate Change and Sustainability or other-related field ▪         Demonstrated experience in the field of Climate Change.

                   ▪           Familiarity with Saints Lucia’s initial and updated NDCs, National Adaptation

Plan (NAP) and related policy instruments and 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd National Communications to the UNFCCC

▪ Familiarity with UNFCCC-related reports, and processes under the UNFCCC will be an asset.

                   ▪    Knowledge of UNFCCC reporting obligations for SIDS

                   ▪    Experience in national planning processes in country

▪    Demonstrated experience in managing and facilitating diverse groups of stakeholders. 

▪    Good command of the English Language (both written and oral communication skills)

▪ Familiarity with computers and various software including Microsoft Office tools 

▪ Ability to communicate information effectively  D. Remuneration:

Payments will be made based on a schedule agreed in the contract between the Consultant and the Contracting Authority. 

E.     Report and Supervision:

The Sustainable Development & Environment Officer with overall responsibility for climate change reporting will be the regular point of contact for the Consultant, who will ultimately report to the Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer or designate.

F.     Expressions of Interest:

Expressions of Interest should be submitted to the Permanent Secretary via email address sustainable.devt@govt.lc, no later than March 22, 2024. Submissions must include a cover letter expressing interest, Curriculum Vitae with no more than three pages, including at least two referees and relevant proof of academic qualifications.